Search Dakota County Marriage Records
Dakota County marriage records go back to 1850 and are one of the oldest county-level record sets in Minnesota. The county handles marriage licenses through several service centers in the southeastern Twin Cities metro area. You can apply online and book an appointment before visiting. The statewide MOMS system also lets you search records for free. This page covers everything you need for marriage records in Dakota County, Minnesota.
Dakota County Overview
Dakota County License Centers
Dakota County is the third most populous county in Minnesota and offers multiple locations for marriage license services. The main Administration Center is in Hastings. A Northern Service Center is in West St. Paul. The Lakeville License Center serves the western part of the county. Each location handles the same services. Pick the location closest to where you live.
The Hastings Administration Center phone is (651) 438-4312. The Northern Service Center in West St. Paul is at (651) 554-6531, which also covers Apple Valley inquiries. The Lakeville License Center is at (952) 891-7878. Go to www.co.dakota.mn.us for detailed location information, hours, and the online application portal. Marriage officiant registration is also available at a $15 fee.
| Administration Center | 1590 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033 Phone: (651) 438-4312 |
|---|---|
| Northern Service Center | 1 Mendota Road W., West St. Paul, MN 55118 Phone: (651) 554-6531 |
| Lakeville License Center | 20085 Heritage Drive, Lakeville, MN 55044 Phone: (952) 891-7878 |
| Payment | Cash, check, money order, credit/debit (2.49% fee) |
| Website | www.co.dakota.mn.us |
Applying for a Dakota County Marriage License
Dakota County requires you to complete the application online first. You get a confirmation number, then schedule your in-person appointment. Both parties must appear at the appointment with valid photo ID. The fee is $125 for a standard license. With 12 hours of approved premarital education, the fee drops to $50. Bring a notarized educator's statement on official letterhead signed by a licensed minister or therapist to get the lower rate.
Under Minnesota Statute 517.08, the application requires full legal names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, parents' full names, and any prior marriage details. If you were previously married, bring the divorce decree or death certificate. Payment options include cash, check, money order, and credit or debit cards with a 2.49% convenience fee. Dakota County also accepts Discover, Visa, and MasterCard.
The license is valid for six months anywhere in Minnesota. No waiting period applies. After the ceremony, the officiant must file the completed certificate with the county within five days per Minnesota Statute 517.10. Marriage officiant registration is available through Dakota County for a $15 fee. The online system also shows walk-in wait times if you prefer not to schedule in advance.
Important Note About Dakota County Records in MOMS
Dakota County participates in the Minnesota Official Marriage System at MOMS.mn.gov. The records go back to 1850. When searching MOMS for Dakota County records, be aware that the marriage dates shown in the system are the application dates, not the actual wedding dates. This is specific to Dakota County. If you need the exact date of the ceremony, request a certified copy of the marriage certificate from the county directly.
If you cannot find a record in MOMS, contact Dakota County directly. The system shows application dates rather than ceremony dates, so searching by a range around the expected date may help. Certified copies cost $9 each. Marriage records are public data in Minnesota under Chapters 13 and 517 of state law. Anyone may request access.
Under Minnesota Statute 517.101, the local registrar must issue certified copies to any person who pays the required fee. Contact any Dakota County license center to request a copy in person or by mail.
Dakota County Marriage Records Search
Start with MOMS.mn.gov for a free online search. Dakota County records in the database go back to 1850. Search by last name, first name, and optional date range. Use exact, Soundex, or wildcard modes. Remember that dates shown are application dates, not ceremony dates, for Dakota County specifically.
The county's marriage license page at co.dakota.mn.us has the online application portal, wait times for service centers, and forms for download.
Cities in Dakota County
Dakota County covers many Twin Cities suburban communities. Several cities in the county have dedicated pages on this site. All marriage licenses are issued through Dakota County's license centers regardless of which city you live in.
Other communities in Dakota County include Hastings, Mendota Heights, Rosemount, Farmington, Inver Grove Heights, and South St. Paul. All file through Dakota County license centers.
Nearby Counties
Dakota County borders several other Twin Cities metro counties. Apply in the county where you reside.