Marriage License Requirements by State: Complete Guide 2026

Marriage License Basics

Before you can legally marry in the United States, you need a marriage license issued by a county clerk or similar local authority. Requirements vary significantly by state, and showing up unprepared can delay your wedding timeline.

This guide covers the essential requirements across all 50 states so you know exactly what to expect.

Universal Requirements

Every state requires:

•Both parties must appear in person at the county clerk office

•Valid government-issued photo ID (driver license, passport, or state ID)

•Social Security numbers for both parties

•Payment of the license fee (ranges from $10 to $115 depending on the county)

•Legal age (18 in most states without parental consent)

Waiting Periods by State

Some states require a waiting period between applying for the license and when it becomes valid:

No waiting period: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wyoming, and more

1-day wait: Delaware, Louisiana

2-day wait: Maryland, Pennsylvania

3-day wait: Alaska, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, Washington

5-day wait: Minnesota

6-day wait: Wisconsin

Many states waive the waiting period if you complete a pre-marriage counseling course — another reason to consider counseling before the wedding.

License Expiration

Marriage licenses do not last forever. Most states set an expiration window:

•30 days: California, Nevada, New York

•60 days: Florida, Georgia, Texas

•90 days: Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio

•6 months: Pennsylvania

•1 year: Alabama

•No expiration: Several states including South Carolina

Plan your filing date accordingly — if you file too early, your license may expire before the ceremony.

Blood Tests and Health Requirements

In 2026, only a small number of states still require blood tests:

•Montana: Blood test required (can be waived)

•Most states: No blood test required

This is a significant change from decades past when blood tests for syphilis and other conditions were common requirements.

Fees by State

Marriage license fees range widely:

•Lowest: Colorado ($10 to $30), Kansas ($25), many rural counties

•Average: $30 to $75

•Highest: Minnesota ($115), New York City ($35 plus surcharges)

Many states offer fee discounts ($25 to $60 off) for couples who complete a state-approved pre-marriage education course.

Special Circumstances

Previously Married

If either party was previously married, you must provide proof that the prior marriage ended — a certified divorce decree or death certificate. Some states require a waiting period after a divorce before you can remarry.

Name Changes

If you plan to change your last name, the marriage license is your primary document. Bring the exact name you want on the license, and check whether your state allows hyphenated names, completely new surnames, or only the spouse traditional name.

Military Couples

Many states offer expedited processing and fee waivers for active-duty military personnel. Check with your county clerk for military-specific accommodations.

How to File: Step by Step

1.Check your county requirements — visit your county clerk website or call ahead

2.Gather documents — IDs, Social Security cards, any divorce decrees

3.Appear together in person — both parties must be present

4.Pay the fee — cash, check, or card depending on the office

5.Wait out any required period — if your state has a waiting period

6.Get married within the validity window — before the license expires

7.Return the signed license — your officiant signs it, then you return it for recording

Track Filing Trends in Your County

MarriageSignals tracks marriage license filings across hundreds of counties. Visit our county pages to see filing volumes, trends, and timing data for your specific location.

Data sourced from public county clerk records and state government websites. Always verify current requirements with your local county clerk before filing.