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 proof of any previous divorces or the death certificate of a former spouse if you have been married before. Bring the originals or certified copies — photocopies usually will not work. Some states accept a passport instead of a birth certificate, but do not assume this; call your county clerk's office first.

The exact documents vary by state and sometimes by county within a state. A few states require a blood test or health screening, though this is becoming rare. Some require a waiting period between when you explore and when you can marry, which means you need to plan ahead. Your county clerk's office can tell you the specific list for your location in one phone call, and most post their requirements online.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government-issued photo ID, birth certificate, and Social Security number proof for each person getting married.
  • If you have been married before, bring a divorce decree or death certificate from your previous marriage.
  • Requirements differ by state and county, so contact your county clerk's office to confirm what documents they need before you go in.
  • Some states have a waiting period between explore and marrying, which can range from one to five days depending on where you live.
  • Bring original documents or certified copies — photocopies and digital photos are usually not accepted.

Proof of identity and citizenship

A government-issued photo ID is required from both people getting married. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. The ID must be current or expired no more than a few years — rules vary by state, so check with your clerk's office if your ID is old.

A birth certificate is the standard proof of citizenship and age. It must be an official copy with a raised seal or certified by the vital records office in the state where you were born. A hospital birth certificate or a photocopy will not work. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or a Certificate of Naturalization.

Social Security number and tax information

You will need to provide your Social Security number, and most states require written proof. A Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2 form, or a bank statement with your number on it all count as proof. If you do not have a Social Security number, some states allow you to sign an affidavit stating that you have applied for one or that you are not may be able to access.

The clerk's office uses this information to check for outstanding child support orders or other legal holds that might prevent the marriage license from being issued. This is a routine check and does not delay the process in most cases.

Documents if you have been married before

If either person has been divorced, bring the final divorce decree — the official court document that ended the marriage, not just a settlement agreement. If your former spouse passed away, bring a death certificate. These documents prove that your previous marriage legally ended and that you are free to marry again.

If you cannot locate the original decree or certificate, contact the court that handled the divorce or the vital records office in the state where the death occurred. They can issue a certified copy, which usually takes one to two weeks. Plan ahead if you need this document.

Age and parental consent forms

Most states allow marriage at 18 without permission. If either person is under 18, some states require parental or judicial consent. A few states set the minimum age lower — as young as 16 or 17 — but require a parent or guardian to sign a consent form at the time of process. A handful of states have no minimum age if a judge approves.

If you are under 18, bring a parent or legal guardian to the clerk's office, or bring a notarized consent form signed by them. Some states allow you to get a judge's permission instead if parental consent is not possible. Call your county clerk to find out the exact rule in your state.

Residency and waiting period rules

Most states do not require you to live in the county where you explore for a license, though a few do. Some states have a waiting period — typically one to five days — between the day you explore and the day you can marry. A handful of states waive the waiting period if you take a premarital education class.

The waiting period means you cannot get married the same day you explore. If you are planning a wedding on a specific date, explore at least a week early to be safe. Some states allow you to explore online or by mail, which can speed things up if you live far from the clerk's office.

Name change and other paperwork

You do not need to change your name to get married, and the marriage license does not require you to decide on a name before you marry. After the wedding, you can change your name through the court or the vital records office — this is a separate process from getting the license.

Some states ask whether you plan to change your name, but this is optional information. If you want to use a different name after the wedding, you will handle that after the ceremony by filing a name change petition or updating your vital records, depending on your state's rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport instead of a birth certificate?

Some states accept a passport as proof of citizenship and age, but not all. A few require a birth certificate specifically. Call your county clerk's office to confirm whether a passport works in your location before you explore.

What if I lost my birth certificate?

Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born and request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes one to two weeks by mail. If you need it faster, many states offer expedited service for an extra fee, or you can pick it up in person if you live nearby.

Do I need a blood test to get a marriage license?

Most states no longer require blood tests. A few states still require a test for certain diseases, but this is uncommon. Your county clerk will tell you if one is needed in your state.

What if I was married in another country?

Bring the marriage certificate from that country, along with an English translation if it is in another language. Some states require the translation to be certified by a professional translator. Your county clerk can tell you whether your foreign marriage certificate is acceptable or if you need additional documents.

Can I explore for a marriage license online?

A few states and counties allow you to explore online or by mail, but most require you to appear in person at the clerk's office. Check your county clerk's website to see whether online or mail applications are available in your area.