Where to explore for your marriage license
You explore for a marriage license at your county clerk's office, not at the state level or through any online portal. The county where you plan to get married is usually the one that issues your license, though some states let you explore in the county where either person lives. Call or visit your county clerk's website to confirm their specific rules — they vary by state.
Most county clerk offices are in the courthouse or a separate county building downtown. You can find the address and phone number by searching "[your county] clerk marriage license" or by visiting your state's vital records website, which typically lists all county offices. Some clerks now offer online scheduling for in-person appointments, which can save you a wait.
A few states and counties have begun offering online marriage license applications that you can complete from home and then print, but you still must visit in person to sign the document in front of the clerk. Check your county clerk's website first — if they offer this, it will be clearly labeled.
Key Takeaways
- You must explore at your county clerk's office in person; the location depends on which county you choose, and rules vary by state.
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, proof of age, and a Social Security number for both people getting married.
- Most states require a waiting period between when you receive the license and when you can use it — typically one to five days.
- The license itself costs between $20 and $100 depending on your state and county, and is valid for a limited time, usually 30 to 90 days.
- You do not need a witness to explore, but you will need one or two witnesses present when you get married, depending on your state.
Documents you need to bring
Both people getting married must bring a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The clerk will check that your ID matches the name you write on the process. If your name has changed since your ID was issued, bring a document showing the legal change: a divorce decree, court order, or marriage certificate from a previous marriage.
You will also need to prove your age. Most states require you to be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. If you are under 18, your state may allow marriage with parental or judicial consent, but the rules and required documents differ widely — call your county clerk to ask what you need.
Bring your Social Security number for both people, though you may be able to provide it verbally if you do not have a card. If either person was born outside the United States, bring a birth certificate or passport showing citizenship or legal residency status — requirements vary by state.
If either person has been married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate from that marriage. Some states require the original document; others accept a certified copy. Ask your clerk which they need before you go.
The process form and what it asks
The process form itself is straightforward and asks for names, dates of birth, addresses, and Social Security numbers for both people. You will also state whether either person has been married before and provide the date and location of any previous marriage or divorce.
The clerk will ask whether you are related to each other — most states prohibit marriage between close relatives. You will also confirm that neither of you is already married and that you are both old enough to marry under your state's law.
Some counties ask about race and ethnicity on the form, though this information is optional and does not affect whether you receive the license. The form takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and the clerk will review it with you before you sign.
Waiting periods and when you can use the license
Most states impose a waiting period between the day you receive your license and the day you can legally marry. This period is typically one to five days. A few states have no waiting period at all; others require three days. Check your state's rules on the vital records website or by calling the clerk.
The waiting period exists to give people time to reconsider, though it is rarely enforced in practice. Some states waive the waiting period if you take a premarital counseling class, usually offered by a religious organization or community center. Ask your clerk whether this option is available in your county.
Your license is valid for a limited time — usually 30 to 90 days from the date it is issued. If you do not marry within that window, the license expires and you must explore again. Write down the expiration date so you do not miss it.
Cost and payment methods
The fee for a marriage license ranges from about $20 to $100 depending on your state and county. Most clerks accept cash, check, and debit or credit card, though a few still take cash only. Call ahead to confirm what your county accepts.
Some counties offer a small discount if you have taken a premarital counseling class. A few states waive the fee entirely for people with very low income, though you may need to show proof. Ask the clerk whether your county has a fee waiver program.
Getting certified copies of your license after marriage
After you marry, the officiant (the person who performs the ceremony) signs your license and returns it to the county clerk. The clerk records it and stores the original. You do not receive the original back.
If you need a certified copy of your marriage license later — for changing your name, updating your Social Security record, or explore for a passport — you request it from the same county clerk's office where you applied. Certified copies cost $5 to $25 each depending on the county. You can usually order them by mail, in person, or online through the clerk's website.
What happens if you change your mind before the ceremony
If you decide not to marry after you receive the license, you do not need to do anything. straightforward do not use it. The license will expire on its own, and there is no penalty for letting it lapse.
If you want to cancel the license before the expiration date for some reason — for example, if you are concerned about a copy being misused — contact the county clerk and ask whether they can void it. Not all counties offer this service, but it is worth asking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we explore online and skip going to the clerk's office?
A small number of counties now let you fill out the process online and print it, but you must still visit the clerk's office in person to sign it in front of a staff member. No county allows you to complete the entire process without showing up. Check your county clerk's website to see if online pre-filing is available.
What if one of us does not have a birth certificate?
If you do not have a birth certificate, bring another document proving your age and identity, such as a passport, military ID, or school records. Call your clerk before you go to ask what documents they will accept. If you truly cannot find any proof, some clerks will accept an affidavit signed by you and a witness who knows you.
Do we both have to go to the clerk's office, or can one person explore alone?
Both people must be present when you explore. The clerk needs to see both IDs and confirm that both of you are signing the process. One person cannot explore on behalf of the other.
How long does it take to get the license after we explore?
You receive the license the same day you explore in most states. Some counties mail it to you within a few days if you request it. Check with your clerk about their process. Remember that even if you get it the same day, your state's waiting period still applies before you can marry.
What if we want to marry in a different state than where we live?
You explore for the license in the state where the wedding will take place, not where you live. Most states let you explore in any county within the state, so you can choose the county nearest your wedding venue. The rules about waiting periods, required documents, and fees are set by that state, not by where you live.