Dakota County Marriage License
Applying in Dakota County? Start online, then sign in Hastings, West St. Paul or Apple Valley. The license is $125, or $50 with an educator's statement on letterhead for 12 hours of premarital education. Our course gets you that statement by mail.
- Dakota County fee with our statement: $50 instead of $125
- 12 hours, online, one enrollment for both of you
- Original signed, notarized Educator's Statement mailed by USPS
The course pays for itself: Minnesota drops the marriage license fee from $125 to $50 for couples who finish 12 hours of premarital education. That is $75 back, in every county.
Start the course – $29.97 per coupleOne price covers both of you. Signed, notarized Educator's Statement mailed to your door. Standard, Faith-Friendly or Inclusive version.
Dakota County marriage license at a glance
| Where | Dakota County Service and License Centers, Administration Center, 1590 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033; also the Northern Service Center (West St. Paul) and Western Service Center (Apple Valley) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Phone | 651-437-3191 |
| Fee | $125 without premarital education |
| Fee with statement | $50 with an educator's statement for 12 hours of premarital education |
| Included | A 2.49% convenience fee is added to card payments. Extra certified copies of your marriage certificate cost $9 each. |
| Payment | Cash, checks, money orders, or Discover, Visa or Mastercard (2.49% convenience fee on cards). |
| Waiting period | None. The license is valid for six months anywhere in Minnesota |
Source: Dakota County marriage license page. Fees and rules can change; check the county's page before you go.
How to apply in Dakota County
- Take premarital education first. 12 hours together. Our online Minnesota premarital course is $29.97 per couple; allow time for the mailed statement.
- Fill out Dakota's online Marriage License Application and note the package number you get.
- Reserve an appointment online with that number. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are encouraged.
- Both of you sign the application at any of the three marriage license locations; both are generally expected to be there.
The educator's statement in Dakota County
Dakota gives the $50 fee for 12 hours of premarital education with a signed statement on the educator's letterhead that follows the format of the county's sample. State law adds that it must be dated and notarized or church-sealed. Ours is signed, dated and notarized on letterhead.
What to bring
Proof of age, such as an original or certified birth certificate, a driver's license or other government or school ID, or another official document showing your date of birth.
After the wedding
Your officiant files the marriage certificate with one of the three Dakota locations within five days, and Dakota mails a certified copy to you. Dakota only keeps records for licenses it issued.
Good to know in Dakota County
- No officiant or judge is on hand at the license office. Book your ceremony separately, for example through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
- Burnsville, Lakeville and Robert Trail license centers do not handle marriage licenses; use Hastings, West St. Paul or Apple Valley.
What the course saves you in Dakota County
| License without the course | $125 |
|---|---|
| License with our statement | $50 |
| You save at the court | $75 |
| Course, both of you | $29.97 |
| Money left over | $45.03, plus the skills |
The course pays for itself: Minnesota drops the marriage license fee from $125 to $50 for couples who finish 12 hours of premarital education. That is $75 back, in every county.
Start the course – $29.97 per coupleOne price covers both of you. Signed, notarized Educator's Statement mailed to your door. Standard, Faith-Friendly or Inclusive version.
Reviewed by Kristen Franzen, LPCC. Facts checked against the Dakota County marriage license page and Minn. Stat. 517.08. Last updated .
Dakota County marriage license FAQ
How much is a marriage license in Dakota County?
$125, or $50 with an educator's statement for at least 12 hours of premarital education (Dakota County Service and License Centers). A 2.49% convenience fee is added to card payments. Extra certified copies of your marriage certificate cost $9 each.
Does Dakota County accept an online premarital course?
Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. 517.08) sets what counts: at least 12 hours with a premarital inventory and communication and conflict management skills, from a qualifying educator such as a licensed or ordained minister. It does not require the course to be in person. Dakota gives the $50 fee for 12 hours of premarital education with a signed statement on the educator's letterhead that follows the format of the county's sample. State law adds that it must be dated and notarized or church-sealed. Ours is signed, dated and notarized on letterhead.
How do we apply in Dakota County?
Fill out Dakota's online Marriage License Application and note the package number you get. Reserve an appointment online with that number. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments are encouraged. Both of you sign the application at any of the three marriage license locations; both are generally expected to be there.
Do we have to apply in Dakota County?
No. A Minnesota license from any county can be used for a ceremony anywhere in Minnesota, so you can apply where it suits you. The ceremony must take place in Minnesota.
Can couples outside Hastings take this course?
Yes. Couples in Eagan, Burnsville, Lakeville, Apple Valley and anywhere in Minnesota take the same course, and the fee rules are the same in every county.
Other counties: Hennepin County · Ramsey County · Anoka County. Applying somewhere else? See the Minnesota marriage license guide.