Fill in Your Minnesota Certificate Ordination Form Edit Form Now

Fill in Your Minnesota Certificate Ordination Form

The Minnesota Certificate Ordination form is a crucial document for individuals who wish to solemnize civil marriages in the state of Minnesota. This form must be accompanied by the original Ordination Certificate and submitted to the local registrar for proper recording. To ensure compliance with state statutes, it is essential to complete the form accurately and submit it promptly.

Ready to fill out the form? Click the button below to get started.

Edit Form Now
Article Guide

The Minnesota Certificate of Ordination form plays a crucial role for individuals seeking to solemnize civil marriages in the state. This form is essential for ministers and other authorized persons, as it verifies their credentials and compliance with state statutes. To initiate the process, applicants must submit the original Ordination Certificate along with the completed form to the local registrar. It’s important to note that only individuals aged 21 and older, such as judges, retired judges, court administrators, and licensed or ordained ministers, are permitted to officiate civil marriages. Before performing a ceremony, ministers must ensure their credentials are recorded with the local registrar, which includes providing their name, contact information, and an acknowledgment of their authority to solemnize marriages. The form also addresses the expiration of this authority, and it outlines penalties for those who solemnize marriages without lawful authority or who provide false information. Overall, understanding the requirements and proper submission of the Minnesota Certificate of Ordination form is vital for those looking to perform civil marriage ceremonies legally and responsibly.

Important Facts about Minnesota Certificate Ordination

  1. What is the Minnesota Certificate of Ordination form?

    The Minnesota Certificate of Ordination form is a document that allows individuals who are licensed or ordained ministers of any religious denomination to be authorized to solemnize civil marriages in Minnesota. This form must be completed and submitted to the local registrar of the county where the individual intends to perform marriage ceremonies.

  2. What do I need to submit along with the Certificate of Ordination form?

    Along with the Certificate of Ordination form, you must submit the original Ordination Certificate. This documentation verifies your authority to perform civil marriages. Once completed, the form should be faxed to 320-656-3932. If you have questions, you can call 320-656-3937 for assistance.

  3. Who is eligible to perform civil marriages in Minnesota?

    According to Minnesota Statute 517.04, individuals eligible to solemnize civil marriages include:

    • Judges of a court of record
    • Retired judges of a court of record
    • Court administrators and retired court administrators (with approval)
    • Former court commissioners employed by the court system
    • Licensed or ordained ministers of any religious denomination
    • Residential school administrators of the Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf and the Minnesota State Academy for the Blind
  4. How do I ensure my credentials are properly recorded?

    To ensure your credentials are recorded, you must file a copy of your license or ordination certificate with the local registrar of the county. If your religious denomination does not issue credentials, you need to provide authority from your spiritual assembly. This will be recorded, and the location will be noted on each civil marriage certificate you grant.

  5. What happens if I perform a marriage without proper authority?

    Performing a marriage without lawful authority is considered a misdemeanor under Minnesota Statute 517.15. It is important to ensure that you have the necessary credentials and have filed them appropriately to avoid any legal issues.

  6. Is there an expiration date for my authority to perform marriages?

    Your authority to perform civil marriages may have an expiration date, which you can specify on the form. If your authority has no expiration date, you can check the appropriate box on the form. Keeping this information updated is crucial for maintaining your legal ability to solemnize marriages.

More PDF Forms

Key takeaways

When filling out and using the Minnesota Certificate Ordination form, keep these key takeaways in mind:

  • Original Ordination Certificate Required: Always accompany the form with the original Ordination Certificate. This is a crucial step in the process.
  • Fax Submission: The completed form must be faxed to 320-656-3932. Ensure that all information is clear and legible.
  • Age Requirement: To solemnize civil marriages in Minnesota, the individual must be at least 21 years old.
  • Credential Filing: Ministers must file a copy of their credentials or authority with the local registrar before they can perform civil marriages.
  • Expiration of Authority: Be sure to indicate whether your authority to perform civil marriages has an expiration date or not.
  • Legal Compliance: Familiarize yourself with Minnesota Statutes 517.04 and 517.05 to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
  • Signature Requirement: Don’t forget to sign and date the form. Your signature confirms your understanding and compliance with the applicable statutes.

Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth process for solemnizing civil marriages in Minnesota.

Common mistakes

  1. Incomplete Personal Information: Failing to provide all required personal details such as name, address, and contact information can lead to processing delays.

  2. Missing Signature: Not signing the form is a common oversight that can render the application invalid.

  3. Incorrect Fax Number: Sending the form to an incorrect fax number can result in lost documents and a need to resubmit.

  4. Failure to Attach Ordination Certificate: Omitting the original Ordination Certificate is a critical mistake that will prevent the application from being processed.

  5. Improper Acknowledgment: Not acknowledging the reading of Minnesota State Statutes can lead to questions about eligibility to perform civil marriages.

  6. Expiration Date Confusion: Misunderstanding the expiration of authority to perform marriages can result in selecting the wrong option on the form.

  7. Incorrect Credentials Submission: Failing to submit the correct type of credentials or authority can lead to rejection of the application.

  8. Neglecting to Verify Information: Not double-checking the information provided can lead to errors that may complicate the application process.