How to Apply for a Marriage License

Before tying the knot, the soon-to-be couple must often apply for a wedding license. Learn more about the procedure here.

What you will discover:

1. Learn about the regulations in your state.
2. Provide identification, fill out the application, and pay any costs.
3. Before submitting, double-check spellings and dates.

Getting ready for a wedding generally requires much preparation. Do not forget to apply for your marriage license while you are busy signing contracts with a venue, florist, photographer, caterer, and cake baker. A marriage license essentially grants you legal authorization to marry. Without one, state governments may refuse to issue a marriage certificate, which is the document that serves as legal documentation of your marriage. Here’s how to get a marriage license before you marry.

1. Learn about the regulations in your state.

Before being married or even getting their marriage license, it was usual procedure for couples to undergo blood tests and medical checkups. Only the state of Montana needs a blood test anymore. In general, as long as you and your soon-to-be husband are not still married to other people and can both establish your identities, you should be able to fulfill the criteria.

All of the preparatory prerequisites, as well as the necessary paperwork, may be found on your state’s website, in your local courthouse, or at the county clerk’s office. If you want to marry outside of your state, you must investigate the criteria for the venue of your wedding. In addition to determining which papers will be required to confirm your identification, it is critical to understand the timeframe and different dates, since marriage licenses may only be valid for a limited time.

2. Provide identification, fill out the application, and pay any costs.

The majority of states need you and your soon-to-be spouse to appear in person at a clerk’s office or courthouse to produce verification of your identification in order to submit your application. In general, acceptable evidence of identity includes any current government-issued picture identification, such as a driver’s license or a passport. It is possible that you may be asked to present more than one piece of identification. Some states, such as Indiana, additionally demand a birth certificate to validate your birthplace.

Although some states enable online applications, you will usually need to produce verification of your identification in person at the courtroom or clerk’s office to complete the filing procedure. Also, keep in mind that there is usually a filing cost that varies by state. Some jurisdictions provide discounted costs to couples who qualify or complete a marital education course.

3. Before submitting, double-check spellings and dates.

Each state has its own standards regarding the date of marriage licenses. Some marriage licenses are valid for 30 or 60 days. This implies that if it is not utilized within the time frame specified, you may have to apply for a new license and pay the payments all over again. Remember that a marriage license is a legal document that permits a couple to legally marry and apply for a marriage certificate. Following the ceremony, your officiant will typically sign the license and send it back to the state so that the marriage may be registered and a marriage certificate produced.

While it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the criteria as soon as you settle on a place, submitting too soon may result in a license expiring before the big day. It may be preferable to timing your application to coincide with your wedding date.

Finally, make certain that the facts, spelling, and dates on the marriage license application are right. If you misspell the names, your license may be rendered null and void. Fortunately, this will not result in the annulment of your marriage; but, you may be required to re-file the papers or jump through additional hoops within a short period of time after finding the mistake.