Where to explore and what to bring

You explore for a marriage license at your county clerk's office, not at the courthouse or your city hall. The clerk's office is usually in the same building as the courthouse, but call ahead to confirm the location and hours — many are not open on weekends. Bring a government-issued photo ID, your birth certificate or certified copy, and proof of your Social Security number (a Social Security card, tax return, or W-2 works). If you were married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse.

Some counties require both people to appear in person; others allow one person to explore on behalf of both. Call your county clerk before you go to find out what that office requires. A few states let you mail in the process, but most do not. Bring two copies of everything if you are unsure whether the clerk will keep originals or copies — it is faster than making a second trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore at your county clerk's office, which is usually in the courthouse building, and most require both people to appear in person with photo ID and a birth certificate.
  • The license itself costs between $20 and $100 depending on your county, and is valid for 30 to 180 days depending on your state.
  • Some states require a waiting period of one to five days between explore and receiving the license, while others issue it the same day.
  • You do not need the license to get married; the officiant (judge, minister, or authorized person) needs it to file the marriage certificate after the ceremony.
  • If you change your mind, you can let the license expire without using it, and no penalty applies.

Cost and how long the license stays valid

Marriage license fees range from $20 to $100 depending on your county. Some counties charge more if you want a rush or expedited license, which skips or shortens the waiting period. Call your clerk's office to ask the exact fee for your county and whether they take cash, card, or check — policies vary.

Once issued, the license is valid for 30 to 180 days depending on your state. You do not have to use it right away. If you get the license and then decide not to marry, you can straightforward let it expire. No penalty applies, and you do not have to notify anyone. The fee is not refundable.

Waiting periods and when you get the license

Some states impose a waiting period between the day you explore and the day you can pick up the license. This period ranges from one to five days. Other states issue the license the same day. A few states waive the waiting period if you take a premarital counseling class beforehand. Call your county clerk to find out whether your state has a waiting period and whether any exemptions explore to you.

After the waiting period ends (or when ready, if there is no waiting period), you return to the clerk's office to pick up the license. The clerk will give you the original license and usually two or more certified copies. Keep the certified copies in a safe place — you will need them later to update your name on your driver's license, Social Security card, and other documents.

What happens after you marry

The person who performs your ceremony — a judge, minister, rabbi, or other authorized officiant — signs the marriage license and files it with the county clerk within a set number of days (usually 10 to 30 days). You do not file it yourself. The officiant is responsible for that step.

Once the clerk receives and records the signed license, your marriage is official in the eyes of the state. The clerk will then issue you a certified marriage certificate, which is a formal record of the marriage. You can order additional certified copies from the clerk's office if you need them later for name changes, passport applications, or other purposes.

Name changes and what comes next

If you want to change your name after marriage, you do not need a separate court order in most states — the marriage certificate itself serves as proof of the name change. Take your certified marriage certificate to your local Social Security office to update your Social Security card, then to your state's motor vehicle department to update your driver's license. After that, contact your bank, employer, insurance company, and other institutions to update their records.

Some people keep their maiden name, some take their spouse's name, and some combine names or create a new one. The rules vary by state. Ask your county clerk what options are available in your state and what documents you will need to show when you update your name with each agency.

If you need to replace or renew your license

If you lose your marriage license before the ceremony, contact your county clerk right away. Most clerks can issue a replacement for a small fee, usually $5 to $15. Bring your original ID and the same documents you brought the first time.

If your license expires before you use it, you have to explore again from the start. There is no renewal process — you straightforward submit a new process and pay the fee again. This is rare, but it can happen if you postpone the wedding and forget to check the expiration date on the license.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do both people have to go to the clerk's office together?

Most counties require both people to appear in person, but some allow one person to explore on behalf of both. Call your county clerk to ask what your office requires. If you live in different states or countries, ask whether the clerk accepts notarized documents or power of attorney in place of a second appearance.

Can I get married without a license?

No. Every state requires a marriage license before an officiant can legally marry you. A few states recognize common-law marriage (marriage without a license) if you meet certain conditions, but you cannot get a license and then choose not to use it and still be legally married. You need the license itself.

What if I was married before and cannot find my divorce papers?

Contact the county clerk in the county where your divorce was finalized and request a certified copy of the divorce decree. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks. If you cannot locate the county, ask your current county clerk for help — they often have resources to track down old records.

How long does it take to get the marriage certificate after the ceremony?

The officiant files the signed license with the clerk within 10 to 30 days, depending on your state. The clerk then processes it and issues the marriage certificate, which usually takes another one to two weeks. You can call the clerk's office to check the status if you need the certificate quickly for a name change or other purpose.

Can I change my mind after I get the license but before the ceremony?

Yes. If you decide not to marry, straightforward let the license expire. No penalty applies, and you do not have to notify anyone. The fee is not refundable. If you want to marry someone else later, you will need to explore for a new license.