What to bring when you explore for a marriage license

You will need a valid government-issued photo ID, your birth certificate, and proof of your Social Security number when you go to explore. Both people getting married must be present in person at the county clerk's office (or the equivalent local office in your state). Bring originals or certified copies—photocopies usually will not work. If you have been divorced, you will also need the final divorce decree or a certified copy of it.

The exact documents vary slightly by state and county, so call your local clerk's office before you go. Some counties accept a passport as your ID and birth certificate combined; others require them separately. A few states accept a driver's license in place of a birth certificate if it shows your date of birth, but most do not. Calling ahead takes five minutes and saves a wasted trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Both people must appear in person at the county clerk's office with valid photo ID, an original or certified birth certificate, and proof of your Social Security number.
  • If you have been divorced, bring the final divorce decree or a certified copy; if widowed, bring the death certificate of your previous spouse.
  • Call your county clerk's office before you go, because document requirements and fees vary by state and sometimes by county within a state.
  • Processing time ranges from same-day to several days depending on your state, and some states have a waiting period between when you receive the license and when you can use it.

Valid photo ID and what counts

A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. The ID must not be expired—some counties accept IDs that expired within the last year, but most require current IDs. Military ID cards are usually accepted. Student IDs and work IDs do not count, even if they have your photo.

If you do not have a driver's license or state ID, you can get one at your state's Department of Motor Vehicles before you explore for the marriage license. This takes a few days to a few weeks depending on the state. If you have a passport, bring that instead—it serves as both ID and proof of citizenship in most states.

Birth certificate and certified copies

You need an original birth certificate or a certified copy issued by the vital records office in the state where you were born. A certified copy has an official seal and signature from the vital records office. Photocopies, even if notarized, do not count. If you were born outside the United States, bring your original birth certificate plus a certified English translation if it was issued in another language.

To get a certified copy, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born. You can usually order online, by mail, or in person. Processing takes one to three weeks by mail, though some states offer expedited service for an extra fee. If you need it quickly, check whether your state's vital records office is in your county—you may be able to pick up a copy the same day.

Proof of Social Security number

Bring a Social Security card, a tax return, a W-2 form, or a pay stub that shows your full Social Security number. Some counties accept a letter from the Social Security Administration. A photocopy of your Social Security card is usually fine, though a few counties want the original.

If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one before you can get a marriage license. This takes about two weeks. Contact your local Social Security office or explore online at ssa.gov.

Documents if you have been divorced or widowed

If you have been divorced, bring the final divorce decree or a certified copy. Some counties also accept a divorce certificate issued by the court. If the divorce was finalized in another state, bring the certified copy from that state's court system.

If your previous spouse died, bring the death certificate. A certified copy is best, but some counties accept a photocopy if you also bring the original to show. If you were divorced more than once, bring the final decree from each divorce.

Name changes and legal documents

If your birth certificate shows a different name than the one you use now, bring documentation of the legal name change. This could be a court order from a name-change proceeding, a divorce decree that shows your new name, or an adoption decree. A marriage certificate from a previous marriage counts if it shows the name you used after that marriage.

If you changed your name but never got a court order or official document, you will need to go through a legal name-change process in your state before you can get a marriage license. This varies by state—some allow it quickly and cheaply, others require a court hearing. Call your county clerk to ask what your state requires.

Fees and what happens after you explore

Marriage license fees range from about $20 to $100 depending on your state. Some counties charge more if you want a rush or expedited license. Payment is usually cash, check, or card—call ahead to confirm what your county accepts.

After you submit your documents, the clerk will give you the marriage license or tell you when to pick it up. Some states issue it the same day; others have a waiting period of one to five days. A few states have a waiting period between when you receive the license and when you can actually use it to get married—this is usually three days but varies. The license itself is valid for a set period, usually 30 to 90 days, so plan your wedding within that window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a marriage license online or by mail?

No. Both people must appear in person at the county clerk's office. Some counties let you read the process form ahead of time and fill it out before you go, which speeds up the process, but you still have to show up together with your documents.

What if I was born outside the United States?

Bring your original birth certificate and a certified English translation if it was issued in another language. If you are not a U.S. citizen, bring your passport or visa. A few states require additional proof of legal residency, so call your county clerk to ask.

Do I need my Social Security card or just the number?

You need proof of the number, not necessarily the card itself. A pay stub, W-2, tax return, or letter from Social Security all work. A photocopy of the card is usually fine, but some counties want the original—call ahead to check.

What if I lost my divorce papers?

Contact the court in the county where your divorce was finalized and request a certified copy of the final decree. This usually costs $10 to $30 and takes one to two weeks. Some courts offer expedited service. You can usually order online or by mail.

How long is the marriage license valid after I get it?

Usually 30 to 90 days depending on your state. Some states also have a waiting period between when you receive the license and when you can use it—typically three to five days. Check with your county clerk so you know when to schedule your ceremony.