Each state has its own laws on marriage, and these laws are subject to frequent changes. The documents required for a marriage license will depend on the state in which you want to be married. In addition to documents, many states impose additional requirements such as a waiting period of one to five days.
Application
The primary document necessary to receive a marriage license in most states is an application. The contents of the application vary, but it is usually a court-provided form that is designed to meet the requirements of state law. Part of the application may include a sworn statement to which you will have to attest and sign before a notary public.
Proof of Age
Most states do not allow marriage unless both you and your intended spouse are over the age of majority, usually 18. A state may require that you provide proof of your age, such as by a birth certificate, an ID or a driver's license. This requirement may be met in some states simply by signing the sworn statement in which you attest to being of legal age.
Cosanguinity and Bigamy
Most states have laws that forbid marriage between people of close familial relationship. All states prohibit marriage to someone in a preexisting marriage to a living person. To get a marriage license, you may have to sign a sworn statement attesting to the fact that you and your intended spouse are not closely related by blood or marriage and that neither of you are in a preexisting marriage.
Blood Test
The blood test requirement is less common than it used to be, but is still a requirement in some states. The original purpose of the blood test was to check for venereal diseases--grounds on which a marriage can generally be annulled--and to view the likelihood the marriage will produce children with genetic disorders. Some states check for HIV and other conditions. If your state requires a blood test, proof of the test and the results must be provided to receive a marriage license.
