Couples applying for a marriage license in Blue Earth County can save time and simplify the process by completing the application form online at www.moms.mn.gov/application. After completing the online form, couples receive a confirmation e-mail. The couple, including both parties, must appear in person at the Blue Earth County License Center located at 410 S. 5th Street to have their signatures witnessed, pay the license fee and complete the marriage application process. Once the fee is paid, there is a 5-day waiting period before the license is valid and can be used.
Whether completing the form online or using the paper application, couples will need to supply the following information:
• Full legal names
• Address and state of residence
• Date of birth
• Information about any previous marriages
• Full name of both the parties after marriage
• Social security numbers
• Information about any felony convictions on or after August 1, 2000
• Mailing address where the marriage certificate will be sent
If either party is a minor, additional documents are required. A computer station will be provided at the Blue Earth County License Center Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for couples wishing to apply for a marriage license in person.
“We are extremely excited about this new online tool that streamlines the process for couples applying for a marriage license,” stated Patty O’Connor, Taxpayer Services Director for Blue Earth County. “It was great to be the first County in the State of Minnesota to process a marriage license purchase with the new system and showcase the improved functionality of having the eMarriage application option in place for citizens.”
Applicants may contact the Blue Earth County License Center at (507) 304-4340 for more information.
Blue Earth County is a participant of the Minnesota Official Marriage System (MOMS) at www.moms.mn.gov. MOMS was created in 2008 under the Minnesota Association of County Officials (MACO) umbrella to provide customer service in searching and requesting marriage records statewide. Since then, this “challenge” accelerated to phase two, extending their customer service to include a marriage application online. MOMS eMarriage process also includes the administration side of the application for county staff to auto populate the required documents from the application, creating efficiency and effectiveness of county staff, and uniformity between counties. Customer service is improved by allowing couples to apply online anywhere 24/7. While efforts to standardize the application process across the state began in 2008, if successful, Minnesota will be the first state to introduce this collaboration.