Before getting married in the United States, each couple must obtain a marriage license. In each state, the couple must present at least one form of valid identification when applying for a marriage license and properly execute the signature of the license for the marriage to be legal. Because other specific requirements for acquiring a marriage license can vary by state or county, you should always check with the clerk of court in the location where you want to get married. Regardless of the state in which you get married, a valid marriage will be legally recognized in every other state in accordance with the United States Constitution.
Step 1
Gather at least two forms of identification that have not expired. A valid driver's license, official copy of your birth certificate and Social Security card are sufficient forms of identification for obtaining a marriage license in every state. Other acceptable forms of identification vary by state or county, so call the local clerk of court to determine which types of identification you need.
Step 2
Visit the county, borough or parish clerk of court in the jurisdiction in which you want to get married and obtain an application for a marriage license.
Step 3
Complete any prerequisites required by your state. For example, some states require each couple to attend premarital counseling or courses and others require blood tests before issuing a license. The clerk of court in the location you plan to marry will provide you with any prerequisites.
Step 4
Present all required forms of identification, provide proof of completion of any premarital testing or counseling, fill out the application in its entirety and pay the required fee. Fees vary by state and county. As of 2010, 21 states and the District of Columbia require at least a one-day waiting period between obtaining a license and performance of the marriage ceremony.
Step 5
Sign and date the license in the presence of the clergyman or other officiant and two witnesses, using blue or black ink. Witnesses are often the best man and maid of honor, but they can be any two people whose civil rights have not been taken away; certain convicted felons lose their civil rights and are improper witnesses, so check with your clerk of court if you are unsure if a potential witness is eligible to serve as a witness for your marriage license.
Step 6
Have the officiant sign the license immediately prior to your ceremony. She is legally bound to submit the completed license to the court for recording.
Tips and Warnings
- Marriage licenses are valid only for a specified period after you apply, so you must perform your marriage ceremony during that period for the license to be valid. Periods of validity vary by state, so contact the clerk of court if you are unsure of the period during which your license is valid.
Things You'll Need
- Valid identification
