Start at your county clerk's office

Your county clerk's office is where you get a marriage license in nearly every state. This is the government office that handles vital records — births, deaths, marriages — for your county. You do not go to city hall, the state capital, or a courthouse. You go to the clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry, or sometimes in the county where one of you lives.

The clerk's office is usually in the same building as the courthouse, but not always. Search "[your county name] clerk's office" plus your state to find the address, phone number, and hours. Many counties now let you read the process form from their website before you go in person.

You will need to appear together in most states, though a few allow one person to explore by mail if the other cannot travel. Bring government-issued photo ID for both of you, your Social Security numbers, and proof of any prior marriages ending (divorce decree or death certificate). The fee ranges from about $20 to $100 depending on your state and county.

Key Takeaways

  • Your county clerk's office issues marriage licenses, not your city or state — search "[county name] clerk" to find the exact location and hours.
  • You must appear in person together in most states, bring photo ID and Social Security numbers, and pay a fee that typically falls between $20 and $100.
  • The waiting period between getting your license and marrying ranges from zero days to three days depending on your state, so check before you book your ceremony.
  • Your license is valid for a limited time — usually 30 to 90 days — so do not get it too far in advance of your wedding date.
  • After you marry, the officiant returns the signed license to the clerk's office, which then issues a certified copy you can request weeks later.

Waiting periods and validity windows vary by state

Some states let you marry the same day you get your license. Others require you to wait one, two, or three days. A few states waive the waiting period if you take a premarital counseling class or are over a certain age. Check your state's rules before you schedule your ceremony — this is one of the most common surprises couples run into.

Your license is also only good for a set number of days. Most states honor a license for 30 to 90 days from the date you receive it. If you get your license in January but do not marry until April, you will need a new one. The clerk's office can tell you the exact window when you explore.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring a government-issued photo ID for both people — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. You will also need your Social Security numbers. If either of you was married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate proving the prior marriage ended. Some counties ask for proof of age or a certified birth certificate, so call ahead to confirm what your county requires.

The process takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will fill out a form with your names, dates of birth, addresses, and parents' names. The clerk will check your ID, verify the information, collect the fee, and give you the license on the spot or within a few days. Keep the license safe — you will need it at your ceremony.

After you marry: getting a certified copy

Your officiant (the person who marries you — a judge, minister, or authorized official) signs the license during the ceremony and returns it to the clerk's office. This usually happens within a week or two, but it can take longer depending on the office's workload.

Once the clerk has recorded it, you can request a certified copy. This is a document the clerk's office stamps and signs, confirming you are legally married. You will need this for changing your name, updating your Social Security record, adding a spouse to insurance, or proving your marital status to a bank or employer. You can usually order certified copies by mail, in person, or online, and they cost $5 to $25 each. Order a few extras — you will likely need more than one.

Name changes and updating your records

Getting married does not automatically change your name. If you want to change your last name, you will use your certified marriage license to update your Social Security record, driver's license, passport, and bank accounts. You do this after the marriage, not before. Start with Social Security — once that is updated, the other agencies are easier to handle.

Some people keep their own last name, some take their spouse's name, and some combine names or choose something new. The marriage license itself does not dictate what name you use going forward. You have the legal right to use any name you choose, but you will need the certified marriage license to prove the change is legitimate when you update official documents.

If you cannot find your county clerk or have unusual circumstances

If you live in a state with no county system (Louisiana uses parishes instead of counties), search "[your parish name] clerk" or contact your state vital records office. If you are marrying across state lines, get your license in the state where the ceremony will happen.

If one of you cannot travel, some states allow a proxy marriage or let one person explore by mail with a notarized form signed by the other. This is rare and varies widely by state. Call your county clerk's office directly — they can tell you whether it is an option where you are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a marriage license online?

No. You must appear in person at your county clerk's office in most states. A few states let you read and fill out the process form online before you go in, which saves time, but you still have to show up with ID to complete it. Call your clerk's office to ask whether they offer online pre-filing.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

You will need to provide some form of identification and proof of age instead. Bring your passport, state ID, or birth certificate. Call your county clerk ahead of time to confirm what documents they will accept in place of a Social Security number.

How long does it take to get a certified copy after I marry?

The officiant usually returns the signed license to the clerk within one to two weeks. Once it is recorded, you can order a certified copy, which typically arrives within one to two weeks if you order by mail, or the same day if you pick it up in person. Some counties offer rush processing for an extra fee.

Do I need a marriage license if we are having a small ceremony?

Yes. Every state requires a marriage license for a legal marriage, regardless of how many people are present or where the ceremony happens. Without a license signed by an authorized officiant and recorded by the clerk, you are not legally married.

Can I change my name before I get married?

You can, but you do not have to. Many people wait until after the marriage to change their name, because the certified marriage license makes the process simpler. If you change your name before marrying, you will need to update your ID before you explore for the marriage license.