The documents you need depend on where you are getting married

Every state and county has its own list of documents required for a marriage license. There is no single national requirement. You will need to check with the specific county clerk's office where you plan to marry, because the rules differ — sometimes significantly — between states and even between counties within the same state.

That said, most places ask for the same core set of items: proof of identity, proof of age, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. Some states also require proof that you are not already married. The fastest way to find your exact requirements is to call or visit the website of the county clerk's office in the county where the ceremony will take place.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and proof of age, which is often the same document.
  • Most states require a birth certificate or certified copy to prove citizenship and age, so order one now if you do not have it.
  • Some states require a divorce decree or death certificate if you were previously married, so gather those documents before you go to the clerk's office.
  • The county clerk's office is the only source that can tell you the complete list for your location, so call or check their website before making the trip.
  • Processing times for birth certificates and other vital records can take weeks, so start gathering documents at least one month before your planned wedding date.

Government-issued photo ID and proof of age

You will need to bring a current government-issued photo ID to the clerk's office. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. The ID must not be expired, though some counties allow IDs that expired within the last year.

Proof of age is usually the same document as your ID. If your ID does not clearly show your birth date, bring a second form of proof — a birth certificate, passport, or certified copy of your vital record. A few states require both a photo ID and a separate birth certificate no matter what.

Birth certificate or certified vital record

Most states require an official birth certificate or a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state where you were born. A photocopy or a certified copy from your parents' records will not work. You need the version with the state seal and the vital records office signature.

If you were born outside the United States, you will need a certified copy of your birth record from that country, plus proof of legal residency or citizenship in the United States. This might be a green card, naturalization certificate, or visa. Check with your county clerk about what counts as proof of residency.

Ordering a birth certificate takes time. Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born — not your county clerk. Most states charge $15 to $30 per copy and take two to four weeks to mail it. Some offer expedited service for an extra fee. Start this process at least one month before your wedding.

Proof that you are not already married

If you were previously married, most states require you to bring proof that the marriage ended. This means either a divorce decree or a death certificate of your former spouse. A few states do not require this, but many do, so check before you go.

If you have a divorce decree, bring the original or a certified copy. If your former spouse died, bring a certified copy of their death certificate. Some counties will accept a photocopy, but certified copies are safer — order them from the vital records office in the state where the death or divorce was recorded.

Residency and citizenship documents

Most states do not require you to prove residency to get a marriage license, but a few do. If you were born outside the United States, you will need to show proof of legal status. This can be a green card, a naturalization certificate, a visa, or a work permit.

If you do not have a birth certificate from the United States, bring your passport or any government-issued ID from your country of origin along with your U.S. immigration documents. The clerk's office can tell you exactly what they will accept.

What to bring to the clerk's office

Make a checklist before you go. Bring your government-issued photo ID, your birth certificate or certified vital record, and if applicable, your divorce decree or former spouse's death certificate. Bring the originals, not photocopies, unless the clerk's office has told you otherwise.

Bring cash or a check for the license fee. Most counties charge $20 to $100, depending on the state. Some accept credit cards, but not all. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods they take and whether you need an appointment or can walk in.

If you have any documents in a language other than English, bring a certified English translation along with the original. Some counties require this; others do not. The clerk's office can tell you whether you need it before you arrive.

How long it takes and when to start

Getting a marriage license itself usually takes 15 minutes to an hour at the clerk's office, assuming you have all the documents. But gathering those documents can take weeks. Birth certificates take two to four weeks. Divorce decrees and death certificates can take similar amounts of time, depending on which state issued them.

Start gathering documents at least one month before your planned wedding date. If you need a birth certificate from another state or country, order it even earlier. Some vital records offices have backlogs that can stretch processing time to six weeks or longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate?

No. You need an official birth certificate or a certified copy issued by the vital records office. A photocopy or a copy from your parents' records will not work. Order a certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born.

What if I was born outside the United States?

You will need a certified copy of your birth record from that country, plus proof of legal residency or citizenship in the United States — a green card, naturalization certificate, or visa. Some counties also require a certified English translation of the birth certificate. Call your county clerk to confirm what they need.

Do I need a divorce decree if my marriage was annulled?

Yes, most states treat an annulment the same way as a divorce for marriage license purposes. Bring the annulment decree. If you do not have it, contact the court in the county where the annulment was granted and order a certified copy.

Can I get a marriage license if I have an outstanding child support order?

Some states will not issue a license if you owe child support. Check with your county clerk. If there is a hold on your record, you may need to contact the child support enforcement office to resolve it before the clerk can issue your license.

How much does a marriage license cost?

The fee varies by state and county, usually between $20 and $100. Call your county clerk's office to find out the exact amount and what payment methods they accept. Some counties charge extra for expedited processing or certified copies of the license.