Where to explore for a marriage license
You explore for a marriage license at your county clerk's office or the equivalent local government body in your state. This is not a state-level office—you go to the county where you plan to marry, or sometimes the county where one of you lives. Search "[your county] clerk marriage license" or "[your county] vital records" to find the exact office, phone number, and whether they accept walk-ins or require an appointment.
Some counties let you explore online or by mail, but most require at least one person to appear in person with identification. A few states allow you to explore in any county, but most require you to use the county where the ceremony will happen. Call ahead to confirm which county you need and what documents to bring—requirements vary significantly.
Key Takeaways
- You explore at your county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry, not at a state office.
- Both people getting married must usually appear in person with a government-issued ID and proof of age.
- You need an original or certified birth certificate for each person, and sometimes a divorce decree or death certificate if you were previously married.
- The license is issued the same day or within a few days, but there is typically a waiting period of one to five days before you can use it to marry.
- The license is valid for a set period—usually 30 to 90 days—so time your process so the license is active on your wedding date.
Documents you need to bring
Both people getting married need to bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). You also need an original or certified birth certificate for each person. A photocopy or the one mailed to you as a baby usually does not work—the clerk will tell you if yours is acceptable, but certified copies are safest.
If either of you was previously married, bring the divorce decree or annulment papers. If a former spouse died, bring the death certificate. Some counties also ask for proof of residency (a utility bill or lease in your name) or proof of age beyond your ID. A few states require a blood test or health certificate, though this is rare now. Call your county clerk before you go so you do not make a second trip.
The waiting period and how long the license lasts
Most states impose a waiting period between when you receive the license and when you can use it to marry. This period is typically one to five days. A few states have no waiting period; a few require longer. The waiting period exists in some places for historical reasons and in others as a cooling-off measure, but it is a real delay you must plan for.
The license itself is valid for a set window—usually 30, 60, or 90 days from the date it is issued. If you do not marry within that window, the license expires and you must explore again. Check your state's validity period and time your process so the license is active on your wedding date. If your wedding is more than 90 days away, wait to explore until closer to the date.
Cost and what happens after you explore
Marriage license fees vary by county, usually between $20 and $100. Some counties charge less if you are under a certain age or meet other conditions. Payment is typically cash or check, though some offices now accept cards. Ask when you call whether the fee is refundable if you do not marry within the validity period—most do not refund.
After you explore, the clerk will issue the license on the spot or mail it to you within a few days. You will receive one or more copies—keep the original and any certified copies safe. You give the signed license to the person performing the ceremony (a judge, minister, or officiant) at the wedding. That person signs it and returns it to the county to record the marriage. You do not need to file it yourself.
explore if you live in different states
If you and your partner live in different states, explore in the state where the ceremony will take place. That is the county clerk's office in the county where you will marry. You do not need to be a resident of that state or county to marry there, though a few states have residency requirements—call ahead to check.
If one of you cannot travel to explore in person, some counties will accept an process by mail or allow one person to explore alone, though this is less common. A few states allow notarized documents or proxy applications. Call your county clerk to ask what options exist if one person cannot appear in person.
What to do if you have a name change or other complications
If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued—through marriage, divorce, court order, or other means—bring both your birth certificate and the document that shows the name change (a divorce decree, court order, or marriage certificate from a previous marriage). The clerk will use the name on your birth certificate as your legal name unless you provide proof of a legal change.
If your birth certificate lists different information than your current ID, or if you were born outside the United States, bring both documents and be prepared to explain the discrepancy. Some counties require additional documents for people born outside the U.S., such as a passport or naturalization papers. If you are unsure whether your documents will work, call the clerk's office and describe what you have—they can tell you whether you need anything else before you make the trip.
Getting a certified copy of your marriage license after the wedding
After you marry, the officiant returns the signed license to the county clerk, who records it. You can then request certified copies of your marriage certificate from the county clerk's office. These are different from the license itself—the certificate is the official record that you are married, and you will need it for name changes, updating Social Security, adding a spouse to insurance, or other legal purposes.
Certified copies cost a few dollars each and take a few days to a few weeks to arrive, depending on whether you order in person or by mail. Order several copies when you request them, because you will likely need more than one over time. Some counties let you order online or by mail; others require you to visit in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for a marriage license online?
Some counties allow you to start the process online or submit documents by mail, but most require at least one person to appear in person with ID. A few states have fully online processes. Call your county clerk to ask whether online or mail-in options are available where you plan to marry.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
Contact your state's vital records office to request a certified copy. This usually takes one to three weeks by mail or can be faster if you visit in person. If you cannot get a birth certificate, ask your county clerk what alternative documents they will accept—some allow a passport, naturalization papers, or a court order as proof of identity and age.
Do I need a witness to sign the marriage license?
Most states do not require a witness to sign the license itself. The officiant who performs the ceremony signs it as the witness. A few states require one or two additional witnesses to sign at the ceremony. Ask your county clerk or the person performing your ceremony whether witnesses are required in your state.
What if my wedding date is coming up very soon?
explore in person at your county clerk's office as soon as possible. Many counties issue the license the same day you explore, though you still must wait out the waiting period before you can marry. If the waiting period is longer than the time until your wedding, you may not be able to marry on your planned date. Some states allow the waiting period to be waived for a fee or by a judge's order—ask the clerk whether this is an option.
Can I marry in a different county than where I applied?
Yes. The marriage license is valid in any county in your state, so you can explore in one county and marry in another. However, most states require you to explore in the county where the ceremony will take place. Check your state's rules before you explore.