When applying for a marriage license in US current photo identification such as a driver’s license or passport; proof of citizenship and/or residence; a birth certificate, proof of parental consent and/or court consent if underage; a death certificate if you are widowed or divorce decree if you are divorced; and sometimes blood test results.

To complete an application for a marriage license, one or both spouses must appear in person at a courthouse, city hall, or town office and sign the marriage license application in the presence of the clerk (along with payment of a fee). The marriage license is either mailed or picked up by the couple.

Marriage ID Requirements:

Present proof of birth facts and identification by providing original or certified documents with full name and date of birth:

Current drivers license

State-issued picture I.D.

Government-issued photo ID

Certified copy or original birth certificate

U.S. Passport

Foreign Passport

Military I.D

Alien Registration Card

and Social Security Number

Marriage Residency Requirement:

Most states Marriage Laws in the U.S. do not require you to be a resident of the state in order to obtain a marriage license there.

Marriage Waiting Period after Application:





Marriage Waiting Period after Receiving Marriage License:

Previous Marriages: ? Search Marriage | Divorce Records

If previously married, Applicant must provide the complete final date of divorce, or if widowed, the complete date of death, where applicable according to the State Laws on Marriage.

Marriage License Fees:

Fees for marriage licenses range from a low of $10 to as much as $115. The cost varies based on county, city or municipality, residential status, and in some cases, completion of a pre-marital counseling or education course. A few states, have standard, statewide fees. Preferred method of payment is cash. For guidance on additional methods of payment, please call ahead.







Marriage Blood Test Requirement:

Blood tests are no longer required in all states. Montana (PDF) is the one state which requires both spouses intending to get married to get a blood test as one of their marriage license requirements.

Marriage Age Requirements:

In the United States, all but one state requires that a couple be 18 in order to marry without parental permission. Nebraska sets the age of majority at 19. Although a few states will waive this requirement if there is a pregnancy, the couple may still have to have court approval.

Delware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, and Oklahoma: Allow pregnant teens or teens who have already had a child to get married without parental consent. However in Florida, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, the young couple must have authorization from a court. Maryland requires that the minor be at least 16. Even with parental approval, many states will require court approval when a person is 16 years of age or less.

Proxy Marriages:

A proxy marriage, or marriage by proxy, is when one or both parties are not present at a proxy ceremony, but are represented by others. Only four states allow proxy marriages: California, Colorado, Montana, and Texas. With the exception of Montana, each of these states require one of the spouses to appear before the civil authorities. Montana, however, allows a “Double Proxy” marriage, where proxies may appear, in place of both parties.

Cousin Marriages:

Common Law Marriages:

Wedding Officiants Requirements:

Performance of a marriage ceremony with witnesses and a person recognized by the state to have the authority to perform marriage ceremony (such as a priest, rabbi or a judge).

A religious ceremony should be conducted under the customs of the religion, or, in the case of a Native American group, under the customs of the tribe. Religious ceremonies normally are conducted by religious officials, such as ministers, priests, or rabbis. Native American ceremonies may be presided over by a tribal chief or other designated official.

Civil ceremonies usually are conducted by judges. In some states, county clerks or other government officials may conduct civil ceremonies. Contrary to some popular legends, no state authorizes ship captains to perform marriages.

Marriage Witnesses Requirements in State Laws:

Most states require both spouses, along with the person who officiated and one or two witnesses age 18 or older, to sign the marriage certificate.

Recording of Marriage License after Marriage Ceremony:

The person who performs the marriage ceremony has a duty to send a copy of the marriage certificate to the county or state agency that records marriage certificates. Failure to send the marriage certificate to the appropriate agency does not necessarily nullify the marriage, but it may make proof of the marriage more difficult.

Marriage Certificate after Marriage Ceremony:

Most recording agencies offer you the oportunity to purchase a certified copy of your marriage certificate at the time you buy your marriage license, and as soon a your marriage has been recorded it is picked-up or mailed to you. Others, you must request and pay an additional fee to receive an official (certified) copy of your marriage certificate.

Expiration Date of Marriage License:

You may request a copy of your marriage certificate in person, online or by mail.

Please Note: State and county marriage license Law requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office where you will be married for the most up-to-date information.