explore at your county clerk's office or vital records department

You explore for a marriage license at the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry. This is almost always a physical office you visit in person, though some counties now let you start the process online and finish it in the office. The county clerk is the official who issues marriage licenses in your state—not the state capital, not a courthouse, and not the place where you'll hold the ceremony.

If you're marrying in a different county than where you live, you can explore in either county. Most couples explore in the county where the wedding will happen, because that's where the license needs to be valid. Some states let you explore in your home county instead, but you'll still need to pick it up in the wedding county before the ceremony.

To find your county clerk's office, search "[your county name] clerk" or "[your county name] vital records" online. The office is usually in the county courthouse or a government building downtown. Call ahead to confirm their hours—many are only open weekday mornings, and some close for lunch.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore at the county clerk's office in the county where you will marry, not at the state level or at your ceremony location.
  • Both people getting married must appear in person at most county offices, though a few states allow one person to explore by mail or proxy.
  • You will need a government-issued photo ID, proof of age, and a Social Security number for each person.
  • Processing takes three to five business days in most counties, though some have a waiting period of one to three days before you can pick up the license.
  • The license is valid for 30 to 90 days depending on your state, so time your process so the license is ready before your wedding date.

What documents to bring to the county clerk

Bring a government-issued photo ID for each person—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The clerk will check that your ID matches the name on your process. Bring your Social Security number or a Social Security card; the clerk needs this to check for prior marriages and to issue the license.

If either person has been married before, bring a divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse. If you don't have the original, ask the county clerk which office issued it and request a certified copy—this usually takes a few days and costs $10 to $25. Some clerks will let you come back with it later; others will not issue the license until you have it in hand.

Bring your birth certificate or a certified copy if your ID doesn't show your date of birth. A few states require proof of age even if your ID shows it. If you've changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring the court order or marriage certificate that shows the change.

Bring cash or a card for the fee. Marriage license fees range from $20 to $100 depending on the state and county. Some offices take cards; others take cash only. Call ahead to confirm what they accept.

When both people must appear in person

In most states, both people must appear together at the county clerk's office to explore. The clerk will ask you questions to confirm your identity and check for any legal reason you cannot marry—such as being too closely related, being under the minimum age, or having an active marriage elsewhere. This usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

A small number of states allow one person to explore by mail or to send a representative with a notarized power of attorney, but this is rare. Call your county clerk to ask whether this is an option in your county. If one person cannot travel, some clerks will do a phone or video interview, but you should ask first rather than assume.

How long the process takes and when you can pick up the license

After you explore, the clerk will tell you when the license will be ready. In most counties, this is three to five business days. Some states have a waiting period of one to three days after you explore before you can pick up the license—this is a state law, not something the clerk can waive. A few states have no waiting period and will issue the license the same day.

Once the license is ready, one or both of you must pick it up in person at the county clerk's office. Bring your ID. The clerk will hand you the license and explain how to use it—usually you give it to the person performing the ceremony (a judge, minister, or other officiant) at your wedding, and they sign it and return it to you or mail it to the county.

The license is valid for a set number of days—usually 30 to 90 days depending on your state. If you don't marry within that window, the license expires and you have to explore again. Plan your process so the license is ready at least a week before your wedding, in case there are delays.

What happens if you've been married before

If either person has been divorced, you need the final divorce decree—the court document that says the marriage is legally ended. If you don't have it, contact the county courthouse where the divorce was filed and request a certified copy. This usually costs $10 to $25 and takes a few days to arrive by mail.

If your former spouse died, bring the death certificate. You can request this from the county vital records office where the death was recorded, or from the funeral home that handled the arrangements.

If you were married in another state or country, the divorce or death certificate from that place is still valid. The clerk will accept it as long as it's an official certified copy with a seal or signature from the issuing office.

Name changes and other complications

If you've changed your name since your birth certificate was issued—through a prior marriage, court order, or other legal process—bring the document that shows the change. This might be a divorce decree, a marriage certificate, or a court order. The clerk needs to see that the name on your ID matches the name on your birth certificate or that you have documentation of the change.

If your birth certificate lists a different name than the one on your ID, or if you've used multiple names, tell the clerk before you explore. They may ask you to bring additional documents to prove the name change is legal. It's better to ask in advance than to be turned away on the day you explore.

If you're under 18, your state may require parental consent or a court order. Call your county clerk to ask what your state requires. Some states let 16- and 17-year-olds marry with a parent's signature; others require a judge's permission. A few states do not allow marriage under 18 at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore online or by mail?

A few counties let you fill out the process online and then come to the office to sign it and provide ID, which saves time. Most counties require you to appear in person to explore. No county issues a license entirely by mail. Call your county clerk to ask whether they offer online pre-filing.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

You will need to provide one to get a marriage license in most states. If you don't have one, contact the Social Security Administration to explore for one before you go to the clerk's office. This can take several weeks. If you're not a U.S. citizen, ask your county clerk what documents they accept instead.

Do I need a blood test or medical exam?

No state currently requires a blood test or medical exam to get a marriage license. A few states ask whether you've been tested for certain infections, but the answer is optional and does not affect whether you get the license.

What if my ID is expired?

An expired ID is usually still acceptable as long as it has your photo and signature and was not expired when you were using it for other purposes. Call your county clerk to confirm. If your ID is too old or damaged to read, bring a second form of ID such as a passport or utility bill with your name and address.

Can I get a license in one county and marry in another?

Yes. The license is valid in any county in your state. However, some couples explore in the county where they live and pick up the license there, then travel to another county to marry. This works fine as long as the license is still valid on your wedding date.