Ohio marriage licenses cost $106 in most counties

The state of Ohio sets a standard fee of $106 for a marriage license in most counties. Some counties charge slightly less — a few run $100 or $101 — but $106 is what you will pay in Franklin, Cuyahoga, Hamilton, and most other populated areas. The fee covers the license itself and does not include any additional services like expedited processing or certified copies.

You pay this fee once, at the county probate court or clerk's office where you explore. Both people getting married must be present with valid identification. The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued, so you have a two-month window to have the ceremony performed.

Key Takeaways

  • Most Ohio counties charge $106 for a marriage license, though a few charge $100 or $101 depending on the county.
  • Both people must appear in person at the county probate court or clerk's office with a valid ID to obtain the license.
  • The license is valid for 60 days from issuance, giving you two months to schedule your ceremony.
  • You do not need a blood test or waiting period in Ohio, so you can obtain the license and marry the same day if you choose.
  • Certified copies of your marriage license cost extra and are ordered separately after the ceremony is performed and recorded.

What you need to bring to the probate court

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID for each person — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. You will also need your Social Security number and your date of birth. If either person has been married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of the previous spouse.

You do not need a birth certificate, but having one makes the process faster because the clerk can verify your information on the spot. If you do not have one, the clerk will ask questions to confirm your identity and record. Bring any legal name change documents if your current name differs from what appears on your ID.

How to find your county probate court

Search online for "[your county name] Ohio probate court" or "[your county name] clerk of courts." Most counties have a single office, though large counties like Franklin and Cuyahoga may have multiple locations. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need to make an appointment — some counties accept walk-ins, others require you to book a time slot.

The probate court website will list the address, phone number, and current fee. It will also show whether the office is open on Saturdays, which some counties are. If you cannot find the information online, call your county's general information line and ask for the probate court's direct number.

The 60-day validity window and ceremony timing

Once you receive your marriage license, it remains valid for exactly 60 days. The ceremony must take place within that window — if 60 days pass without a ceremony, the license expires and you must obtain a new one and pay the fee again. This means you should not get the license until you have a confirmed date and officiant lined up.

Ohio has no waiting period between obtaining the license and having the ceremony, so you can marry the same day if you have an officiant available. Some couples get the license on a Friday and marry on Saturday. Others obtain it weeks in advance if they have a date set far ahead.

Certified copies after you marry

After your ceremony is performed, the officiant files the completed license with the county. Once it is recorded — usually within one to two weeks — you can order certified copies. Each certified copy costs $15 to $25 depending on the county. You will need these for changing your name, updating your Social Security card, or providing proof of marriage to employers or financial institutions.

Order certified copies through the same probate court or clerk's office where you obtained the license. You can usually order them by mail, phone, or in person. Some counties allow online ordering. Ask how many copies you will need — most people order two to four, though you can order more if you anticipate future requests.

Name changes and what happens after marriage

Ohio does not require you to change your name after marriage, and you do not need permission from the court to do so. If you want to change your name, you can use your marriage license as proof of the name change when you update your Social Security card, driver's license, and other documents. Bring a certified copy of your marriage license to the Social Security Administration office.

If you want a legal name change that is not tied to marriage — for example, changing to a completely different name — you will need to file a separate petition in probate court. That process involves a court hearing and additional fees, and is different from the marriage license process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a blood test to get married in Ohio?

No. Ohio eliminated the blood test requirement decades ago. You do not need any medical tests or documentation to obtain a marriage license.

Can one person get the license if the other cannot come in person?

No. Both people must appear together at the probate court with valid ID. The clerk will not issue a license if only one person is present.

What if I lost my marriage license before the ceremony?

Contact the probate court when ready and ask for a replacement. You will likely need to pay the full fee again, though some counties may waive it if you report the loss quickly. Bring your ID and explain what happened.

How much do certified copies cost after I marry?

Certified copies typically cost $15 to $25 per copy depending on your county. Order them through the same probate court where you obtained the original license, usually one to two weeks after your ceremony is recorded.

Can I change my name without getting married?

Yes, but it requires a separate legal process. You would file a petition for name change in probate court, attend a hearing, and pay court fees. This is different from using a marriage license to change your name.