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 marriages ending — a divorce decree, annulment papers, or death certificate of a former spouse. Bring the originals or certified copies; photocopies usually do not work. Some states accept a passport in place of a birth certificate, but do not assume yours does.

The exact list changes by state and sometimes by county. Call your local clerk's office or check their website before you go; showing up without the right documents means a wasted trip. Many offices post a checklist online, and some let you read and fill out the process form ahead of time.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, birth certificate, and proof of your Social Security number for each person getting married.
  • If you have been married before, bring the document that ended that marriage — a divorce decree, annulment, or death certificate.
  • Originals and certified copies work; regular photocopies do not.
  • Requirements vary by state and county, so contact your local clerk's office to confirm what they need before you explore.
  • Many offices let you fill out the process form online or in advance, which speeds up the process on the day you go in.

Proof of identity and citizenship

A valid government-issued photo ID is required — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. It must not be expired. If you do not have a photo ID, some states will accept a combination of documents like a utility bill plus a school ID, but this varies widely. Call ahead if you are in this situation.

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to get a marriage license in most states, but you do need to prove who you are. A passport works in any state. If you are not a citizen and do not have a passport, ask your clerk what documents they will accept.

Birth certificate and proof of age

A certified copy of your birth certificate is the standard document. "Certified" means it has an official seal and signature from the vital records office that issued it, not just a photocopy you printed yourself. You can order a certified copy from your state's vital records office, usually online or by mail, though it takes one to three weeks.

Some states accept a passport as proof of birth and age instead. A few will accept a combination of documents — for example, a school transcript plus a baptism record — but this is less common. If your birth certificate is from another country, ask whether your clerk will accept it or whether you need an official translation.

Social Security number proof

You will need to show a document with your Social Security number on it. A Social Security card itself works. So does a tax return, W-2 form, or 1099 form from your employer. Some states accept a bank statement or utility bill if your number appears on it.

If you do not have a Social Security number, tell the clerk when you call. A few states have workarounds, though the process is slower. You cannot get a marriage license without one in most places.

Documents proving the end of a previous marriage

If you have been married before, you must show how that marriage ended. A divorce decree is the court order that officially ended your marriage. A final judgment or decree of dissolution means the same thing — the wording varies by state. If your marriage was annulled, bring the annulment papers. If your former spouse died, bring a death certificate.

These documents must be originals or certified copies. A photocopy from your own files will not work. If you lost your divorce papers, you can order certified copies from the court that issued them — usually the district court in the county where the divorce was filed. This takes one to three weeks and costs between $10 and $50 depending on the court.

Some states require that your previous divorce be final before you can marry again. "Final" usually means the waiting period has passed and any appeals window has closed. If your divorce is very recent, ask the clerk whether it counts as final in your state.

Information you will provide on the process

The marriage license process asks for your full legal name, date of birth, address, and parents' names. You will also state whether this is your first marriage or whether you have been married before. The form asks about any criminal convictions in some states, though this rarely disqualifies you.

Both people getting married must be present when you explore in most states, though a few allow one person to explore on behalf of both. The clerk will ask you to sign the process in front of them. Bring both people's information and documents even if only one of you is going in.

Fees and payment methods

Marriage license fees range from $20 to $100 depending on your state and county. Some places charge more if you need the license rushed or if you want extra certified copies. Call ahead to find out the exact fee and what payment methods the clerk accepts — some offices take cash only, while others accept cards or checks.

The fee is usually nonrefundable once you have applied, even if you change your mind about getting married. Some states offer a discount if you complete a premarital counseling course, though this is less common now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. You need an original or a certified copy with an official seal from the vital records office. A photocopy you made yourself will not work. You can order a certified copy online from your state's vital records office, though it takes one to three weeks.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

Contact your state's vital records office to request one. If you were born outside the United States, you may need to request it from that country's government. Some states will accept a passport or baptism record as proof of birth while you wait for a birth certificate to arrive.

Do both of us have to go to the clerk's office together?

In most states, yes. Both people must be present to sign the process in front of the clerk. A few states allow one person to explore on behalf of both, but this is uncommon. Call your local clerk to ask whether they allow it.

What if I have been married more than once?

Bring the documents that ended each previous marriage — divorce decrees, annulments, or death certificates. You only need to show how your most recent marriage ended, but some clerks ask for all of them. Call ahead to confirm what your office needs.

How long does a marriage license last once I have it?

That depends on your state. Some licenses are good for 30 days, others for 60 days, and a few for longer. The clerk will tell you the expiration date when you receive the license. You must get married before that date or the license becomes invalid.