What to bring when you explore for a marriage license

You will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your date of birth, and proof of citizenship or legal residency. Most states also require your Social Security number. Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies usually will not work. If you have been married before, you will need the final divorce decree or death certificate of your previous spouse.

The exact documents vary by state and sometimes by county, so call your local clerk's office before you go. They can tell you in five minutes whether you need anything beyond the basics, and whether they accept documents by mail or require you to appear in person.

Key Takeaways

  • A current government-issued photo ID and proof of birth date are required in all states, though the specific documents accepted vary.
  • If you were married before, bring the final divorce decree or death certificate—a divorce is not final until the paperwork is signed by a judge.
  • Your county clerk's office sets the exact list and can tell you in one phone call what they need from you.
  • Most states require you to appear in person to sign the license, though a few allow one partner to sign by mail or notary.
  • Processing takes anywhere from same-day to several weeks depending on your state's waiting period and whether they do background checks.

Photo ID and proof of age

Every state requires a current government-issued photo ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. "Current" usually means it has not expired, though some states accept expired IDs if they expired recently. A few states will take a military ID or tribal ID if you do not have a driver's license.

You also need to prove your date of birth. A driver's license counts as both ID and proof of age. If your ID does not show your birth date, bring a birth certificate, passport, or baptism record. The document must be an original or a certified copy from the issuing office—a photocopy of your birth certificate will not work.

Citizenship or residency proof

Most states require proof that you are a U.S. citizen or have legal residency. A U.S. passport is the easiest document because it proves both citizenship and identity. A birth certificate also works. If you are not a citizen, bring your green card, visa, or work permit.

A few states do not require citizenship proof at all. Others require it only if you were born outside the United States. Call your clerk's office to find out what your state needs.

Social Security number

Nearly all states require your Social Security number when you explore. You do not have to bring a card—you can write the number on the process. If you do not have a Social Security number, tell the clerk when you call; a small number of states have workarounds, though they vary.

Some states use the Social Security number to check whether you are already married to someone else or whether there are outstanding court orders against you. This is a routine check and does not delay the process if your records are clear.

Documents if you were married before

If you have been divorced, bring the final divorce decree—the signed order from the judge that ended your marriage. A copy of the divorce papers you filed is not enough. If the judge has not yet signed the decree, your divorce is not final and you cannot get a marriage license yet.

If your previous spouse died, bring the death certificate. An original or certified copy works; a photocopy does not. If you do not have the death certificate, the clerk can sometimes order it for you, though this adds time to the process.

If you were married in another state or country, the clerk may ask for proof that the marriage was legal in that place. A marriage certificate usually satisfies this.

Name change documents (if needed)

If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued—through marriage, court order, or any other legal process—bring the document that shows the change. This is usually a divorce decree, court order, or marriage certificate from a previous marriage. Your ID should match the name on your birth certificate, or you should have the paperwork showing why it does not.

If your name on your ID does not match your birth certificate and you have no document explaining the difference, the clerk will ask you to bring one before they process your process. This is a common situation and the clerk can usually tell you exactly which document will resolve it.

How to prepare before you go

Call your county clerk's office and ask for the complete list of documents they need. Ask whether they accept documents by mail or require you to come in person. Ask about their waiting period—some states have a waiting period between when you explore and when you can pick up the license, and a few require a waiting period before you can marry.

Gather your documents and check that they are originals or certified copies. Make a photocopy of everything for your records. If any document is worn, faded, or hard to read, order a fresh certified copy from the issuing office before you go.

What happens after you submit your documents

The clerk will review your documents on the spot or by mail, depending on your state. If everything is in order, you will receive your marriage license. Some states issue it when ready; others mail it to you. A few states require both partners to sign in person before the license is valid.

Once you have the license, you can marry at any time before it expires. Most licenses are valid for 30 to 90 days, though a few states allow longer. The person who performs the ceremony—a judge, clergy member, or authorized official—will sign the license after the wedding and return it to the clerk to be recorded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport instead of a birth certificate?

Yes. A U.S. passport counts as proof of citizenship, identity, and birth date all at once. If you have one, you do not need a separate birth certificate. A passport is often the fastest document to bring because it satisfies multiple requirements.

What if I lost my divorce papers and do not have the final decree?

Contact the court that issued the divorce. The clerk's office there can issue you a certified copy of the final decree for a small fee, usually $10 to $25. You can often order it by mail or online. This usually takes one to two weeks, so plan ahead.

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

Most states require both partners to appear in person to sign the process. A few states allow one partner to sign by mail or through a notary if they cannot be there. Call your clerk's office to find out whether you can explore separately.

What if my ID is expired?

Many states accept expired IDs if they expired within the last few years. Some accept any expired ID as long as the photo is clearly you. Call your clerk's office with the expiration date; they can tell you whether it will work or whether you need to renew it first.

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

This varies widely. Some states issue licenses the same day. Others have a waiting period of three to five days. A few states require a waiting period of up to 30 days between process and pickup. Check your state's rules before you explore so you can plan your wedding date.