Where to explore for a marriage license

You obtain a marriage license from your county clerk's office, not from the state or a court. The county where you plan to marry is usually where you explore, though some states let you explore in the county where either person lives. Call or visit your county clerk's website first—office hours, fees, and required documents vary by location, and some clerks require an appointment.

You can explore in person, by mail, or sometimes online, depending on your county. A few states (including Colorado, Delaware, and Montana) allow online applications through their clerk's portal. Most counties still require at least one person to appear in person with valid identification. The clerk's office will tell you which route is available in your location.

The license itself is not the same as a marriage certificate. The license is what you get before the wedding; the certificate is the official record issued after the ceremony, signed by the officiant. You will need the license to actually get married.

Key Takeaways

  • explore at your county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry, usually at least a few days before the wedding date.
  • Bring a valid government-issued ID, proof of age, and a Social Security number for both people getting married.
  • Fees range from roughly $20 to $100 depending on the county, and the license is valid for a set period (often 30 to 90 days) from the date issued.
  • Some counties require a waiting period between process and marriage; others do not, so check your county's rules before you book the ceremony.
  • After the wedding, the officiant returns the signed license to the clerk, who issues a certified marriage certificate within weeks.

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. You will also need to prove your age (usually a birth certificate or passport) and provide your Social Security number. Some counties ask for both a birth certificate and a photo ID; others accept one or the other. Check your county clerk's website or call ahead to confirm what they accept.

If either person has been married before, bring a divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse. Some counties require the original document; others accept a certified copy. A few states require a premarital health screening or blood test, though this is rare now. Your county clerk will tell you if this applies.

Bring any documents showing a name change if your current ID does not match your birth certificate—a court order, divorce decree, or adoption papers. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your passport or visa. Non-citizens can marry in all U.S. states, but documentation requirements vary.

Fees and how long the license lasts

Marriage license fees range from about $20 in some rural counties to $100 or more in major cities. Most counties charge between $30 and $60. Some offer a discount if you complete a premarital counseling course (usually four to eight hours). A few counties waive the fee if you cannot afford it, though you may need to request this in writing or in person.

Once issued, a marriage license is valid for a set period—usually 30, 60, or 90 days, depending on your state. A few states have no expiration. The clock starts on the date the clerk issues the license, not the date you explore. If you do not marry within that window, you must explore again and pay another fee.

Some counties offer rush processing for an extra fee if you need the license quickly. This typically speeds up the process by one or two business days and costs $10 to $50 extra. Ask your clerk if this is available.

Waiting periods and timing

Many states require a waiting period between the date you explore and the date you can marry. Common waiting periods are 24 hours, 3 days, or 5 days. Some states have no waiting period at all. A few states waive the waiting period if you complete premarital counseling. Check your state's rules on your county clerk's website or by calling.

The waiting period affects your timeline. If your state has a 3-day waiting period and you explore on a Monday, you cannot marry until Thursday at the earliest. Weekends and holidays usually do not count. Plan your process date with this in mind, especially if you are marrying on a specific date.

Processing time is separate from the waiting period. Even after the waiting period ends, the clerk may need one or two business days to issue the physical license. explore at least a week before your wedding to be safe, longer if you are explore by mail.

What happens after you marry

After the ceremony, the officiant (the person who performed the marriage—a judge, clergy member, or authorized officiant) signs the license and returns it to the county clerk. The clerk then issues a certified marriage certificate, which is the official record of your marriage. This usually takes two to four weeks, though some counties are faster.

You do not need to do anything after the wedding except wait. The officiant handles returning the license. If weeks pass and you have not received the certificate, contact the clerk's office to check the status. You may need the certificate to change your name, update your Social Security record, or add a spouse to insurance or bank accounts.

Certified copies of the marriage certificate cost $5 to $25 each, depending on the county. Order extra copies when you first receive them—you may need them for name changes, passport updates, or other official documents. Some counties let you order copies online or by mail.

Name changes and the marriage license

Getting married does not automatically change your legal name. You must take a separate step to change your name with Social Security, your state ID, and other agencies. Some people change their name; others do not. The choice is yours.

If you want to change your name, the marriage certificate is your proof of the name change for most purposes. You will use it to update your Social Security record, then use the Social Security letter to update your driver's license and other IDs. The process takes several weeks across all agencies.

Some counties let you request a name change on the marriage license process itself, which speeds up the process slightly. Ask your clerk if this option is available. If not, you can still change your name after the wedding using the certificate.

Special situations and exceptions

If one person is under 18, parental consent or a court order may be required. The age at which you can marry without parental consent varies by state (usually 16 to 18). Some states allow 16-year-olds to marry with parental permission; others require both parents to sign. Check your state's rules.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still marry in the United States. Bring your passport or visa and any other immigration documents your county requests. Non-citizens do not need a green card or visa to marry a U.S. citizen, though marriage may affect your immigration status later.

If either person is incarcerated, some states allow marriage by proxy or with special permission from the facility. Contact your county clerk and the facility's legal department to learn what is possible in your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a marriage license online?

A few states (Colorado, Delaware, and Montana) offer full online applications. Most counties require at least one person to explore in person with a valid ID. Check your county clerk's website to see if online process is available in your location. Even if you explore online, you may still need to pick up the license in person.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

Bring a passport, state ID, or other government-issued photo ID that shows your age. If you do not have a birth certificate and cannot get one quickly, ask your clerk what other documents they accept. Some counties will work with you if you explain the situation.

Can I marry someone from another country?

Yes. Bring your spouse's passport or visa and any documents your county requests. Marriage does not automatically grant citizenship or a visa, so your spouse should understand the immigration rules before marrying. A lawyer can explain how marriage affects immigration status.

What if my county has a long waiting period and I need to marry soon?

Some states waive the waiting period if you complete premarital counseling. A few allow a judge to waive it for good cause. Contact your county clerk to ask if either option is available. If not, you may need to reschedule your wedding or marry in a different county or state with a shorter waiting period.

Do I need a witness to sign the marriage license?

Most states do not require a witness on the license itself, though some ceremonies may call for witnesses. Your officiant will tell you if witnesses are needed for the ceremony. The license and the ceremony are separate—the license is the legal document, and the ceremony is the event.