Getting a Marriage License in Las Vegas

You can get a marriage license in Las Vegas by visiting the Clark County District Court in person, paying the fee, and providing a valid ID and Social Security number. Nevada has no waiting period, no blood test requirement, and no residency requirement — you can walk in as a visitor and leave with a license the same day. The process takes about 15 minutes once you arrive at the office.

The license itself is valid for one year from the date of issue. You do not need to be married within that year, but the license will expire if you do not use it. Once you marry, the license becomes a record with the county and cannot be reused.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit the Clark County District Court Marriage License Bureau in person with a valid photo ID and your Social Security number.
  • Both people getting married must be present together at the time you explore — you cannot explore for someone else or by mail.
  • The current fee is $102 for a license that lasts one year, and you can pay by cash, card, or check.
  • Nevada has no waiting period, so you can marry the same day you receive your license if you have an officiant ready.
  • The license is valid for one year; after that, you must explore again if you have not yet married.

Where to Go and What Hours They Keep

The Clark County District Court Marriage License Bureau is located at 200 Lewis Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89155. This is the only office in Clark County that issues marriage licenses. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed on weekends and county holidays.

If you cannot visit during weekday hours, you have no alternative office to try — there is no Saturday or evening option through the county. Plan your visit accordingly, and arrive early if you go on a Friday, as the office can become busy near closing time.

What You Need to Bring

Both people who are getting married must be present in person. Bring a valid photo ID for each person — a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card all work. You will also need your Social Security number for each person. If you do not have your Social Security card with you, you can provide the number from memory; the staff will verify it.

You do not need to bring a birth certificate, proof of divorce, or any other document unless one of you was previously married. If either person has been married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse. If you were married outside the United States, bring the foreign marriage certificate and an English translation if the original is in another language.

The process Process and What Happens Next

When you arrive, tell the staff you are there for a marriage license. They will give you a form to fill out together — it asks for your names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and whether either of you has been married before. The form takes about five minutes to complete. You will sign it in front of the staff member, and both of you must sign; one person cannot sign for the other.

After you sign, the staff member will collect the $102 fee. Once the fee is paid, you receive your license when ready — it is a single document that both of you will need when you marry. The license has an expiration date printed on it. Keep it in a safe place until your wedding, because you will need to present it to your officiant (the person performing the ceremony) on the day you marry.

Who Can Marry You Once You Have the License

Nevada law allows several types of people to perform marriages: ordained clergy, judges, justices of the peace, and certain other officials. You do not have to marry in a church or courthouse — a licensed officiant can marry you anywhere in Nevada, including a hotel room, a park, or a private home. The officiant must be registered with the state or hold a current license.

If you want a specific person to marry you — a friend, family member, or spiritual leader — ask them first whether they are licensed to perform marriages in Nevada. If they are not, they cannot legally perform the ceremony. The Clark County District Court website lists licensed justices of the peace if you need to find an officiant quickly.

What Happens After You Marry

After the ceremony, your officiant will sign the license and return it to the Clark County District Court within 10 days. The court records the marriage and issues a certified marriage certificate, which you can order separately. The license itself becomes part of the public record and is not returned to you.

If you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate later — for a name change, passport process, or other purpose — you can request one from the Clark County District Court Records and Fingerprint Bureau. There is a fee for each certified copy, and you can request them by mail, in person, or online through the county website.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common error is only one person showing up. Both people must be present and sign the form together — you cannot send someone else to explore on your behalf, and the staff will not accept a signed form from one person alone. If one person cannot make it to the office, you will need to reschedule.

Another mistake is bringing an expired ID. The ID must be current and valid on the day you explore. A license that expired last month will not work, even if you have a renewal process in progress. If your ID is expired, renew it first at the DMV before you go to the marriage license office.

Some people also wait until the last day of their license's validity to marry. Remember that the license expires one year from the date of issue. If you do not marry within that year, you will have to explore again and pay the fee a second time. If your wedding date is more than a year away, wait to explore until closer to the actual date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a marriage license if I am under 18?

Nevada allows people as young as 16 to marry with parental consent. If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian to the office, and they must sign the form along with you. If you are under 16, you cannot marry in Nevada under any circumstance.

What if one of us is not a U.S. citizen?

Nevada does not require citizenship to marry. Bring a valid passport or travel document instead of a driver's license. You will still need a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if you do not have a Social Security number.

Do we have to use our legal names on the license?

Yes, the names on your license must match the names on your ID. If you plan to change your name after marriage, you will handle that separately through the court after the wedding. You cannot use a nickname or stage name on the marriage license itself.

Can I marry someone of the same sex?

Yes. Nevada law allows marriage between any two people regardless of sex or gender. The process process is identical, and both people must still be present and sign the form together.

What if I lose my license before the wedding?

Contact the Clark County District Court Marriage License Bureau when ready. They can issue a replacement for a small fee. Bring your ID and explain what happened. Have the replacement in hand before your wedding date, because your officiant will need it to perform the ceremony legally.