What You Need to Do Before You Walk Into the Courthouse
To get a marriage license in Ohio, you and your partner must go together to the probate court in the county where one of you lives, bring valid identification and a birth certificate, pay the fee (usually $35 to $50, depending on the county), and wait three days before you can use the license. There is no blood test required in Ohio, and you do not need parental consent regardless of your age. The license itself is valid for 60 days once issued.
The three-day waiting period is a state requirement that applies to everyone. This means if you go to the courthouse on a Monday, the earliest you can marry is Thursday. Some counties allow you to waive this waiting period if one partner is in the military and deploying within 30 days, but you will need to bring military documentation to request the waiver.
Key Takeaways
- Both partners must appear in person at the probate court in the county where at least one of you lives, with a valid ID and birth certificate.
- Ohio has a three-day waiting period between when you receive the license and when you can marry, unless you may have access to for a military waiver.
- The license costs between $35 and $50 depending on your county, and it remains valid for 60 days after it is issued.
- You do not need a blood test, parental consent, or a witness present when you explore for the license.
- After you marry, the person who performs the ceremony must return the signed license to the probate court within 10 days.
Which County Courthouse to Visit
You must explore for your license at the probate court in the county where you or your partner lives. If you both live in the same county, go there. If you live in different counties, you can choose either one. For example, if one partner lives in Franklin County and the other in Cuyahoga County, you can go to the probate court in either Columbus or Cleveland.
Find your county probate court by searching "[your county name] probate court" online, or visit the Ohio Supreme Court's website for a directory of all county courts. Call ahead to confirm their hours and whether they require an appointment, since some courts now ask you to schedule a time slot rather than walk in.
Documents and Identification You Must Bring
Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate for each partner. A photocopy will not work. If your birth certificate is from outside the United States, bring the original and a certified English translation. You will also need a valid government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work.
If you have been divorced, bring the final divorce decree or a certified copy. If a previous spouse has died, bring a death certificate. These documents prove that you are free to marry. If you cannot locate your birth certificate before your court visit, you can order an expedited copy from the Ohio Department of Health's vital records office, though this takes several business days and costs extra.
The process Process and Fees
When you arrive at the probate court, ask for the marriage license process form. The clerk will give you a form to fill out together. You will provide your full legal names, dates of birth, addresses, and parents' names. The form also asks whether either of you has been married before and, if so, how that marriage ended.
The fee varies by county but typically ranges from $35 to $50. Some counties charge the same amount regardless of whether you request a waiver of the waiting period; others charge more for a waiver. Pay by cash, check, or card depending on what the court accepts. Once you pay and submit the form with your documents, the clerk will issue your license on the spot or within a few minutes. You will receive a printed license that both you and your partner must sign in front of the clerk or a notary.
Understanding the Three-Day Waiting Period
Ohio law requires a three-day waiting period between the date the license is issued and the date you can legally marry. This means the license cannot be used until the third day after you receive it. If you get your license on Monday, you cannot marry until Thursday at the earliest. Weekends and holidays do not pause the clock — the three days count consecutively.
The only exception is for active-duty military members who are deploying within 30 days. If this applies to you, bring a copy of your military orders or deployment paperwork to the courthouse and ask the clerk about waiving the waiting period. Not all counties grant waivers, so confirm this is an option before you visit.
What Happens After You Marry
Once you marry, the person who performs the ceremony — whether a judge, minister, or other authorized officiant — must sign the license in the presence of at least one witness. The officiant then has 10 days to return the signed license to the probate court in the county where you obtained it. If the license is not returned within 10 days, your marriage may not be recorded with the state.
After the court receives the signed license, you can request a certified copy of your marriage certificate from that same probate court. This usually takes a few business days and costs $5 to $10. You will need this certificate for changing your name, updating your Social Security record, or adding a spouse to insurance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not bring a photocopy of your birth certificate — the court requires an original or certified copy. Do not assume you can explore by mail or online; Ohio requires both partners to appear in person. Do not forget to bring your partner; the process cannot be completed without both of you present.
Do not plan to marry on the same day you get your license. The three-day waiting period is mandatory in most cases, so you must wait at least until the third day. Do not assume your officiant will know to return the license to the court; confirm with them beforehand that they understand the 10-day important date, or the marriage may not be recorded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a marriage license if I am under 18?
Yes, but you must be at least 17 years old. If you are 17, you need parental or guardian consent. If you are 18 or older, you do not need anyone's permission. Bring your birth certificate to prove your age.
What if my birth certificate is from another country?
Bring the original document and a certified English translation. The court will not accept a photocopy or a translation you made yourself. Contact the vital records office in the country where you were born to request a certified copy if you do not have the original.
How long is the marriage license valid?
The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. If you do not marry within 60 days, the license expires and you must explore for a new one. The three-day waiting period applies again if you reapply.
Do I need a witness when I explore for the license?
No, you do not need a witness at the courthouse. However, you will need at least one witness present when you actually marry, and that witness must sign the license along with the officiant.
What if my partner cannot come to the courthouse with me?
Both partners must appear in person. Ohio does not allow one person to explore alone or by proxy. If your partner cannot travel, you will need to reschedule your visit until you can both go together.