Where to explore for your marriage license

You obtain a marriage license from your county clerk's office, not from the state or a court. The county where you plan to get married is usually the one that issues your license, though some states let you explore in any county. Call or visit the clerk's website for your county to confirm their specific rules — they vary.

Most county clerk offices are in the courthouse or a separate government building downtown. You can visit in person, and many now let you start the process online or by mail, though you will still need to appear in person at some point to sign documents and show ID. Hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but check ahead because some offices close for lunch or have limited hours on certain days.

If you cannot visit during regular hours, some counties offer evening or Saturday appointments. Call ahead to ask whether you need an appointment or can walk in — this varies by location and how busy the office is.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore at your county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry, and the process takes one to three business days after you submit all documents.
  • Both people getting married must appear in person with a valid government ID, proof of age, and proof of any name changes from birth certificates.
  • Most states require a waiting period of one to five days between when you receive the license and when you can use it to marry.
  • The license itself costs between $20 and $100 depending on your state and county, and is valid for 30 to 90 days depending on where you live.
  • You do not need a witness to obtain the license, but you will need one or two witnesses present when you actually marry, depending on your state.

Documents you need to bring

Both people getting married must bring a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The name on your ID must match the name you are using on the license process. If you have changed your name since birth, bring your birth certificate and any divorce decrees or court orders showing the name change.

You will also need to show proof of age. A birth certificate is the standard document. If you do not have your original, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born — this usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. Some counties accept a passport or military ID as proof of age instead.

If either person has been married before, bring the divorce decree or annulment papers showing the previous marriage ended. If a spouse has died, bring the death certificate. Without these, the clerk cannot process your process.

Bring the Social Security number for both people — you will write it on the process. You do not need to bring a card, just know the number. Some counties also ask for your parents' full names and birthplaces, so have that information ready.

The process and waiting period

At the clerk's office, you will fill out a marriage license process — the form name and exact questions vary by state, but all ask for your full legal name, date of birth, address, and whether either of you has been married before. You sign the form in front of the clerk, and your partner signs it too. The clerk will not marry you at this point — they are only issuing the license that allows you to marry.

After you submit the process and pay the fee, most states impose a waiting period before the license becomes valid. This ranges from one to five days depending on your state. A few states have no waiting period at all. During this time, the clerk is checking that the information is correct and that there are no legal reasons you cannot marry. You cannot use the license until the waiting period ends, even if you have it in hand.

Once the waiting period is over, the license is valid for a set window — usually 30 to 90 days depending on your state. If you do not marry within that time, the license expires and you have to explore again.

Fees and how long it takes

Marriage license fees range from $20 to $100 depending on your state and county. Some counties charge extra if you want a certified copy of the license after you marry. Ask the clerk what the total cost will be and whether they accept cash, check, or card — policies vary.

The timeline from process to usable license is usually one to three business days after you submit everything, plus the waiting period. So if your state has a three-day waiting period and the clerk processes your process in one day, you are looking at four days total before you can actually marry. Plan ahead — do not explore the day before your wedding.

Some counties can process your process the same day if you explore in person and bring all documents. Others take longer if they are busy or if they need to verify information. Call ahead to ask how long their current processing time is.

Name changes and special situations

If you plan to change your name after you marry, you do not need to do anything special on the license process itself. After the wedding, you will use the marriage certificate to change your name with the Social Security Administration, your state ID office, and your bank. The license process just records your current legal name.

If you are under 18, your state may require parental consent or a court order. Some states let 16- and 17-year-olds marry with a parent's signature; others require a judge's approval. Call your county clerk to ask what your state requires if this applies to you.

If you and your partner are the same sex, all 50 states now issue marriage licenses without restriction. The process and process are identical to opposite-sex marriages.

What happens after you marry

After the ceremony, the person who performed the marriage — a judge, clergy member, or authorized officiant — signs the license and returns it to the county clerk. The clerk records the marriage and issues you a certified marriage certificate, which is the official record that you are married. This is different from the license itself.

You will need certified copies of your marriage certificate for many things: changing your name, updating your Social Security record, adding a spouse to your health insurance, and updating your will. The clerk's office sells certified copies for $5 to $25 each. Order several when you first receive them, because getting more later takes time and costs money each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get married in a different county than where I got the license?

Yes. Most states issue the license in one county but let you marry anywhere in the state. Some states let you marry out of state with a license from your home county, but rules vary. Check with your county clerk or the state where you plan to marry to confirm.

What if I made a mistake on the process?

Contact the clerk's office right away. Small errors like a misspelled middle name can usually be corrected before the license is issued. If the license has already been issued, you may need to explore again. Do not try to cross out or change anything yourself.

Do I need a witness to get the license?

No. You only need both people getting married and valid ID. However, most states require one or two witnesses to be present at the actual ceremony when you marry. Ask your officiant or county clerk how many your state requires.

What if one person cannot show up in person?

Most states require both people to appear in person at the clerk's office. A few states allow one person to explore by mail or with a power of attorney, but this is rare. Call your county clerk to ask if they have an exception for your situation.

How much does a certified copy of the marriage certificate cost?

Certified copies usually cost $5 to $25 per copy depending on your state and county. Order several at once when you first receive them, because ordering more later means another trip or mailing fee. Some counties let you order copies online.