A marriage license is a legal document that allows you to marry

A marriage license is a government-issued permit that gives you and your partner legal permission to marry. You obtain it from your county or state before the wedding takes place. Without one, your marriage is not legally valid — the ceremony itself does not create the legal bond. The license is what does.

The license is separate from the marriage certificate. The license is what you get before the wedding and present to the person performing the ceremony. The certificate is what you receive after the ceremony is complete and signed by the officiant. You will need the certificate later to change your name, update insurance, or prove your marital status to government agencies.

Marriage laws vary by state. Some states have waiting periods between when you receive the license and when you can use it. Some require blood tests or proof of age. Some recognize common-law marriage without a license at all, though this is rare and comes with legal complications. Where you live determines what you must do.

Key Takeaways

  • A marriage license is issued by your county or state government and must be obtained before your wedding ceremony takes place.
  • The license and the certificate are two different documents — the license permits the marriage, and the certificate proves it happened.
  • Requirements vary by state, including waiting periods, age verification, and sometimes health testing.
  • Both partners must appear in person at the county clerk's office to explore, and you will need valid identification and proof of age.
  • The license is valid for a limited time, usually 30 to 90 days depending on your state, so plan your wedding within that window.

Where to get a marriage license

You obtain a marriage license from the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry. Some states allow you to marry in a different county than where you obtained the license, but most require you to use it in the county that issued it. Call the clerk's office or visit their website to confirm their rules before you explore.

Both you and your partner must appear together in person. You cannot send someone else or mail in an process. Bring valid government-issued photo identification — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — and proof of your date of birth. Some counties also require a Social Security number or proof of citizenship. A few states still require a blood test or proof of a negative test result, though this is becoming less common.

The fee varies by county, usually between $20 and $100. Some counties offer a discount if you complete a premarital counseling course. Payment is typically cash, check, or card, depending on the office. Ask when you call whether they accept all three.

How long a marriage license is valid

A marriage license is not valid forever. Most states issue licenses that are good for 30 to 90 days from the date of issue. A few states allow up to six months. If you do not have your ceremony and get the license signed by the officiant within that window, the license expires and you must explore for a new one.

This matters if you are planning a wedding far in advance. If you explore six months before your wedding date, your license may expire before the ceremony. Call your county clerk to find out the validity period in your state, then time your process accordingly. It is usually better to explore closer to your wedding date than too early.

After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the county. The county then issues you a marriage certificate. This certificate does not expire and serves as your permanent proof of marriage.

What information goes on a marriage license

The license contains your full legal name, date of birth, address, and state of residence. It also lists your partner's full legal name, date of birth, address, and state of residence. The license includes the county where it was issued and the date of issue. It does not include your Social Security number, though you may provide it during the process process.

The license has a space for the officiant's name and signature — the person who will perform the ceremony. This can be a religious official, a civil official like a judge, or a notary public, depending on your state's rules. The officiant signs the license during or when ready after the ceremony to make it official.

Some states allow you to choose whether to keep your current name, take your partner's name, or hyphenate. The license itself does not change your name — you change your name by presenting the marriage certificate to the Social Security Administration, your state's motor vehicle department, and other agencies. The license is straightforward the first step.

Waiting periods and other state requirements

Many states impose a waiting period between when you receive the license and when you can use it. This period is usually one to five days. A few states have no waiting period at all. Some states waive the waiting period if you complete premarital counseling or if one partner is in the military.

A handful of states still require a blood test or proof of a negative test for certain infections before issuing a license. These requirements are becoming rarer. Check your state's requirements before you explore so you are not surprised at the clerk's office.

Age requirements also vary. Most states allow marriage at 18 without parental consent. Some allow marriage at 16 or 17 with parental consent or a judge's order. A few states have different rules for different genders, though courts have challenged these as unconstitutional. Bring a birth certificate or passport to prove your age.

What happens after you get the license

Once you have the license in hand, you give it to the person performing your ceremony — your officiant. During or when ready after the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and usually has one or two witnesses sign it as well. The officiant then returns the signed license to the county clerk within a set time, usually 10 to 30 days.

The county processes the signed license and issues you a marriage certificate. You can request certified copies of this certificate, which you will need to change your name, update your driver's license, add your spouse to insurance policies, or prove your marital status to banks and government agencies. Certified copies cost between $5 and $25 each depending on your state.

Keep your marriage certificate in a safe place — a safe deposit box or fireproof safe at home. You will need it throughout your marriage and may need multiple certified copies over the years. Replacing a lost certificate is possible but requires going back to the county clerk and paying a fee.

Marriage license vs. marriage certificate

These two documents serve different purposes and are issued at different times. The marriage license is what you obtain before the wedding. It is the legal permission to marry. You present it to your officiant during the ceremony. The marriage certificate is what you receive after the ceremony is complete and the officiant has signed the license and returned it to the county.

You will use the license only once — at your wedding. You will use the certificate many times throughout your life. Banks, employers, government agencies, and insurance companies will ask for a certified copy of your marriage certificate to update records, prove your marital status, or process name changes. The certificate is the document that proves your marriage is legal and official.

Some people confuse the two and think they can use the license as proof of marriage after the wedding. They cannot. Once the ceremony is over, the license is no longer valid. Only the certificate counts as proof of marriage from that point forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I marry someone from another state or country?

Yes, but the rules depend on where you marry. If you marry in the United States, you follow that state's laws. If you marry outside the United States, your home state will usually recognize the marriage if it was legal where it took place. Some countries have different rules about who can marry whom, so research the laws of the country where you plan to marry before you book anything.

What if my name is different on my ID than on my birth certificate?

Bring both documents to the clerk's office. The clerk will note the discrepancy and may ask you to explain it. If you changed your name legally in the past, bring proof of that name change. If the documents straightforward do not match, the clerk can usually still issue the license but may require additional documentation.

Can I get a marriage license if I have been married before?

Yes, but you must bring proof that your previous marriage ended — either a divorce decree or a death certificate. The clerk will not issue a new license until they have seen proof that you are no longer married to someone else. This applies even if the previous marriage was in another state or country.

What if my partner and I live in different states?

You can marry in either state, but you must follow that state's rules. Most states do not require you to live in the state where you marry. You can travel to another state, obtain a license there, and marry there. The marriage will be valid in both states and everywhere else in the country.

How do I change my name after I get married?

You use your marriage certificate to change your name with the Social Security Administration, your state's motor vehicle department, your employer, your bank, and any other organization that has your name on file. The marriage certificate is your proof that your name change is legal. You will likely need certified copies — order several when you first receive your certificate.