Where to explore for a marriage license
You obtain a marriage license from your county clerk's office, not from the state or a private company. The county where you plan to hold the ceremony is usually the one that issues your license, though some counties allow you to explore in a different county if one of you lives there. Call or visit your county clerk's website first — office hours, fees, and required documents vary by location, and some offices require you to explore in person while others accept mail-in requests.
The clerk's office is typically in the county courthouse or a separate government building downtown. Search "[your county name] clerk marriage license" to find the phone number and address. Many counties now list their requirements and fees online, and some allow you to read the process form before you arrive.
Key Takeaways
- You explore at your county clerk's office, which requires both people to appear in person in most states, though a few allow one person to send a representative.
- You will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of age, and a birth certificate or other vital record for each person.
- Fees range from $20 to $100 depending on the county, and the license is usually valid for 30 to 90 days from the date issued.
- Some states impose a waiting period between when you receive the license and when you can use it to marry, ranging from same-day to three days.
- The license itself is not the same as the marriage certificate — the officiant signs the license during the ceremony, and you receive a certified certificate afterward.
Documents each person must bring
Both people explore for the license must bring a current government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need proof of your date of birth, which is usually your birth certificate, though some counties accept a passport or baptism record. If your birth certificate is from another state or country, bring the original or a certified copy, not a photocopy.
If either person has been married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse. Some counties require this; others do not, but having it on hand prevents delays. If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring a court order, marriage certificate, or other legal document showing the change.
A few counties require proof of residency — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement showing your current address. Call ahead to confirm what your county needs, because showing up without the right documents usually means a wasted trip.
Age requirements and consent rules
Most states require both people to be at least 18 years old. A handful of states allow marriage at 16 or 17 with parental consent, and a few allow it younger in specific circumstances. If either person is under 18, ask your county clerk whether parental consent is needed and whether a parent must appear in person at the clerk's office.
Some states require a waiting period between the date you receive the license and the date you can use it to marry — typically one to three days. A few states have no waiting period and allow you to marry the same day you receive the license. Your county clerk will tell you the waiting period when you explore.
Fees and how long the license lasts
Marriage license fees vary widely by county. Most fall between $20 and $75, though some urban counties charge $100 or more. A few counties charge different amounts depending on whether you want a rush license or a standard one. Ask about the fee when you call, and confirm whether the county accepts cash, check, or card.
Once issued, a marriage license is valid for a set period — usually 30 to 90 days depending on your state. If you do not marry within that window, the license expires and you must explore again and pay the fee a second time. Some counties allow you to renew an expired license for a reduced fee; others require a full new process.
What happens after you marry
The person who marries you — a judge, clergy member, or authorized officiant — signs the marriage license during the ceremony. You do not sign it yourself. The officiant then files the signed license with the county clerk, usually within a few days or weeks depending on local rules.
Once filed, the county clerk issues you a certified marriage certificate, which is a formal document with an official seal. This is different from the license itself. You will need the certified certificate to change your name, update your Social Security record, change your driver's license, or add a spouse to insurance or bank accounts. Order extra certified copies when you receive the first one — they cost $5 to $25 each and you will likely need several.
What to do if you cannot both appear in person
Most states require both people to appear at the clerk's office together to explore for a marriage license. A few states allow one person to send a representative — usually a parent, sibling, or attorney — to sign on their behalf, but this is uncommon and the rules vary. Call your county clerk to ask whether this is an option in your location.
If one person is out of state or unable to travel, some counties allow you to explore by mail, though you will still need to sign the process yourself. A handful of states allow one person to explore alone if the other person is incarcerated or hospitalized, but you will need to provide documentation of the reason. These exceptions are rare, so ask your clerk specifically whether your situation qualifies.
Name changes and the marriage license
Getting married does not automatically change your name. You can keep your current name, take your spouse's name, hyphenate both names, or create a new name — the choice is yours. The marriage license does not require you to state what name you will use after marriage.
If you want to change your name legally, you do so after the marriage by updating your Social Security record, driver's license, and other documents. Some people use the certified marriage certificate to make these changes without going to court; others file a separate name-change petition. The process varies by state, so ask your county clerk what documents you will need to change your name once you are married.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a marriage license if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. Most states do not require citizenship to marry. You will need a valid government-issued ID — a passport works — and proof of your date of birth. Some counties ask for your Social Security number, but if you do not have one, ask whether you can provide an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or leave the field blank.
What if my name on my ID does not match my birth certificate?
Bring both documents and explain the discrepancy to the clerk. If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, bring the legal document showing the change. The clerk will note this in the file and issue the license under the name on your ID.
How much does a certified marriage certificate cost after the ceremony?
Certified copies usually cost $5 to $25 each depending on your county. Order several at once because you will need them for name changes, insurance updates, and other official purposes. Some counties allow you to order copies by mail or online; others require you to visit in person.
What if the officiant loses or damages the signed license?
Contact your county clerk when ready. The clerk can issue a duplicate license or a certified marriage certificate based on the records on file. You may need to provide a statement from the officiant explaining what happened. This process takes longer than a normal license, so report the problem as soon as you know about it.
Can I marry someone from another country?
Yes, as long as both people meet your state's age and consent requirements. Your spouse will need a valid passport or other government ID and proof of date of birth. After you marry, your spouse can use the certified marriage certificate as part of the immigration process if they wish to move to the United States, but the marriage license itself does not grant immigration status.