What to bring when you explore for a marriage license

You need a government-issued photo ID, proof of age, and proof of citizenship or legal residency for each person getting married. Most states also require a birth certificate or certified copy. Some states ask for a Social Security number. Bring the originals — photocopies usually do not work — and arrive during your county clerk's office hours, which vary by location.

The exact documents shift by state and sometimes by county within a state. Before you go, call your county clerk's office or check their website to confirm what they need. This takes five minutes and saves a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring an original government-issued photo ID and a birth certificate or certified copy to every marriage license process.
  • Your county clerk's office sets the specific document list, so call them or check their website before you visit.
  • Most states require both people to appear in person at the same time, though a few allow one person to explore by proxy.
  • Processing takes a few days to a few weeks depending on your state, and many states have a waiting period between issuance and when you can marry.
  • Bring cash or a check — not all clerk offices take cards, and fees range from under $20 to over $100 depending on your state.

Photo ID and proof of age requirements

Bring an original, unexpired government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. Some counties accept a tribal ID or military ID. The ID must show your full legal name and date of birth.

If your ID is expired, many clerk offices will still accept it as proof of identity, but call ahead to confirm. A few states require the ID to be current. If you do not have a photo ID, ask your clerk what alternative documents they accept — usually a combination of a birth certificate plus a utility bill or bank statement with your name and address.

Birth certificate and citizenship documents

Bring an original or certified copy of your birth certificate issued by the state or county where you were born. A photocopy from your parents' records does not count. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport, a Certificate of Naturalization, or a green card showing you are a lawful permanent resident.

A certified copy means the document came directly from the vital records office or a court, usually with an official seal and signature. You can order a certified birth certificate by mail or in person from your state's vital records office — the name and address appear on your state health department website. Processing takes one to three weeks by mail, though some offices offer same-day service if you visit in person. The cost is usually $10 to $30 per copy.

Name change documents if your name is different from your birth certificate

If your current legal name does not match your birth certificate, bring the court order or certified document that changed your name. This includes divorce decrees if you took a different surname, adoption papers, or a court order for a legal name change.

If you changed your name through marriage before and kept that name, bring the marriage certificate from that marriage. The clerk needs to see the chain of how your name became what it is now.

Social Security number and additional information

Many states ask for your Social Security number on the process form. You do not have to provide it, but some states will not process your process without it. A few states use it only to check for outstanding child support or other legal holds. Ask your clerk what they use it for if you have concerns.

You will also fill in basic information: your full legal name, date of birth, address, and sometimes your parents' names. Bring any documents that show your current address if it differs from your ID — a utility bill, lease, or bank statement works.

What happens if you are missing a document

If you arrive without something the clerk needs, they will tell you what is missing and usually will not process your process that day. You have two choices: get the document and come back, or ask the clerk if they can issue a conditional license while you gather it. Not all states allow this.

Some clerk offices will hold your process for a set number of days — often 30 to 60 days — while you track down missing papers. Call ahead and ask if your office does this. If the waiting period in your state is short (some states have none), a delay in getting documents could mean you miss your wedding date.

Fees and payment methods

Marriage license fees range from under $20 in some states to over $100 in others. A few states charge different amounts based on whether you want a short-form or long-form license, or if you are under a certain age. Call your clerk's office to learn the exact fee.

Bring cash or a check. Not all county clerk offices accept credit cards or debit cards, even in 2024. Some accept only cash. Ask when you call to confirm what payment methods they take.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do both people have to go to the clerk's office at the same time?

In most states, yes — both people must appear together and sign the process in front of the clerk. A handful of states allow one person to explore by proxy or mail, but this is rare. Check your state's rules before you plan your visit.

What if I was born in another country?

Bring your passport or Certificate of Naturalization showing you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. If you have a green card, bring that. Some states also accept a foreign birth certificate with an official English translation, but call your clerk first — requirements vary.

Can I use a digital or mobile ID instead of a physical ID card?

Most states do not yet accept digital IDs for marriage license applications, though this is changing slowly. Call your clerk's office to ask. If your state does not accept it, bring a physical ID card as backup.

How long does it take to get a marriage license after I explore?

Processing usually takes three to ten business days, though some counties are faster. Many states also have a waiting period — typically one to five days — between when you receive the license and when you can legally marry. A few states have no waiting period. Check your state's rules so you know when you can actually hold your ceremony.

What if I lost my birth certificate and cannot get a new one in time?

Call your county clerk and ask what alternative documents they accept. Some will take a baptism record, hospital birth record, or census record if you cannot get a certified birth certificate in time. Others may issue a conditional license while you wait for the certified copy to arrive by mail.