How to Get a Marriage License

Marriage is a legally binding agreement between two people. The requirements for a marriage license vary from state to state, but there are some common guidelines to follow.

Instructions

STEP 1: Wait until you are of legal marrying age. In most states, you must be 18.

STEP 2: Have a blood test done at your physician's office to check whether either partner has a venereal disease or rubella (measles). This is required by most, but not all, states.

STEP 3: Bring written proof of the blood test results with you when you apply for the license.

STEP 4: Apply in person for a marriage license at any county clerk's office in the state where you want to be married. (In some circumstances, you must apply in the county or town where you intend to be married. This depends on state law.)

STEP 5: File your intentions to be married with the clerk. This consists of filling out an official form.

STEP 6: Show proof of your age and name with your birth certificate or other valid identification, such as a driver's license.

STEP 7: Have proof of divorce, death or annulment of any previous marriages if you or your spouse has been married before.

STEP 8: Bring cash or a check to pay for the license. (The fee is different in each community.)

STEP 9: Ask whether you should pick it up in person, or if it can be mailed.

STEP 10: Allow time for the waiting period if your state has one. Some states require a wait from the time you file to when the license is issued.

STEP 11: Be prepared to wait again for a few days after you get your license (usually one to three days) before you can actually get married. This depends on the laws in your state.

Tips & Warnings

--Contact the city or town clerk in the area where you will be married to ask about any specific regional, county or state requirements.
--Ask your wedding coordinator to help take care of this process.

 

Send mail to KeysDAN@keysdan.com with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright © 1986-2012 KeysDAN Enterprises, Inc