A marriage license in the US costs between $20 and $115 depending on your state (most charge $30-90), requires both applicants to appear in person with valid ID, and is valid for 30-365 days.1 No US state requires blood tests as of 2025, though waiting periods of 24-72 hours apply in some states like New York, Florida, and Texas.2 You must be at least 18 years old, unmarried, and not closely related to your partner.
The marriage license is your legal permission to marry—distinct from the marriage certificate, which proves you're married after the ceremony. Whether you're planning a courthouse wedding or an elaborate celebration, obtaining your license is the essential first step.
General Requirements Across All States
Every US state requires the following to issue a marriage license:
Valid identification for both applicants—typically a driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID card. Birth certificates may also be required to verify age and birthplace.1
In-person appearance by both parties at the time of application. No state allows you to apply by mail or proxy (with rare exceptions for military personnel deployed overseas).2
Minimum age of 18 years for both applicants in most states. Minors under 18 may marry with parental consent and/or court approval in some states, though many have raised the minimum age to 18 without exceptions.1
Proof of divorce or spouse's death if either applicant was previously married. You'll need a certified divorce decree showing the final date, or a death certificate.2
Social Security numbers in most states, though non-US citizens can use their passport numbers instead.3
No current marriage to another person. US law prohibits bigamy in all jurisdictions.
Marriage License Requirements by State
Here's a comprehensive comparison of requirements in popular wedding states:
| State | Fee | Waiting Period | Validity | Witnesses Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $85-91 | None | 90 days | 1 |
| Texas | $72-88 | 72 hours | 90 days | 0 |
| Florida | $86 ($61 with course) | 3 days (residents) | 60 days | 2 |
| New York | $35-40 | 24 hours | 60 days | 1 |
| Nevada | $102 | None | 1 year | 1 |
| Georgia | $56 | None | No expiration | 2 |
| Pennsylvania | $40-80 | 3 days | 60 days | 2 |
| Illinois | $15-60 | None | 60 days | 1 |
| Colorado | $30 | None | 35 days | 0 |
| Arizona | $83 | None | 1 year | 0 |
| Massachusetts | $20-50 | 3 days | 60 days | 2 |
| Washington | $64 | 3 days | 60 days | 2 |
Fees vary by county within each state. Some counties charge additional fees for certified copies or expedited processing.1
Popular Wedding States: Detailed Requirements
California
California charges $85-91 for a marriage license depending on the county (Los Angeles County charges $91 for public licenses, $85 for confidential).4 Both applicants must appear together at any county clerk's office with valid photo ID.
California has no waiting period—you can marry immediately after receiving your license. However, the license expires after 90 days. California offers two license types: public (filed as a public record) and confidential (sealed and available only to authorized parties). Both are legally equivalent.
No blood test or residency requirement exists. Out-of-state and international couples can obtain a California license as easily as residents.
New York
New York charges $35 in New York City and $40 in other jurisdictions.2 Both applicants must appear in person, and NYC requires appointments through the online Project Cupid system—walk-ins are not accepted.
New York imposes a 24-hour waiting period between receiving the license and marrying. A judge can waive this for good cause, such as military deployment or medical emergency. The license is valid for 60 days (180 days for active military stationed outside the US).
No blood test is required. If previously married, bring certified copies of divorce decrees or death certificates.
Texas
Texas counties charge $72-88 for a marriage license, with some counties like Harris County charging $81 for residents and $181 for non-residents.5 Both applicants must appear together with valid photo ID and Social Security numbers.
Texas imposes a 72-hour waiting period between obtaining the license and marrying. You can bypass this by completing the Twogether in Texas premarital education course (which also reduces the fee by $60) or with a military waiver. The license expires after 90 days.
If you've been divorced within the past 30 days, Texas law prohibits remarriage to anyone except your former spouse unless a judge waives this period.5
Florida
Florida charges $86 for a standard marriage license, reduced to $61 if both applicants complete a state-approved premarital preparation course.6 Both parties must appear in person with valid photo ID and Social Security numbers.
Florida residents face a 3-day waiting period between application and ceremony. Non-residents have no waiting period and can marry the same day—making Florida popular for destination weddings. The premarital course also waives the waiting period for residents. Licenses expire after 60 days.
Nevada (Las Vegas)
Nevada's marriage license costs $102 ($105.29 with credit card processing fees).3 The Clark County Marriage License Bureau is open 8am-midnight daily, including weekends and holidays, with no appointment necessary.
Nevada has no waiting period—couples can obtain a license and marry immediately, making it the most popular destination for quick weddings and elopements. The license is valid for one full year, giving unusual flexibility.
You can pre-apply online up to 90 days before your in-person visit, reducing wait time to about 15 minutes. Both applicants must appear with valid photo ID. No blood test or residency requirement exists.
Understanding Waiting Periods
Waiting periods serve as a "cooling off" period. As of 2025:1
No waiting period: California, Nevada, Georgia, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Ohio—approximately 32 states allow same-day marriage.
24-hour waiting period: New York, Delaware (can be waived by judicial order).
3-day waiting period: Florida (residents only—non-residents exempt), Alaska (3 business days), Pennsylvania, Michigan, Washington, Wisconsin.
72-hour waiting period: Texas (waived with premarital course or military waiver).
