Getting married requires careful planning and understanding of your state’s legal requirements for obtaining a marriage license.
Marriage license rules vary significantly between states, with different waiting periods, fees, identification requirements, and validity timeframes.
This guide breaks down the essential marriage license requirements for all 50 states to help you properly prepare for your wedding day.
Basic Marriage License Requirements
Most states require both parties to appear in person at the county clerk’s office to apply for a marriage license.
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID)
- Proof of age (must be 18+ in most states)
- Social Security numbers
- Birth certificates (required in some states)
- Payment for license fee ($25-$100 depending on state/county)
State-by-State Marriage License Fees
State | Fee | Waiting Period |
---|---|---|
California | $35-$100 | None |
New York | $40 | 24 hours |
Florida | $93.50 | 3 days |
Common Marriage License Restrictions
- Blood tests (required in Mississippi)
- Residency requirements (varies by state)
- Waiting periods (0-6 days depending on state)
- Marriage license expiration (30-90 days)
- Age restrictions (with/without parental consent)
Required Documentation Checklist
- Driver’s license or passport
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Divorce decree (if previously married)
- Death certificate (if widowed)
- Parent consent forms (if under 18)
Marriage License Application Tips
Schedule your appointment with the county clerk at least 1-2 months before your wedding date.
Bring cash or certified checks as many offices don’t accept credit cards.
Request multiple certified copies of your marriage license for name change purposes.
Special Circumstances
- Military Personnel: May apply by mail in some states
- Non-US Citizens: Must present valid passport and visa/green card
- Proxy Marriages: Allowed only in Montana and Texas
- Same-Sex Marriages: Legal in all 50 states
Next Steps After Getting Your License
Keep your marriage license in a safe place until the wedding day.
Ensure your officiant is legally authorized to perform marriages in your state.
Have witnesses ready (required in most states).
Make sure your officiant returns the signed license to the county clerk within the required timeframe (usually 5-15 days).
Planning Your Marriage License Timeline
Research your state’s specific requirements at least 3 months before the wedding.
Account for any mandatory waiting periods in your wedding timeline.
Consider any extra time needed for document translation or authentication for international marriages.
Marriage Certificate vs License
A marriage license is the document you obtain before the wedding, while a marriage certificate is issued after the ceremony is completed.
- License: Legal permission to marry
- Certificate: Proof of marriage completion
- Both documents are needed for legal name changes
- Certificates can be requested in multiple copies
Common Marriage License Mistakes
Avoid these frequent errors when applying for your marriage license:
- Waiting until the last minute to apply
- Forgetting required documentation
- Not checking local office hours and holidays
- Missing the license expiration date
- Failing to meet witness requirements
International Marriage Considerations
Additional Requirements
- Apostille certification for foreign documents
- Certified translations of foreign documents
- Immigration status verification
- Embassy authentication in some cases
Preparing for Your Future Together
Securing your marriage license is just the first step in your legal union. Keep all documentation in a secure location and obtain several certified copies for future needs.
Remember to update important documents and records after your marriage is official:
- Social Security Administration
- Driver’s license and passport
- Bank accounts and credit cards
- Insurance policies and beneficiary forms
- Employee benefits and tax documents
FAQs
- What documents are typically required for a marriage license in most US states?
Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID), birth certificate, Social Security number, and proof of divorce or death certificate if previously married. - How long does a marriage license remain valid after it’s issued?
Marriage license validity varies by state, ranging from 10 days to one year. Most commonly, licenses are valid for 30-60 days after issuance. - Do both parties need to be present to apply for a marriage license?
In most states, both parties must appear together in person at the county clerk’s office. Some states allow proxy applications or single-party applications with notarized documents. - What is the typical waiting period after getting a marriage license?
Waiting periods range from no waiting period to 6 days, depending on the state. Common waiting periods are 24-72 hours after license issuance before the ceremony can occur. - Are blood tests still required for marriage licenses in any states?
Currently, only Montana requires a blood test for women who are not sterile or over 50. Most states have eliminated blood test requirements. - What is the average cost of a marriage license in the United States?
Marriage license fees typically range from $25 to $115, with most states charging between $50-75. Some counties offer discounts for couples who complete premarital counseling. - Do you need to be a resident of the state to get married there?
Most states don’t require residency for marriage licenses. However, some states have specific requirements for non-residents or international couples. - Can you get married in one state if you’re planning to live in another?
Yes, marriages performed in any US state are legally recognized in all other states under the Full Faith and Credit Clause of the Constitution. - Are there age requirements for getting married in the United States?
The minimum age for marriage varies by state. Most states require both parties to be 18, though some allow marriage at younger ages with parental consent or court approval. - Do you need witnesses to sign the marriage license?
Requirements vary by state. Some require two witnesses, others require one, and some states don’t require any witnesses for the ceremony or license signing.