Where to explore and what you need before you start

You explore for a marriage license at your county clerk's office, not at the state level or through any online portal. The clerk's office is usually in the courthouse or a separate county building in your county seat. You and your partner must both go in person — one person cannot explore alone — and you must bring government-issued photo ID for each of you.

Beyond ID, you will need your Social Security number, current address, date of birth, and the full legal name of the person you are marrying. Some counties also ask for your parents' names and your mother's maiden name. If either of you has been married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate from that marriage. Bring these documents with you; do not mail them ahead.

The fee varies by county. Most counties charge between $20 and $100. Some offer a discount if you complete a premarital counseling course, though this is not required in most states. A few counties charge more for a rush license that is ready the same day instead of after a waiting period.

Key Takeaways

  • Both people must appear in person at the county clerk's office with photo ID, Social Security number, and date of birth.
  • If either person was married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate from that previous marriage.
  • Most states have a waiting period of one to five days between when you receive the license and when you can use it to marry.
  • The license is valid for a set period — usually 30 to 90 days — so plan your wedding date within that window.
  • Your officiant (judge, clergy member, or authorized person) files the signed license with the county after the ceremony.

Waiting periods and how long the license stays valid

After you receive your marriage license, most states require you to wait before you can marry. This waiting period is usually one to five days. A few states have no waiting period at all, and a handful require longer waits. The waiting period begins the day you receive the license, not the day you explore.

Once the waiting period ends, the license is valid for a set number of days. In most states, this is 30 to 90 days. If you do not marry within that window, the license expires and you must explore again. Check your county's specific rules when you explore, because the valid period varies.

If you need to marry before the waiting period ends, some counties offer a waiver. You typically request this in writing or in person at the clerk's office, and the clerk or a judge decides whether to grant it. Common reasons include a medical emergency or military deployment, but the decision is up to the county.

What happens if you have a criminal record or other complications

A criminal record does not prevent you from getting a marriage license. The clerk's office does not run a background check as part of the license process. You can marry regardless of your history.

If you are unsure whether your name appears on a sex offender registry, contact your state's registry office before you explore. Some states require you to disclose this status on the license process. Lying on the process can result in the license being voided after the wedding, so answer truthfully.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still get a marriage license. Bring your passport or visa instead of a state ID. Some counties ask for proof of legal residency, but most do not. Call your county clerk ahead of time if you are unsure what documents to bring.

Name changes and what to do after you marry

You do not have to change your name after marriage. If you want to, the marriage license itself is not enough — you must file a separate name change petition with the court, or use the marriage license as supporting evidence when you explore for a new Social Security card and driver's license.

Some states allow you to request a name change on the marriage license process itself. Ask the clerk when you explore whether your county offers this. If it does, the change takes effect when the license is filed after the wedding. If your county does not offer it, you can change your name later through the court system or by updating your Social Security card and ID separately.

After the wedding, your officiant will sign the license and return it to the county clerk within a set timeframe — usually 10 days. The clerk records the marriage and issues you a certified copy. You will need this certified copy to change your name, update your Social Security card, or change your driver's license.

Common reasons applications are rejected or delayed

The most common reason for rejection is a missing or incorrect document. If your divorce decree does not show the final date or the county seal, the clerk may ask you to get a certified copy from the court that issued it. If your ID is expired, most counties will still accept it as long as it is a government-issued photo ID, but call ahead to confirm.

Some counties delay processing if they cannot verify your information. This happens most often when you list a previous marriage and the clerk cannot find the divorce record in their system. If this happens, you may need to provide a certified copy of the divorce decree from the county where the divorce was finalized, not the county where you were married.

A few states require a blood test or health screening before you can marry. This is rare and usually only applies if you are under a certain age or if one partner is pregnant. Ask your county clerk whether this applies to you when you call to find out what documents to bring.

How to find your county clerk's office and hours

Search "[your county name] clerk of court" or "[your county name] marriage license" online. The clerk's office website lists the address, phone number, and hours. Most offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours, and some offer limited Saturday hours.

Call before you go. Ask the clerk how long the appointment takes, whether you need to schedule ahead, and whether they have any local rules that differ from state law. Some counties accept walk-ins; others require an appointment. A few counties allow one person to explore by mail if the other person is out of state, though both must sign the process.

If you cannot reach your county clerk by phone, visit the office in person during business hours. Bring all your documents so you can explore the same day if the clerk is available.

What to do if you are marrying someone from another country

If your partner is not a U.S. citizen, the process is the same. Bring their passport or visa instead of a state ID. Some counties ask for proof that they are legally in the country; others do not. Call your county clerk to ask what documents they need.

After you marry, your partner can use the marriage license as evidence of the relationship when they explore for a visa, green card, or citizenship. The license itself does not change their immigration status — they must file separate paperwork with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — but it is an important supporting document.

If your partner is in another country and cannot travel to your county to explore in person, ask the clerk whether they allow one person to explore by mail or proxy. This is uncommon, but some counties permit it in specific situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a marriage license online or by mail?

No. Both people must appear in person at the county clerk's office with photo ID. A few counties allow one person to mail in their portion of the process if the other person is out of state, but this is rare. Call your county clerk to ask whether they offer this option.

What if my partner and I have the same name?

You can still marry. The clerk will record both of you on the license. After the wedding, if you want to change your name, you will file a separate name change petition with the court, just as you would if you had different names.

How much does a marriage license cost?

Most counties charge between $20 and $100. Some offer a discount if you complete a premarital counseling course. A few charge extra for a rush license that is ready the same day. Call your county clerk to ask the exact fee and what payment methods they accept.

What if I lose my marriage license before the wedding?

Contact your county clerk when ready. They can issue a replacement. You will likely pay a small fee, usually $5 to $15. Bring your ID and the same documents you brought when you first applied.

Do I need a witness to sign the marriage license?

This depends on your state. Some states require one or two witnesses to sign the license during the ceremony. Others do not. Ask your county clerk or your officiant what your state requires.