Waiving Waiting Periods
Many states allow judges to waive waiting periods for:
- Military deployment: The most commonly accepted reason, particularly for active-duty service members facing overseas assignments.
- Medical emergency: Terminal illness or imminent hospitalization, typically requiring a physician's statement.
- Premarital education courses: Automatically waive waiting periods in Texas and Florida while reducing fees by $60 and $25 respectively.56
Contact your county clerk's office to inquire about the waiver process.
Special Circumstances
Same-Sex Couples
Same-sex marriage has been legal nationwide since the Supreme Court's Obergefell v. Hodges decision in June 2015.7 All 50 states issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples under identical requirements as opposite-sex couples. No special procedures, documentation, or fees apply.
Previously Married Applicants
If either applicant was previously married, you must provide certified copies of divorce decrees showing the final judgment date, or death certificates if widowed.12 Photocopies and uncertified documents are not accepted.
Your divorce must be finalized before applying for a new license. Some states like Texas impose a 30-day waiting period after divorce before remarriage.5
Non-US Citizens
Non-US citizens can obtain marriage licenses in all 50 states without residency requirements. You'll need a valid passport as identification, and many states accept passport numbers in lieu of Social Security numbers.13
Marrying in the US does not automatically grant immigration status or right to remain in the country. Consult an immigration attorney for guidance on adjusting status after marriage.
Military Personnel
Active-duty military members receive several advantages:2
- Extended validity periods: New York extends license validity from 60 to 180 days for military stationed outside the US.
- Waiting period waivers: Most states with waiting periods grant automatic waivers for active-duty members.
- Proxy marriage: Montana and Colorado permit proxy marriage for military personnel on active duty.
Bring your military ID and orders when applying for waivers or extensions.
Minors Under 18
As of 2025, most US states have raised the minimum marriage age to 18 without exceptions. States still allowing minor marriage with restrictions include:
- Texas: Requires court order for anyone under 18; parental consent alone is insufficient since 2017.5
- Florida: Age 17 permitted with parental consent; under 17 prohibited.
- New York and California: Age 18 minimum, no exceptions.
Contact your county clerk to confirm current age requirements, as laws change frequently.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Before You Visit
- Schedule an appointment if required. New York City mandates online booking through Project Cupid.2
- Gather documents: Valid photo ID, birth certificate, Social Security card (or passport for non-citizens), certified divorce decree or death certificate if previously married.
- Check office hours. Most operate Monday-Friday during business hours. Nevada's Las Vegas office operates 8am-midnight daily.3
- Verify fees and payment methods. Many counties accept only cash or money orders.
At the Clerk's Office
- Both applicants appear together with all documents.
- Complete the application with full legal names, dates of birth, addresses, Social Security numbers, and details of any previous marriages.
- Sign a sworn statement affirming you're legally free to marry.
- Pay the fee and receive your license.
After Receiving Your License
- Give the license to your officiant before the ceremony. Learn more about officiant requirements.
- Ensure witnesses sign if required by your state.
- Return the completed license to the county clerk within 10-30 days.
- Receive your marriage certificate 2-6 weeks later. Order 3-5 certified copies for name changes, passport updates, and legal records.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting too long to apply. Many couples don't realize their license expires—typically after 30-90 days. Apply 2-4 weeks before your wedding.1
Forgetting divorce papers. Certified divorce decrees must show the final judgment date. Uncertified copies are not acceptable.
Only one person appearing. Both applicants must appear together in all states.
Misspelling names. Your marriage certificate reflects exactly what you write. Use your full legal name as it appears on your ID.
Using an unregistered officiant. Verify your officiant is legally authorized in your state. If not properly authorized, your marriage may not be legally valid.
Missing the ceremony deadline. You must marry within your license's validity period or obtain a new license.
Practical Tips
Consider premarital courses for discounts. Texas and Florida offer significant fee reductions ($60 and $25 respectively) plus waiting period waivers for completing state-approved courses.56
Pre-apply online when available. Nevada, California, and many other states offer online pre-application that reduces in-person time significantly.34
Choose your county strategically. In states where fees vary by county, you can apply in any county regardless of where you live or plan to marry.
Order multiple certified copies. Get 3-5 certified marriage certificates—you'll need them for Social Security, DMV, passport, employers, and banks.
Keep your license safe. Store it in a rigid envelope. Damaged licenses may need replacement before your ceremony.
Sources and References
Footnotes
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FindLaw, Marriage License Information by State, 2025. https://www.findlaw.com/family/marriage/marriage-license-information-by-state.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8
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New York City Office of the City Clerk, Marriage License, 2025. https://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/content/marriage-license ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
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Clark County Nevada, Marriage License Requirements, 2025. https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/government/elected_officials/county_clerk/marriage-license-requirements ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
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Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, Marriage License Fees, 2025. https://www.lavote.gov/home/county-clerk/marriage-licenses-ceremonies/fees/fees ↩ ↩2
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Texas Health and Human Services, Marriage Requirements, 2025. https://www.dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics/marriage ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
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Florida Department of Health, Marriage License Information, 2025. http://www.floridahealth.gov/certificates/certificates/marriage/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
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Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015). https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/14pdf/14-556_3204.pdf ↩