These days, it seems that you need a license to do just about anything. And getting married is no different. Every state in the United States requires a marriage license for a couple to wed. A few states also require a blood test (see detailed list below). To apply for a marriage license, go to your local county clerk’s office. This is usually located at your county courthouse. Often, both the bride and groom must be present to apply. You’ll both be asked a series of questions regarding your personal information and background. If everything checks out, a license will be issued. In most states, you receive your license the same day you apply. Some states, however, have a short waiting period. Each state also has different rules regarding the length of time that the marriage license is valid and how soon you can marry after receiving it
Once you’ve purchased your marriage license, don’t forget to bring it to the Church or wedding venue on the big day. Without it, you can’t legally get married. After the ceremony, the married couple and the wedding officiant must sign the license for it to be valid. You’ll also need witnesses (best man and maid of honor) to sign it. The final step is for the couple to file for a certified copy of the certificate to receive a marriage certificate from the government.
The following table shows each state’s specific information regarding marriage licenses.
|
STATE |
BLOOD TEST REQUIRED? |
WAITING PERIOD |
HOW SOON CAN YOU MARRY? |
WHEN DOES LICENSE EXPIRE? |
|
Alabama |
No |
None |
Immediately |
30 Days |
|
Alaska |
No |
3 Days |
Immediately |
3 Months |
|
Arizona |
No |
None |
Immediately |
1 Year |
|
Arkansas |
No |
None |
Immediately |
Never |
|
California |
No |
None |
Immediately |
90 Days |
|
Colorado |
No |
None |
Immediately |
30 Days |
|
Connecticut |
Yes |
None |
Immediately |
65 Days |
|
Delaware |
No |
None |
24 Hours |
30 Days |
|
DC |
Yes |
3 Days |
Immediately |
Never |
|
Florida |
No |
3 Days |
Immediately |
60 Days |
|
Georgia |
No |
None |
Immediately |
Never |
|
Hawaii |
No |
None |
Immediately |
30 Days |
|
Idaho |
No |
None |
Immediately |
Never |
|
Illinois |
No |
None |
1 Day |
60 Days |
|
Indiana |
Yes |
None |
Immediately |
60 Days |
|
Iowa |
No |
3 Days |
Immediately |
Never |
|
Kansas |
No |
3 Days |
Immediately |
6 Months |
|
Kentucky |
No |
None |
Immediately |
30 Days |
|
Louisiana |
No |
None |
3 Days |
30 Days |
|
Maine |
No |
3 Days |
Immediately |
90 Days |
|
Maryland |
No |
None |
2 Days |
6 Months |
|
Massachusetts |
No |
3 Days |
Immediately |
60 Days |
|
Michigan |
No |
3 Days |
Immediately |
33 Days |
|
Minnesota |
No |
5 Days |
Immediately |
6 Months |
|
Mississippi |
Yes |
3 Days |
Immediately |
Never |
|
Missouri |
No |
3 Days |
Immediately |
30 Days |
|
Montana |
Yes |
None |
Immediately |
180 Days |
|
Nebraska |
No |
None |
Immediately |
1 Year |
|
Nevada |
No |
None |
Immediately |
1 Year |
|
New Hampshire |
No |
3 Days |
Immediately |
90 Days |
|
New Jersey |
No |
72 Hours |
Immediately |
30 Days |
|
New Mexico |
No |
None |
Immediately |
Never |
|
New York |
No |
None |
24 Hours |
60 Days |
|
North Carolina |
No |
None |
Immediately |
60 Days |
|
North Dakota |
No |
None |
Immediately |
60 Days |
|
Ohio |
No |
None |
Immediately |
60 Days |
|
Oklahoma |
No |
None |
Immediately |
30 Days |
|
Oregon |
No |
3 Days |
Immediately |
60 Days |
|
Pennsylvania |
No |
3 Days |
Immediately |
60 Days |
|
Rhode Island |
No |
None |
Immediately |
3 Months |
|
South Carolina |
No |
24 Hours |
Immediately |
Never |
|
South Dakota |
No |
None |
Immediately |
20 Days |
|
Tennessee |
No |
None |
Immediately |
30 Days |
|
Texas |
No |
None |
3 Days |
31 Days |
|
Utah |
No |
None |
Immediately |
30 Days |
|
Vermont |
No |
None |
Immediately |
60 Days |
|
Virginia |
No |
None |
Immediately |
60 Days |
|
Virginia |
No |
None |
Immediately |
60 Days |
|
Washington |
No |
3 Days |
Immediately |
60 Days |
|
West Virginia |
No |
None |
Immediately |
60 Days |
|
Wisconsin |
No |
5 Days |
Immediately |
30 Days |
|
Wyoming |
No |
None |
Immediately |
Never |