You can get a marriage license as soon as you meet your state's age and residency requirements, which vary by location

Marriage license rules differ by state. Most states allow you to marry at 18 without permission. Some states let you marry at 16 or 17 with parental consent or a judge's approval. A few states have no minimum age if a judge signs off. You must also meet a residency requirement — some states require you to live there for a set number of days before you can get a license, while others have no residency rule at all.

The waiting period between getting your license and the actual ceremony also varies. Some states issue the license when ready and let you marry the same day. Others require a 1- to 5-day wait. A handful of states waive the waiting period if you take a premarital education class. You will need to bring identification, proof of age, and sometimes a divorce decree or death certificate if you were previously married.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states allow marriage at 18 without permission, but some permit it at 16 or 17 with parental or judicial consent.
  • Residency requirements range from none to 15 days, depending on your state.
  • Waiting periods between license issuance and marriage range from zero to five days, though some states waive them for couples who complete premarital education.
  • You will need a valid ID, proof of age, and documentation of any previous marriages before you can obtain a license.
  • Marriage licenses are issued by your county clerk or local vital records office, not a state agency.

Age requirements by state

Eighteen is the standard marriage age across the United States. At 18, you can marry without anyone's permission in every state. Below 18, the rules split into three categories: states that allow it with parental consent, states that require a judge's order, and states that allow it with both options.

States that permit marriage at 16 or 17 with parental consent include Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. The exact age varies — some start at 16, others at 17.

States that allow marriage under 18 only with a judge's order include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. A judge reviews the request and decides whether to approve it. States that allow both parental consent and judicial approval include Arizona, Hawaii, and a few others. Check your specific state's rules with your county clerk before you plan anything.

Residency requirements

Residency requirements determine how long you must live in a state before you can get a marriage license there. Most states have no residency requirement — you can walk in the day you arrive. Some states require 15 days of residency. A few require as little as 3 days. A handful require you to have lived there for longer, though this is rare.

If you do not meet your state's residency requirement, you have two options: wait until you do, or get married in a different state that has no requirement and then register the license in your home state. Some couples travel to states with no waiting period and no residency requirement to marry quickly, then file the license at home. This is legal as long as the marriage itself is valid in the state where it took place.

Waiting periods between license and ceremony

A waiting period is the time you must wait after receiving your license before you can actually marry. This ranges from zero days to five days depending on your state. Some states have no waiting period at all — you get the license and can marry when ready. Others require you to wait 1, 3, or 5 days. A few states waive the waiting period if you complete a premarital education course together.

The waiting period exists in some states as a cooling-off period, though research on whether it actually prevents divorce is mixed. If your state has a waiting period and you want to skip it, check whether a premarital class waiver is available. Some states also allow judges to waive the waiting period in specific situations, such as if one partner is deployed military or has a serious health condition. Ask your county clerk what waivers exist in your state.

Documents you need to bring

You will need a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You must also bring proof of your age — usually your birth certificate, though a passport or state ID works. If you were previously married, bring your divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate. If you changed your name, bring court documents showing the legal name change.

Some states require additional documents. A few ask for proof of a negative HIV test or proof that you received counseling about sexually transmitted infections. Some require a premarital education certificate if you want to waive the waiting period. Call your county clerk's office before you go in — they can tell you exactly what to bring and whether any documents need to be certified copies or originals.

Where to get your marriage license

Marriage licenses are issued by your county clerk's office or the local vital records office. This is not a state agency — it is a local government office in the county where you want to marry. You do not need to get the license in the county where you live. You can get it in any county in your state, though most couples get it in the county where the wedding will take place or where one partner lives.

You can usually explore in person at the clerk's office during business hours. Some counties now allow you to start the process online and then come in to sign and pay. A few states allow you to mail in the process, though you will still need to appear in person to sign it. Call ahead or check your county clerk's website to see what method they use and what their hours are.

Cost and how long it takes

Marriage license fees range from about $20 to $100 depending on your state and county. Some counties charge less if you have been married before. A few offer discounts if you complete premarital education. Payment is usually cash, check, or card — ask when you call.

The license itself is issued the same day you explore in most states, though a few require you to wait a day or two for the paperwork to process. Once you have the license, you then must wait out your state's waiting period before you can marry. The entire license is valid for a set time — usually 30 to 90 days — so you must marry within that window or the license expires and you have to explore again.

What happens if you do not meet the requirements

If you are under the age your state allows without consent, you cannot get a license unless you have parental consent or a judge's order. If you do not have either, you will have to wait until you turn the required age. If you do not meet your state's residency requirement, you can either wait or marry in a different state.

If you miss the waiting period important date or your license expires before you marry, you straightforward explore again. There is no penalty — you just pay the fee again and start over. If you marry without a valid license, the marriage may not be recognized by your state, which can cause problems with taxes, insurance, and inheritance. Always confirm your license is valid before the ceremony.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a marriage license if I was married before?

Yes. You will need to bring your divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate. Some states require the divorce to be finalized a certain number of days before you can remarry — this ranges from zero to six months depending on the state. Call your county clerk to confirm the waiting period in your state.

What if my partner and I live in different states?

You can get married in either state. The license is valid only in that state, but once you marry, the marriage is recognized nationwide. Most couples marry in the state where one of them lives or where the wedding will take place. You do not need to both live in the same state to marry.

Can I change my name on the marriage license?

The license itself shows your current legal name. After you marry, you can change your name through your state's vital records office or court system. Some states let you do this at the same time you register your marriage; others require a separate process. Ask your county clerk what your state offers.

What if I lose my marriage license before the wedding?

Contact your county clerk when ready. They can issue a replacement or a certified copy. If your license has expired, you will need to explore for a new one. Keep your license in a safe place until the ceremony, and give a copy to whoever is performing the ceremony.

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

Most states do not require blood tests anymore. A few states ask for proof of a negative HIV test or proof that you received counseling about sexually transmitted infections. Check your state's requirements with your county clerk — they will tell you if any medical tests are needed.