Even if you have completed your marriage ceremony and honeymoon, your marriage is not official in the eyes of the law until you attain your marriage license. State requirements for a marriage license vary, and you can find out the specific requirements of your state at your county clerk's office. You may find it easiest if you apply for your marriage certificate before any scheduled wedding ceremony. That way, the wedding officiant and witnesses can sign your marriage certificate at the ceremony.
Step 1
Ensure that you meet all requirements for marriage before applying for a license. In most states, both individuals must be at least 18 years old or 16 years old if accompanied by a consenting parent, legally competent, not related to any degree closer than second cousins and not currently married or in a registered domestic partnership or civil union.
Step 2
Have a blood test done. Not all states have this requirement, but some demand that all individuals applying for a marriage license submit the results of a blood test that checked for the presence of sexually transmitted infections.
Step 3
Bring the blood test results if required, proof of age and proof that a former marriage has terminated, if applicable, to the county clerk's office. Proof of age may be in the form of any government-issued identification that includes both your name and date of birth, such as a driver's license, birth certificate or passport. Both parties wishing to marry must be present.
Step 4
Fill out a marriage license request form that the county clerk will provide to you. The form will generally ask for your names, dates of birth, contact information, information about previous marriages and parents' names.
Step 5
Submit the form and any documentation required to the county clerk. You must pay any fee associated with the license application at this time. Fees vary from county to county but are generally under $100.
Step 6
Wait for the state-required period of time before picking up your certificate. States impose a mandatory waiting period of between one and six days before a marriage certificate is granted. This marriage certificate does not yet grant the rights and responsibilities of marriage; an individual with the authority to officiate wedding ceremonies must sign the certificate first.
Step 7
Have the marriage certificate signed by an individual licensed to perform weddings, such as a religious leader, government clerk or judge. Have one or two witnesses sign the certificate if required by your state. The signing traditionally takes place immediately after the ceremony.
Step 8
Submit the signed marriage certificate to the county or state authority that records marriage certificates.
