Marriage license definition

A marriage license is a document that authorizes a couple to marry. The document is usually issued by a church or state authority.

The procedure to obtain a marriage license has changed over time, and there are legal requirements that must be met first. Find out more below.

How to Get a Marriage License

To obtain a marriage license, the couple will need to pay a visit to the country clerk’s office where they plan on getting married. Licenses cost between 35 and 115 USD. A marriage license is only good for the state where you apply for one. Certain conditions will vary from state to state.

To get your marriage license be sure to bring your identification, such as:

If you were previously married, you will also need to bring proof of divorce, or proof of a spouse’s death.

Some US states previously required blood tests to obtain a marriage license, however this rule has now been removed.

Read more: Marriage License Requirements by state

How Long Does it Take to Get a Marriage License?

Some states allow you to get your marriage license the same day as your wedding, while 14 states have waiting periods of up to 6 days. Please check with your local county clerk for the times in your area.

Read more: Getting Married in Another State

How Much Does a Marriage License Cost?

The price of a marriage license varies depending on the US state which issues the document.

Usually, licenses cost between 35 and 115 USD.