Rhiannon Hendricks
The requirements for a marriage license vary by state and county, so it's important to check the specific rules for your location. Generally, both parties must be present when applying for a marriage license and must provide valid photo identification. In some states, such as California, only one person needs to be present, while in others, like Georgia, both parties must be present. It's recommended to apply for your marriage license at least one week before your wedding and no earlier than 90 days in advance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Presence of both parties | In most cases, both parties must be present when applying for a marriage license. |
| Identification | Both parties must provide valid government-issued photo IDs. |
| Additional documents | Other required documents include proof of age, proof of divorce (if applicable), and proof of name change (if applicable). |
| Timing | It is recommended to apply for the license at least one week before the wedding and no earlier than 90 days in advance. |
| Location | The application process typically takes place at the county clerk's office or the Marriage License Department. |
| Validity | The license is usually valid for a specific period, such as 60 or 90 days, and may be restricted to certain counties or states. |
| Witnesses | In some cases, credible witnesses may be required to verify identity if valid ID is not available. |
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What You'll Learn
- Both parties must be present when applying for a marriage license
- Required documents include a valid government-issued photo ID, birth certificates, and social security cards
- Divorced applicants must present their original divorce decree
- The marriage license is typically valid for 60 days from the issue date
- The marriage license and certificate are essential to making your union legal
Both parties must be present when applying for a marriage license
When it comes to applying for a marriage license, it is generally required that both parties be present. This means that both individuals who intend to marry must appear in person and bring the necessary documentation. This typically includes valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or other official photo ID. It is also common for additional documentation to be required, such as proof of age, proof of divorce (if applicable), and a method of payment.
In most cases, both applicants must visit the relevant office, such as the county clerk's office or the marriage license department, to obtain their marriage license. This process usually involves filling out an application form and presenting the required documentation. It is recommended to plan ahead and not leave the application until the last minute, as there may be a waiting period of a few days before receiving the license. The process typically takes about an hour, and it is possible to make an appointment in advance to expedite the process.
It is important to note that the specific requirements for obtaining a marriage license may vary depending on the state and county. For example, in some states like California, only one person needs to be present when applying, while in others, like Georgia, both parties must be present. Additionally, the validity period of the license may differ, with some states requiring the marriage to take place within a certain timeframe after the license is issued.
To ensure a smooth and efficient process, it is advisable for both parties to gather all the necessary documentation and check the specific requirements for their county and state before applying for a marriage license. This includes confirming the required forms of identification and any additional documentation, such as birth certificates or proof of name change. By being prepared and allowing sufficient time for the application process, couples can ensure they obtain their marriage license without delay.
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Required documents include a valid government-issued photo ID, birth certificates, and social security cards
When applying for a wedding license, both parties must be present with a valid government-issued photo ID. This could be a driver's license, state-issued photo ID, international driver's license, U.S. or international passport, military ID, or PHL City ID. If you do not have a valid ID, you can provide two credible witnesses—friends or family members with valid IDs who can sign an affidavit verifying your identity.
In addition to a valid government-issued photo ID, you will need to provide your legal name, place and date of birth, the name you will take after marriage, and your parents' legal names and places of birth. You will also need to show proof of your Social Security number or Tax ID (ITIN). Acceptable documents include Social Security cards, Social Security printouts, and ITIN documents from the IRS.
If either party has been previously married, you must prove that you are no longer married. Widowed applicants must present a certified copy of the deceased spouse's death certificate, while divorced applicants must present their original divorce decree. If either applicant has had a legal name change, they must provide the certified decree of the court. If either applicant cannot speak or understand English, they may bring their own interpreter, who must provide a current valid photo ID and be at least 18 years old.
It is important to note that the requirements for a wedding license may vary depending on the state and county, so be sure to check the specific requirements for your location. In general, it is recommended to apply for your wedding license at least one week before your wedding but no earlier than 90 days before. The license will typically be valid for a set period, usually between 30 days to a year, depending on the state.
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Divorced applicants must present their original divorce decree
When applying for a wedding license, both parties must be present with valid government-issued photo identification. In addition to this, divorced applicants must present their original divorce decree. This is to prove that they are no longer married. If the divorce decree is not in English, it must be translated and certified as accurate.
In Philadelphia, for example, applicants must present their original divorce decree if the divorce was finalized within 30 days of applying for the marriage license. Widowed applicants must present a certified copy of their deceased spouse's death certificate.
Death certificates and divorce decrees must be in English. If the original documents are in another language, they must be translated and certified as accurate. Applicants who have had a legal name change must provide the certified decree of the court. If the applicant cannot speak or understand English, they may bring their interpreter when applying for the license.
In Texas, certified copies of divorce decrees are available from the district clerk in the district where the divorce was granted.
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The marriage license is typically valid for 60 days from the issue date
The requirements for obtaining a marriage license vary depending on the location. In the US, each state has different laws governing when the marriage license is issued, can be completed, and must be returned. For example, in California, there is no waiting period, meaning the couple can get married on the same day that they file for the marriage license. In Wisconsin, there is a six-day waiting period from the time the couple applies for their marriage license until the ceremony.
In some states, such as Washington, there is a three-day waiting period before a marriage license can be used. This period begins when the license is issued, not when the application is submitted. Once this waiting period is over, the license is typically valid for 60 days. This means that the wedding ceremony must take place within this timeframe for the license to be valid. If the ceremony does not occur within this period, the license becomes void, and the couple will need to apply for a new one.
In other states, the validity period of a marriage license may differ. For instance, in Ohio, the marriage license is also valid for 60 days, while in Nevada, it is valid for a year. In Texas, the marriage license must be returned within 10 days following the wedding, and in Hawaii, the license must be returned within a 30-day window.
It is important to note that, in addition to the validity period, there may be specific requirements for obtaining a marriage license. For example, in Santa Clara County, California, both parties must be present with valid government-issued photo IDs to apply for a license. Therefore, it is essential to check the specific laws and requirements of the state or location where the marriage license is being obtained.
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The marriage license and certificate are essential to making your union legal
Once you have obtained your marriage license, you must complete your marriage ceremony within the validity period. After the ceremony, both spouses and the officiant must sign the marriage license. In some states, such as Colorado, Wisconsin, the District of Columbia, and parts of Pennsylvania, self-solemnization is allowed, meaning that an officiant is not required to perform the ceremony or sign the license.
After the wedding, the signed marriage license must be returned to the appropriate office, often the county clerk or recorder's office, within a specified timeframe, typically around 10 business days. Once the office receives and records the license, it becomes a marriage certificate, providing legal recognition of your union. You may then purchase a copy of your marriage certificate, usually available a few business days after the recording.
It is important to note that marriage licenses and certificates are separate but essential components of legalizing your marriage. While the license permits you to marry, the certificate serves as official proof of your marital status. Therefore, ensuring that you follow the correct procedures and meeting the requirements for both documents is crucial to making your union legal.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, both parties must be present with a valid photo government-issued ID.
Yes, both applicants must appear in person at the Register of Wills and provide the required documents, including identification.
Yes, both parties must be present in order to obtain a marriage license.
No, licenses in New Jersey will need two individuals to sign, while in California, at least one person must be present.
Yes, the couple must be present when it's time to sign the marriage license post-ceremony.
