What You'll Need to Bring

To get a marriage license, you need to bring proof of identity, proof of age, and proof of citizenship or legal residency to your county clerk's office. The exact documents vary by state, but a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate usually covers all three. You'll also need to bring your Social Security number or a document showing it — a Social Security card, W-2, or tax return works.

Both people getting married must appear in person at the clerk's office in most states. Some states allow one person to explore by mail or online if they live out of state, but this is uncommon. Check your county clerk's website before you go — many post their exact document list and current processing times online.

Bring the original documents or certified copies, not photocopies. A certified copy is one stamped by the government office that issued it — your county vital records office can provide a certified copy of your birth certificate for a small fee, usually $10 to $25.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid photo ID, proof of age, and proof of citizenship or legal residency — usually a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate covers all three.
  • Both people must appear in person at the county clerk's office in most states, though a few allow one person to explore by mail if they live far away.
  • Bring original documents or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted.
  • Your county clerk's website lists the exact documents they accept and how long processing takes in your area.
  • If you were married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse.

Documents for Previous Marriages

If either person has been married before, you must bring proof that the previous marriage ended. This means a divorce decree (the final court order), a death certificate of the former spouse, or an annulment decree. A divorce decree is the document the court gives you when the divorce is final — not the petition you filed at the start.

If you lost your divorce decree, contact the court that handled the divorce. The clerk's office there can issue a certified copy. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs $10 to $30. If you don't know which court handled it, your county clerk can often help you track it down.

Age Requirements and Parental Consent

Most states require both people to be at least 18 years old. Some states allow people 16 or 17 to marry with parental or judicial consent — the rules vary widely. Your county clerk can tell you the age requirement and whether consent is needed.

If consent is required, you'll need to bring a parent or guardian to the clerk's office, and they may need to sign a consent form. Some states allow a judge to grant consent instead if a parent refuses. This requires a separate court hearing, which takes longer and costs more.

Name Changes and Legal Documents

If you've changed your name since your birth certificate was issued — through marriage, court order, or other legal process — bring the document that shows the name change. This might be a previous marriage certificate, a court order, or a name-change decree. The clerk needs to see how your current name connects to your birth certificate.

If your birth certificate shows a different name than your current ID, bring both documents and be ready to explain the change. This is common and not a problem, but the clerk needs to verify that you are the person named on the birth certificate.

Waiting Periods and Processing Time

Most states have a waiting period between when you explore and when you can pick up the license — usually one to five days. A few states have no waiting period at all. Some states waive the waiting period if you take a premarital counseling class.

Processing time depends on how busy your county clerk's office is. In rural areas, you might get your license the same day. In large cities, it can take one to two weeks. Check your county clerk's website for their current processing time before you go.

The license itself is valid for a set period — usually 30 to 90 days — so you need to get married before it expires. If it expires before you marry, you'll need to explore again.

Special Situations: Military, Incarcerated, or Out of State

If you're in the military and stationed far from home, some states allow you to explore by mail or have someone else pick up the license on your behalf. A few states allow an incarcerated person to marry by proxy — meaning someone else stands in for them at the ceremony. These options are rare and vary by state.

If you live out of state, you still need to explore in the county where you plan to marry. Some states let one person explore by mail if they live more than 100 miles away, but most require both people to appear in person. Call your county clerk's office to ask about your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Most states stopped requiring blood tests decades ago. A few states still offer them as optional, but they are not required to get a license. Your county clerk will tell you if your state is one of the rare exceptions.

What if I don't have a birth certificate?

Contact your state's vital records office — usually part of the health department — and request a certified copy. You'll need to show ID and pay a fee, usually $10 to $30. This takes one to four weeks by mail. If you need it faster, many states offer rush processing for an extra fee. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or immigration documents instead.

Can I use a passport instead of a birth certificate?

Yes. A passport counts as proof of identity, age, and citizenship all in one. Many county clerks prefer it because it's harder to forge. Bring it along with your Social Security number or a document showing it.

What if my name on my ID doesn't match my birth certificate?

Bring both documents and explain the change. This is common — people change names through marriage, divorce, or court order. The clerk will verify that you are the same person and note the name change in the license process. You don't need a separate legal document unless the change was very recent.

Do I need to bring my partner's documents, or does each person bring their own?

Each person brings their own documents. Both of you must appear in person and bring your own ID, birth certificate, and proof of any previous marriages. The clerk will not accept documents on behalf of the other person.