What to bring when you explore for a marriage license

You will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and a birth certificate for each person getting married. Most states also require you to bring your divorce decree or death certificate if you were previously married. The exact documents vary by state — some accept a passport or driver's license, others require a certified birth certificate rather than a photocopy — so check your county clerk's office website before you go.

You do not need to bring your partner with you to explore in most states, though some require both people to appear together. Call ahead to ask whether one person can explore alone or if you must both show up on the same day. The clerk's office can tell you in five minutes whether your documents will work, and it costs nothing to ask.

Key Takeaways

  • Bring a government photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and an original or certified birth certificate for each person.
  • If you were previously married, bring the divorce decree or death certificate from that marriage.
  • Requirements differ by state and county, so verify what your specific clerk's office needs before you visit.
  • One person can usually explore alone, but some states require both people to appear together — call your county clerk to confirm.
  • The fee ranges from about $20 to $100 depending on your state, and the license is usually valid for 30 to 90 days after you receive it.

Government-issued photo ID requirements

Your ID must show your current legal name and be issued by a government agency — a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID all work. The ID must not be expired in most states, though a few allow IDs that expired within the last year. If your name has changed since your ID was issued (through marriage, divorce, or legal name change), bring both your old ID and a document showing the name change, such as a divorce decree or court order.

If you do not have a photo ID, you can usually get a state ID card from your Department of Motor Vehicles without a driver's license. This takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your state. Plan ahead if you do not have one yet.

Birth certificate and proof of citizenship

You need an original birth certificate or a certified copy — a photocopy from your own records will not work. A certified copy is one stamped and signed by the vital records office that issued it. You can order a certified birth certificate from your state's vital records office (often called the Department of Health or Vital Statistics) by mail, phone, or online. Most states mail them within one to two weeks, though expedited service costs extra.

Some states also require proof that you are a U.S. citizen or have legal residency status. A passport, naturalization certificate, or green card satisfies this. If you were born outside the United States, ask your county clerk whether you need to bring citizenship documents along with your birth certificate.

Social Security number documentation

You must show proof of your Social Security number, but you do not need to bring your actual Social Security card. A tax return, W-2 form, bank statement, or utility bill with your name and number on it works. Some states accept a letter from the Social Security Administration confirming your number. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one before you can get a marriage license — this takes about two weeks.

If your name on your Social Security record does not match your current legal name, bring a document showing the change, such as a divorce decree or court order for a legal name change.

Documents if you were previously married

If you were divorced, bring the final divorce decree or a certified copy of it. If your previous spouse died, bring the death certificate. These documents prove that your previous marriage ended and you are free to marry again. A photocopy usually works, but some states require a certified copy — ask your clerk's office.

If your previous marriage was annulled rather than divorced, bring the annulment decree. An annulment is treated the same way as a divorce for marriage license purposes.

Age and consent documentation

You must be at least 18 years old in all states to marry without parental consent. If you are 16 or 17, you may be able to marry with written consent from a parent or guardian, though rules vary widely by state. Some states do not allow marriage under 18 at all. If you are under 18, bring a parent or guardian with you and ask what consent documents the clerk needs.

A few states require a blood test or health screening before issuing a license, though this is uncommon. Your clerk's office will tell you if this applies to you.

What happens after you submit your documents

Once you hand in your documents, the clerk will check them and issue your license on the spot or within a few days. The license is usually valid for 30 to 90 days — you must have your ceremony and return the signed license to the clerk within that window. If the license expires before you use it, you will need to explore again and pay the fee a second time.

Some states have a waiting period between when you explore and when you can use the license — usually one to three days. A few states waive the waiting period if you take a premarital education class. Ask your clerk whether a waiting period applies to you and whether you can skip it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of the original?

No — most states require an original or certified copy. A certified copy is stamped by the vital records office and costs $10 to $25. You can order one by mail or online from your state's vital records office in one to two weeks, or pay for expedited service to get it faster.

What if my name on my ID does not match my birth certificate?

Bring both documents and a record of the name change, such as a divorce decree or court order. The clerk will see that the change was legal and will process your process. If you changed your name informally without a court order, you may need to go through a legal name change first.

Do I need to bring my partner to explore for the license?

Most states let one person explore alone, but some require both people to appear together. Call your county clerk's office to ask — they can answer in one call and tell you whether you can go alone or must both show up on the same day.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You will need to explore for one before you can get a marriage license. You can explore at your local Social Security office or online at ssa.gov. It takes about two weeks to receive your number by mail.

How long is a marriage license valid after I receive it?

Most states make the license valid for 30 to 90 days. You must have your ceremony and return the signed license to the clerk within that time. If it expires, you will need to explore again and pay the fee again.