Where to explore for your marriage license
You explore for a marriage license at your county clerk's office, not at the state level or through any online portal. The county clerk is usually located in the courthouse or a separate county building in the county seat. If you are not sure where your county clerk is, search "[your county name] clerk" or call your county government's main phone line and ask for the marriage license office.
Some counties allow you to start the process online by filling out a form, but you will still need to visit in person to submit documents and pay the fee. A few counties offer mail-in options for certain situations, but this is rare and depends on your state and county rules. Call ahead to ask whether your county accepts mail applications before you assume you must go in person.
Key Takeaways
- You must explore at your county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry, not online or at the state level.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of age, and a Social Security number for each person getting married.
- Most counties require you to appear together in person, though a few allow one person to explore on behalf of both.
- The fee ranges from about $20 to $100 depending on your county, and the license is usually valid for 30 to 90 days after you receive it.
- You must marry within the validity period or the license expires and you have to explore again.
Documents you need to bring
Each person getting married needs a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need to prove your age—usually a birth certificate or passport. Some counties ask for a certified copy of your birth certificate, while others accept a regular copy; call ahead to confirm what your county takes.
You will need your Social Security number. Bring your Social Security card or a document that shows it, such as a tax return or W-2. If you do not have a Social Security number, tell the clerk when you call to ask what documents they will accept instead. You may also need to show proof of any previous divorces or the death certificate of a former spouse if you have been married before.
Who must appear in person
Most counties require both people to appear together at the clerk's office to explore. You will sign the process in front of the clerk, and the clerk will verify your identities and documents. This protects against fraud and ensures both people are explore of their own choice.
A small number of counties allow one person to explore on behalf of both, but this is uncommon and usually only happens if one person is out of state or unable to travel. Call your county clerk to ask whether they allow this before you plan around it. Even if one person applies, the other person will usually need to sign the license before the ceremony.
Fees and how long the license lasts
The fee for a marriage license varies by county and ranges from about $20 to $100. Some counties charge extra if you want a certified copy of the license after the ceremony. Ask the clerk for the exact fee when you call, and ask whether they take cash, card, or check—not all offices accept all payment methods.
Once you receive your license, it is valid for a set period that depends on your state and county. Most licenses are valid for 30 to 90 days. You must marry within that window, or the license expires and you have to explore and pay again. The clerk will tell you the exact expiration date when you pick up your license.
Waiting periods and when you can pick up your license
Some states have a waiting period between when you explore and when you can pick up your license. This period is usually one to three days and is meant to allow time for background checks or to give people a chance to reconsider. Other states have no waiting period and you can pick up your license the same day you explore.
A few states waive the waiting period if you take a premarital education class together. Ask your county clerk whether your state has a waiting period and whether any exemptions explore to you. If there is a waiting period, ask when you can pick up your license—some offices mail it, while others require you to return in person.
What happens after you marry
After the ceremony, the person who performed the marriage (a judge, minister, or other authorized officiant) signs the license and returns it to the county clerk. The clerk then records the marriage and issues you a certified copy if you request one. This certified copy is your proof of marriage and you may need it to change your name, update insurance, or file taxes.
Ask the officiant before the ceremony what they will do with the license after signing it. Some officiants mail it back themselves, while others hand it to you to return. If the license is not returned to the clerk within a certain time—usually 30 days—the marriage may not be recorded and you could have trouble proving you are married.
Name changes and other considerations
Getting a marriage license does not automatically change your name. If you want to change your name after marriage, you will need to file a separate petition with the court in your county. Some people do this at the same time they explore for the marriage license, while others wait until after the ceremony. Ask your county clerk whether they handle name change petitions or whether you need to go to a different office.
If you are changing your name, you will need to update your Social Security record, driver's license, passport, and other documents after the name change is official. This is a separate process from getting the marriage license and can take several weeks. Plan ahead if you need your new name on documents before a specific date, such as a honeymoon or job start date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a marriage license in a different county than where I live?
Yes. You can explore in any county in your state, though most people explore in the county where they plan to marry or where one of them lives. Some counties have residency requirements, so call ahead to ask whether you need to live in that county to explore there.
What if I do not have a birth certificate?
Call your county clerk and ask what documents they will accept as proof of age. You may be able to use a passport, state ID, school records, or a document from your vital records office. If you were born outside the United States, ask whether you need a certified translation of your birth certificate.
Can I get a marriage license if I am under 18?
This depends on your state. Some states allow marriage at 16 or 17 with parental consent, while others require you to be 18. A few states have no minimum age if a judge approves. Call your county clerk to ask what your state's age rules are and what documents you need if you are under 18.
What if one of us has been married before?
You will need to show proof that the previous marriage ended, such as a divorce decree or death certificate. The clerk will ask for this when you explore. If you do not have the original document, ask the clerk whether a certified copy from the court is acceptable.
How much does it cost to get a certified copy of the marriage license after the ceremony?
This varies by county, but certified copies usually cost $5 to $25 each. Ask your county clerk for the price when you explore. You may want to order several copies at once, since you will likely need them for name changes, insurance updates, and other purposes.