The license you need depends on where you live and where you plan to marry
A marriage license is a document issued by your county or state that gives you legal permission to marry. You do not need a separate license for each state — you need one from the state where the ceremony will take place. If you marry in Ohio, you get an Ohio license. If you marry in Florida, you get a Florida license. The license itself is the same form everywhere within that state, but the rules about who can issue it, how long it takes, and what paperwork you need vary by state.
Most states issue one standard marriage license to any couple that meets the state's age and residency requirements. A few states offer a second option called a covenant marriage, which has stricter divorce rules and is available only in Arizona, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Unless you specifically choose that option, you will receive the standard license.
The license is not the same as the ceremony itself. The license is paperwork. The ceremony is the event where you exchange vows. You need the license before the ceremony happens, and after the ceremony, the officiant signs it and sends it to the county to be recorded.
Key Takeaways
- You get your marriage license from the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry, not from your home county.
- Most states require you to appear in person at the clerk's office, though a few allow one partner to send a representative with a notarized form.
- Processing times range from same-day to several weeks depending on the state, and some states have waiting periods between when you receive the license and when you can use it.
- You will need a government-issued ID, proof of age, and a Social Security number; some states also require proof of residency or a divorce decree if you were previously married.
- The license is valid only in the state that issued it and only for a set period, usually 30 to 90 days.
Where to get your license: the county clerk's office
You obtain your marriage license from the county clerk's office in the county where the wedding will happen. This is not your home county — it is the county where the ceremony takes place. If you live in Cook County, Illinois, but are marrying in Los Angeles County, California, you go to the Los Angeles County clerk, not the Cook County clerk.
Most county clerk offices are located in the courthouse or a government building downtown. You can find the office by searching "[your county name] clerk marriage license" online or by calling the main courthouse number. Many clerks now have websites that list the exact documents you need, the current fee, and whether you can schedule an appointment or must walk in.
A few states allow one partner to send a representative instead of appearing in person. The representative must bring a notarized form signed by the absent partner, plus that partner's ID. This is rare and available only in a handful of states, so check your state's rules before assuming you can do this.
Documents you will need to bring
Every state requires a government-issued photo ID and proof of your Social Security number. A driver's license, passport, or state ID card counts as photo ID. For your Social Security number, you can bring your Social Security card, a tax return, or a W-2 form — the clerk will accept any of these.
Most states also require proof of your age, though your photo ID usually covers this. Some states require proof of residency, such as a utility bill or lease in your name. If you were previously married, you will need a copy of your divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse.
A few states have additional requirements. Some ask for a premarital counseling certificate or proof that you have taken a premarital education course. Others require a blood test or health screening, though this is becoming rare. Check your specific county's website or call ahead to confirm what you need before you go in person.
Processing time and waiting periods
The time between when you explore and when you receive your license varies widely. Some counties issue licenses the same day you explore. Others take three to five business days. A few states have a mandatory waiting period — a set number of days that must pass between when you receive the license and when you can use it. This waiting period is usually two to three days and exists in states like Indiana, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
If your state has a waiting period, that time counts from when you receive the license, not from when you explore. So if you explore on a Monday and receive the license on Tuesday, and your state has a three-day waiting period, you cannot marry until Friday at the earliest.
Plan to explore at least two to three weeks before your wedding date if you are marrying out of state or if you are unsure of your county's processing time. This gives you a buffer in case the office is backed up or you are missing a document and need to return.
How long the license is valid
A marriage license is valid for a limited time — usually 30 to 90 days from the date of issue, depending on your state. If you do not marry within that window, the license expires and you must explore for a new one. A few states allow you to renew an expired license without reapplying, but most require you to start over and pay the fee again.
The license is also valid only in the state that issued it. If you obtained a California license, you cannot marry in Nevada using that license. You must get a Nevada license.
The fee and whether it varies
Marriage license fees range from about $20 to $100 depending on the state and county. Most counties charge between $30 and $60. Some counties offer a small discount if you have completed a premarital education course. A few states waive the fee entirely if you can show financial hardship, though you will need to ask the clerk about this — it is not automatic.
The fee is usually paid when you explore, and you pay it even if you do not end up marrying within the license's validity period. Some counties accept cash, check, or card; others accept only certain payment methods. Call ahead or check the website to know what to bring.
What happens after you marry
After your ceremony, the officiant — the person who performed the ceremony, such as a judge, minister, or notary — signs the license and returns it to the county clerk's office. The clerk records it, and you receive a certified copy in the mail, usually within two to four weeks. This certified copy is your proof that you are legally married and is what you will need to change your name, update your Social Security record, or add your spouse to insurance.
Do not lose this certified copy. You will need it multiple times throughout your life. If you lose it, you can request a replacement from the county clerk, usually for a small fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I marry in a different state than where I got the license?
No. Your marriage license is valid only in the state that issued it. If you obtained a license in Texas, you must marry in Texas. If you want to marry in another state, you must get a license from that state's county clerk.
What if I do not have a Social Security number?
Most states require a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, contact your county clerk to ask what documentation they will accept instead. Some clerks may allow an affidavit stating you do not have a number.
Do I need to be a resident of the county to get married there?
No. You do not need to live in the county where you marry. You can marry anywhere in your state, and the county clerk will issue you a license regardless of where you live. A few states have a short residency requirement — usually one or two days — but most have none.
What if my name has changed since my ID was issued?
Bring both your current ID and documentation of the name change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The clerk will note the change in your file. You do not need a new ID before explore for the marriage license.
Can I get a marriage license if I am under 18?
This depends on your state. Most states allow marriage at 16 or 17 with parental consent, and some allow it at 15 with both parental consent and court approval. A few states have no minimum age with parental consent. Check your state's specific rules, as they vary significantly.