Apply for Your Marriage License Today
Thank you for choosing the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) as the place for your marriage. This guide explains the steps, requirements, and fees involved in obtaining a marriage license. Please read it carefully to ensure a smooth application process.
The marriage application process follows CNMI law outlined in Title 8, Chapter 1 of the Commonwealth Code (8 CMC §§ 1201-1205). Below, you will find all the information you need, including fees, required documents, and how to submit your application.
Marriage License and Ceremony Fees
| Description | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Ceremony* | $30.00 | $75.00 |
| Marriage License Application | $50.00 | $125.00 |
| Documentation | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Copy of Marriage License | $25.00 | $25.00 |
* Note: Ceremony fees are not required if the marriage is solemnized by someone other than the Governor or the Mayor.
Who Qualifies as a Resident?
To be considered a resident, applicants must have lived in the CNMI for at least 12 months prior to applying and meet at least one of the following conditions:
✔ Maintain a CNMI mailing address for at least 12 months.
✔ Hold an active Commonwealth Utilities Corporation account for 6+ months.
✔ Have paid CNMI income taxes for at least 6 months.
✔ Maintain an active bank account in the CNMI for 6+ months.
If one applicant is a non-resident, the non-resident fee applies.
Application Requirements
Steps to Apply for a Marriage License
1. Complete the Marriage License Application
- Clearly print or type your information.
2. Pay the Fees
You must pay the applicable fees:
- Marriage License Application Fee
- Marriage Ceremony Fee
- Documentation Fee
- Copy of Marriage License
Payments may be made at:
Saipan
- CNMI Treasury (Capitol Hill)
- Division of Revenue and Taxation (Dandan)
- NMI Judiciary (Susupé)
Tinian
- Department of Finance (San Jose)
Rota
- Department of Finance (Tatachok)
- Attach the receipt to your application.
3. Submit the Application
- Both applicants must be present when submitting the completed application.
4. Required Documents
- Provide two government-issued IDs (e.g., passport, driver’s license, CNMI resident card, etc.).
- Original birth certificates are accepted but not required.
- Non-English documents must be translated at the applicant’s expense.
5. Age Requirements
- Males must be at least 18 years old.
- Females must be at least 18 years old, or 16 years old with notarized parental or guardian consent.
D. Officiating Marriage Ceremony and Officiating Requirements
- The presence of at least two witnesses is required.
- The marriage ceremony must take place in the CNMI and may be performed by an ordained minister, judge, justice, mayor, the Lt. Governor, the Governor, or other authorized individual.
- Please note that your requested marriage date is subject to officiant availability.
E. Receiving Your Recorded Marriage License
After the wedding ceremony, the person performing the marriage must record the marriage certificate with the Commonwealth Recorder’s Office per 8 CMC § 1204.
- A $40.50 recording fee is required for processing by the NMI Judiciary–Commonwealth Recorder’s Office. Confirm the recording process with your officiant.
- Marriage licenses are electronically recorded.
- You will receive a recorded copy via the email address provided in the application.
- You may separately request a certified copy of your marriage record by visiting or contacting the Commonwealth Recorder’s Office. A $25 fee per copy applies.
For more details, visit our office or call (670) 237-2200.
