Marriage & Family
How to get a marriage license
A marriage license is issued by your county clerk and is required before a legal wedding ceremony in the United States.
Requirements — including waiting periods, blood tests, and fees — vary by state. Check your state's official county clerk website for exact rules.
Last reviewed: June 5, 2026
What you will need
- ✓Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- ✓Proof of age (birth certificate if ID does not show birthdate)
- ✓Social Security number (not always required, but commonly requested)
- ✓Divorce decree or death certificate if either partner was previously married
Steps
Confirm you and your partner are legally eligible
You must both be of legal age (18 in most states; 16–17 with parental consent in some), not currently married to someone else, and not closely related by blood.
Find your county clerk's office
Marriage licenses are issued at the county level, not the state level. Both partners typically need to appear in person together at the clerk's office.
Tip: Many counties now allow you to start the application online and complete it in person.
Gather required documents
Most states require both partners to bring the following.
Apply in person and pay the fee
Complete the application form at the clerk's office. Both partners sign. Pay the filing fee — accepted payment methods vary by county.
Wait out any mandatory waiting period
Some states require a waiting period of 24–72 hours between issuing the license and the ceremony. Others issue it immediately. Check your state's rule.
Have your ceremony before the license expires
The license is valid for a limited window — typically 30 to 90 days depending on state. The ceremony must take place and the officiant must sign the license within that window.
File the signed license
After the ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the county clerk. The clerk records it and issues a certified marriage certificate. You may need to request copies separately.
Tip: Order multiple certified copies at filing — you will need them for name changes, benefits, and financial accounts.