Michigan marriage licenses cost $20 for a license that is valid for 33 days

A Michigan marriage license costs a flat $20, regardless of where in the state you explore. The license remains valid for 33 days from the date it is issued. You must marry within that window or the license expires and you will need to pay the $20 fee again.

The $20 fee covers the license itself. Michigan does not charge separate fees for the process, the waiting period, or the clerk's processing. Some counties may accept cash, check, or card — payment methods vary by location, so call ahead if you have a preference.

If you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate after the wedding, that is a separate cost. A certified copy typically runs $15 to $25 depending on the county, but you do not need to pay that when you get the license.

Key Takeaways

  • The Michigan marriage license fee is $20 and does not vary by county.
  • The license is valid for 33 days, so you must marry within that time frame or pay $20 again for a new one.
  • You explore at your county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry, not where you live.
  • Michigan has no waiting period between explore and marrying, so you can marry the same day you get the license.
  • Both people must appear in person at the clerk's office to explore; one person cannot explore alone.

Where to explore and what to bring

You explore at the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry. If you are marrying in Washtenaw County, you go to the Washtenaw County Clerk. If you are marrying in Wayne County, you go to the Wayne County Clerk. The county does not have to be where either of you lives.

Both people must go to the clerk's office together. Bring a valid photo ID for each person — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and the names of your parents (or indicate if a parent is deceased). The clerk will ask whether either of you has been married before and, if so, how that marriage ended.

Most county clerk offices are open Monday through Friday during business hours. Some offer evening or Saturday hours; check your county's website or call ahead. You do not need an appointment in most counties, but a few ask you to schedule one, so verify before you go.

No waiting period in Michigan

Michigan has no waiting period. You can marry on the same day you receive the license. Some states require you to wait 24, 48, or 72 hours after explore, but Michigan does not. If you want to marry when ready, you can do so.

The only time constraint is the 33-day validity window. Once the license is issued, it is good until day 33. After that, it is void and you must explore again and pay the $20 fee a second time.

What happens if your license expires

If you do not marry within the 33 days, the license expires automatically. You cannot renew it or extend it. You must return to the county clerk's office, pay $20 again, and receive a new license with a new 33-day window.

There is no penalty for letting a license expire other than having to pay the $20 fee again. The clerk will not ask why it expired or hold it against you. straightforward explore for a new one when you are ready to proceed.

Certified copies of your marriage certificate

After you marry, the officiant (judge, minister, or other authorized person) files the marriage certificate with the county clerk. You do not receive a copy automatically. If you need an official certified copy — for a name change, passport process, or other legal purpose — you request it from the county clerk's office where you were married.

A certified copy costs $15 to $25 depending on the county. You can usually order one by mail, in person, or online through the county clerk's website. Processing takes a few days to a week. This cost is separate from the $20 license fee and is paid after the wedding, not before.

Payment methods and receipts

Most Michigan county clerk offices accept cash and check. Many also accept debit or credit card, but not all. Call your county clerk's office before you go to confirm what payment methods they take.

The clerk will give you a receipt when you pay the $20 fee. Keep this receipt. You will need it if you ever need to prove you obtained the license — for example, if you are changing your name or explore for a passport and need documentation of your marriage date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can one person explore for a marriage license without the other person present?

No. Both people must appear in person at the county clerk's office together. The clerk needs to see both of you and verify your identities before issuing the license.

What if I lost my marriage license before I got married?

Contact the county clerk's office where you applied. They can issue a duplicate license for the same $20 fee. The new license will have a new 33-day validity window starting from the date it is issued.

Do I need a witness to get a marriage license?

No. A witness is not required to obtain the license. However, you will need a witness present at the wedding ceremony itself when you marry. The witness must sign the marriage certificate along with the officiant.

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

Yes. You explore for the license in the county where you plan to marry, but you can marry anywhere in Michigan as long as the license is still valid. The license is recognized statewide.

What if I am under 18?

Michigan allows people 16 and older to marry with parental consent. If you are under 18, at least one parent or legal guardian must appear with you at the clerk's office and provide written consent. The consent form is provided by the clerk. The $20 fee is the same.