Getting a marriage license in Las Vegas takes one business day if you go in person to the Clark County District Court

You and your partner walk into the Clark County District Court marriage license bureau, show ID, pay the fee, and walk out with a license the same day. Nevada has no waiting period, no blood test requirement, and no residency requirement — you do not have to live in Nevada or even be a Nevada resident. The license is valid when ready and lasts 60 days.

The process is straightforward because Nevada law keeps it that way. You need two forms of ID, proof you are at least 18 years old, and the fee. If either of you was married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate. That is the full list.

Key Takeaways

  • The Clark County District Court marriage license bureau is located at 200 Lewis Avenue, Las Vegas, and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • You need two forms of ID per person, proof of age, and the current fee, which varies by whether you want the license with or without a background check waiver.
  • If you were previously married, bring your divorce decree or former spouse's death certificate.
  • The license is valid for 60 days from the date issued, so you must marry within that window.
  • You do not need a Nevada address, a waiting period, blood tests, or a witness present to obtain the license.

What to bring to the Clark County District Court

Bring two forms of ID for each person. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. At least one must be a government-issued photo ID. If your ID does not show your date of birth clearly, bring a second document that does — a birth certificate, school record, or medical record works.

Bring the fee in cash or card. The amount depends on whether you want the background check waiver. Without the waiver, the fee is lower but the license cannot be used until three days have passed. With the waiver, you pay more but can marry the same day. Call the bureau at 702-671-0600 to confirm the current amounts, as fees change.

If you were married before, bring the original or certified copy of your divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate. If you do not have it, the bureau staff can sometimes look it up in Nevada records, but bringing it saves time.

Where the marriage license bureau is located and when it is open

The Clark County District Court marriage license bureau is at 200 Lewis Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89155. It is in the Regional Justice Center downtown. Street parking is available, and there is a parking garage attached to the building.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The bureau is closed on weekends and Nevada state holidays. If you arrive near closing time, staff will still help you if you are in line before 4 p.m., but arriving earlier in the day is safer. The busiest times are Friday afternoons and the days before holidays, so midweek mornings move faster.

How the license works after you receive it

The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. You must marry within that window. The person who performs the ceremony — a judge, justice of the peace, or ordained minister — signs the license and returns it to the county. You do not need to return it yourself.

Nevada recognizes marriages performed by any ordained minister of any faith, judges, justices of the peace, and certain other officials. You can marry at the courthouse, at a chapel, at a hotel, or anywhere else in Nevada. The license is valid statewide.

After the ceremony, the person who performed it files the signed license with the Clark County District Court. You can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate later if you need it for name changes, insurance, or other purposes. That is a separate process from obtaining the license.

What happens if one person was married before

If either of you was divorced, bring the divorce decree. If your former spouse died, bring the death certificate. The bureau needs this to confirm your previous marriage ended legally. If you cannot locate the document, tell the staff — they can sometimes search Nevada records or direct you to where to find it.

If your divorce or death occurred in another state, bring the certified copy from that state. Nevada will accept it. If you are unsure whether your document is certified, the bureau staff can tell you when you arrive.

The difference between the standard fee and the background check waiver

Nevada offers two license options. The standard license costs less but cannot be used for three days after issue. The license with the background check waiver costs more but can be used when ready. If you want to marry the same day you get the license, you need the waiver option.

The waiver does not mean you skip a background check — it means you pay extra to waive the three-day waiting period that applies to the standard license. Both options go through the same process; the waiver just speeds up when you can use it. Call 702-671-0600 to confirm which option fits your timeline and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we get married the same day we get the license?

Yes, if you purchase the license with the background check waiver. The standard license has a three-day waiting period before it becomes valid. The waiver removes that delay but costs more. Call the bureau to compare the current fees for each option.

Do we need witnesses to get the license?

No. You need only the two people getting married, valid ID, and the fee. Witnesses are not required to obtain the license. Some chapels or venues may ask for witnesses during the ceremony itself, but that is separate from the license process.

What if we live out of state?

Nevada has no residency requirement. You can live anywhere and still get a Las Vegas marriage license. Bring your out-of-state ID and proof of age. The license is valid in Nevada only, but Nevada recognizes marriages performed there as valid nationwide.

How long does the license stay valid?

The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. You must marry within that window. If the 60 days pass without a ceremony, the license expires and you must obtain a new one.

What if we lost our divorce papers from another state?

Contact the court in the county where your divorce was finalized and request a certified copy. The bureau staff can also sometimes help you locate records if your divorce was in Nevada. If your divorce was in another state, you will need to contact that state's vital records office.