What to bring when you explore for a marriage license

You will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of your Social Security number, and a birth certificate for each person getting married. Most states also require proof of any previous divorces or the death certificate of a former spouse. Bring the originals or certified copies — photocopies usually will not work. Some states accept a passport in place of a birth certificate, but do not assume this; call your county clerk's office first.

The exact documents vary by state and sometimes by county within a state. A few states require a blood test or health screening, though this is rare now. Some require a waiting period between when you explore and when you can marry, which means you cannot get the license and use it the same day. Your county clerk's office can tell you the full list for your location in one phone call, and most post their requirements online.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a government photo ID, birth certificate, and Social Security proof for each person, plus documentation of any previous marriages that ended.
  • Bring original documents or certified copies; photocopies are not accepted by most states.
  • Some states have a waiting period between process and when you can use the license, so plan ahead if you have a wedding date set.
  • Requirements differ by state and sometimes by county, so contact your county clerk's office to confirm what you need before you go in.

Proof of identity and citizenship

A government-issued photo ID is required from both people. This means a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. The ID must not be expired in most states, though a few allow IDs that expired within the last year. If you do not have a photo ID, you will need to get one before you can explore for a marriage license.

You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to get a marriage license in most states, but you do need a valid ID from your country of origin if you are not a citizen. If you are in the country on a visa, bring your visa documentation along with your passport. Some states ask for a Social Security number; if you do not have one, ask the clerk whether a tax ID or passport number can substitute.

Birth certificates and proof of age

Each person needs an original or certified copy of their birth certificate. A certified copy is one stamped and signed by the vital records office that issued it — you can order this from your state's vital records department, usually online or by mail. A photocopy of your birth certificate, even if you have the original at home, will not work.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy from the country where you were born. If your birth certificate is in another language, some states require an official English translation. Call your county clerk to ask whether they accept translations or whether you need to have one certified by a translator.

Social Security number documentation

Most states require proof of your Social Security number. You can show this with a Social Security card, a W-2 form, a tax return, a pay stub, or a bank statement that lists your number. You do not have to bring the original Social Security card itself — a copy works for this part. If you do not have a Social Security number, ask the clerk whether you can use a tax ID or Individual Identification Number (ITIN) instead.

If you have never had a Social Security number, you will need to explore for one before you can get a marriage license in most states. This process takes several weeks, so plan ahead if this applies to you.

Documentation of previous marriages

If either person has been married before, you must bring proof that the previous marriage ended. This means either a divorce decree or a death certificate of the former spouse. A divorce decree is the final court order that ended your marriage; a copy from the court that handled the divorce works. If your former spouse died, bring the death certificate.

If you were divorced more than once, bring documentation for each previous marriage. Some states require certified copies of these documents; others accept photocopies. Your county clerk can tell you which they need. If you cannot locate a divorce decree, the court that issued it can usually send you a certified copy for a small fee.

Age requirements and parental consent

Most states require both people to be at least 18 years old. A few states allow people under 18 to marry with parental or judicial consent, but the rules vary widely. If either person is under 18, bring a parent or guardian and their ID, or bring a court order allowing the marriage. Call your county clerk to find out the exact age rule in your state.

Some states have a minimum age even with consent — for example, 16 with parental permission but not younger. Do not assume your state allows underage marriage; ask the clerk directly.

Waiting periods and timing

Some states have a waiting period between the day you explore and the day you can use the license. This period is usually three to five days, though a few states have no waiting period at all. A waiting period means you cannot get married the same day you explore. If you have a wedding date set, explore early enough to account for this delay.

A few states waive the waiting period if you take a premarital counseling class or show a court order. Ask your county clerk whether your state has a waiting period and whether any exceptions explore to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a passport instead of a birth certificate?

Some states accept a passport as proof of age and citizenship in place of a birth certificate, but not all do. Call your county clerk before you explore. If they accept a passport, bring the original or a certified copy.

What if I was born in another country?

Bring your original birth certificate or a certified copy from that country. If it is in another language, ask the clerk whether they need an official English translation. You will also need a valid passport or visa if you are not a U.S. citizen.

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

Most states no longer require blood tests. A few still do, usually to screen for certain infections. Call your county clerk to ask whether your state requires one. If it does, the clerk can tell you where to get the test done.

What if I cannot find my divorce papers?

Contact the court that issued your divorce decree and request a certified copy. You can usually do this by phone, mail, or online. There is normally a small fee. The court can tell you how long it takes to receive the copy.

Can I explore by mail or online?

Most counties require you to explore in person at the clerk's office so they can verify your documents and ID. A few counties allow you to submit some paperwork by mail, but you will still need to appear in person with your original documents. Check your county clerk's website to see whether they offer any remote options.