A marriage license in the US is required to perform a legal marriage ceremony or marriage declaration in most states. This marriage permit is issued by the High Court Officer for a certain fee. You must submit personal information, family information, forms of identification and other documentation, such as blood test results or divorce decrees. Learn how to get a marriage license below.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Preparation for Getting Permission
Step 1. Visit the website of the High Court in your area
Do some research on the requirements for obtaining a marriage license in your area.
- All marriage permits are issued by High Court Officers, so differences in requirements may vary widely. Make sure you do your research at least 1 month before your wedding date.
- The exact region will be determined based on the region where you live. In cases where a resident marries a non-resident in a state, you must select the territory of residence located in the state in which you wish to marry.
Step 2. Request a copy of the official birth certificate
Many states will require it. If you were born in a different location or foreign country, it can take you 6 months to 1 year to get it.
Alternatively, the High Court Officer may ask for a passport, driver's license, or other forms of identification
Step 3. Get copies of all your past divorce papers if you have been divorced
While this letter may not be required in all cases, it is usually requested.
Step 4. Find out if a blood test is required in your state
Some states require you to be tested for rubella immunity. Ask for a letter of guarantee if you don't want to have a blood test done with your doctor.
Your doctor must authorize the results of your blood tests if these results are needed to confirm immunity or for other medical reasons. Exceptions can be made if you are infertile or over 50 years of age
Step 5. Determine if there is a waiting period
Marriage permits may need to be obtained from 5 to 30 days in advance. Marriage permits are usually only legal for approximately 6 months before the ceremony.
Part 2 of 4: Marriage Permission Application
Step 1. Decide if you want to fill out the application online
You may be able to fill out an application, pay online, and obtain a marriage license from a High Court Officer at a later date.
Step 2. Print an online application for this marriage permit if this option is available in your area of residence
You may be able to fill out the application first and sign it at the High Court office.
- You will need some personal information, such as date of birth, social security number, address and place of birth, to fill out the form.
- You may also need the residential address of your parents and/or their place of birth. Always write down the full name.
Step 3. Make an appointment with the High Court office if you are required to fill out the application in person
Some Higher Officers require you to schedule a month in advance, while others allow you to appear in court any time before 4pm on weekdays
Step 4. Choose the option to legalize or declare your marriage
This option may depend on your state.
A legal marriage permit is a form signed by a religious representative, marriage guardian, or Secretary of State. If you go this route, make sure you schedule a wedding date before the permit expires. Travel and service costs are usually related to the reservation date set by a court clerk or clergyman
Step 5. A marriage declaration is a document that the groom and bride fill in themselves to declare that they will be married
This practice began when there was no state official who could officiate the wedding ceremony for them. Check on your High Court website to find out the document requirements. While there may be a waiting period here, some states allow you to register a declaration at the same time as your application, and they will immediately recognize your marriage.
Step 6. Prepare the prescribed form of payment to be paid at your meeting, according to the terms on the website of the High Court in your area
Marriage license applications can cost anywhere from $25 to $150.
Part 3 of 4: Private Marriage Permission App
Step 1. Consider bringing 2 witnesses to the High Court office the day you want to apply for a marriage license
High Court officials may be able to provide witnesses if you do not prepare them yourself.
Step 2. Submit your marriage permit application at the time of appointment
You may have to swear to complete your application.
Step 3. Request a certified copy of your application, so that it can be signed by the person who legalized your marriage
Part 4 of 4: Follow-up to Marriage Permits
Step 1. Visit the High Court on the day specified if you are applying for a marriage license online
You will need to request a copy for your wedding ceremony.
Step 2. Provide a copy of the marriage license to the Minister of Law or marriage guardian on the date of your ceremony
They may arrange the signing of the marriage certificate for you.
Make sure the person agrees to fill out and register the marriage certificate before your marriage license expires
Step 3. Return to the High Court office for a certified copy of your marriage license
These copies usually cost between $2 and $30 per sheet.
