
Getting married in Idaho requires a marriage license, which is a legal document that gives formal approval for a couple to marry. This is not the same as a marriage certificate, which is issued after the wedding ceremony when the marriage license is signed and returned. So, how long does it take to get a marriage certificate after the wedding in Idaho?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Waiting period after receiving the license | None |
| Expiry date of the license | None |
| Who can perform the ceremony? | An authorized officiant, a clergy member, a judge, or another designated official |
| Who can obtain the license? | Anyone above the age of 16 (accompanied by a parent or legal guardian) |
| Where to obtain the license? | County recorder's office |
| Cost of the license | $30 (may vary by county) |
| Accepted payment methods | Cash, debit/credit cards, checks |
| Additional cost for certified copies of the license | $2.00 |
| Documents required | Social Security Number, proof of identity and age (driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport, birth certificate) |
| Post-wedding procedure | Return the completed license to the recorder's office in the provided envelope |
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What You'll Learn

There is no waiting period in Idaho
In Idaho, there is no waiting period between getting a marriage license and getting married. This means that you can get married on the same day that you receive your marriage license. The marriage license is a legal document that you must obtain before your wedding to make it official. Once you have the license, there is no time limit to get married, as there is no expiration date.
To get a marriage license in Idaho, both individuals must appear in person at their county recorder's office. No appointments are available, so couples must walk in. Each individual must bring two types of identification: a Social Security number and proof of identity and age. The latter can be in the form of a current driver's license, state-issued identification card, passport, or birth certificate (either original or certified copy). The marriage license fee is approximately $30 in cash, but fees vary by county in Idaho. Most county recorders do not accept checks or credit cards, so it is important to bring cash.
After the wedding ceremony, the officiant will complete the bottom section of both copies of the marriage license. Once the Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics files your marriage license, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate. This certificate is a legal document that confirms your marriage. To change your name on documents such as a driver's license or social security card, you must present a certified copy of your marriage license to both the Social Security Office and the Department of Motor Vehicles.
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Marriage license requirements
Firstly, it's important to note that a marriage license is not the same as a marriage certificate. A marriage license is a formal approval and permission to marry, while the marriage certificate is issued once the license is signed.
In Idaho, there is no waiting period between getting the license and when you can get married. You can get your license on the same day as your wedding, but it's recommended to get it a few days in advance to avoid last-minute stress. There is no expiration date on the license, but if it's not used within a year, you must contact the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics.
To obtain a marriage license in Idaho, both parties must appear in person at the county recorder's office and provide the following:
- $30 in cash (some counties charge up to $20 more on Saturdays, and many do not accept checks or cards)
- A Social Security number for each applicant (non-US residents should bring identification from their country of citizenship, and if you don't have an SSN, obtain a letter from the Social Security Office)
- Proof of identity and age with a driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport, or birth certificate (original birth certificate or certified copy for those under 18)
If either applicant requires a translator, contact the Recorder's Office in advance to schedule an appointment with a court-approved translator.
Minors (aged 16 or 17) must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who must complete and sign the Affidavit of Consent to Marriage of Minor in the presence of the Deputy Clerk. Applicants who are 15 years of age and under will not be issued a marriage license.
Once you have the license, remember to have it signed by an authorized officiant, such as a clergy member, judge, or designated official, and then present a certified copy to the Social Security Office and the Department of Motor Vehicles.
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Marriage certificate process
To obtain a marriage certificate in Idaho, you must first obtain a marriage license. There is no waiting period for using the license, and you can get married the same day you receive it. The marriage license is only a formal approval for permission to marry and does not mean you are married. The marriage certificate is issued after the wedding ceremony when the marriage license is signed and returned.
Obtaining a Marriage License
To obtain a marriage license in Idaho, both individuals must appear in person at the county recorder's office. There are no appointments, only walk-ins. The couple will need to bring two types of identification: a Social Security number and proof of identity and age. Acceptable forms of identification for proof of identity and age include a current driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport, or birth certificate (either original or certified copy). The marriage license fee is approximately $30 in cash, but fees may vary by county, and some counties charge more for Saturday appointments. Most county recorders do not accept checks or credit cards.
Minors
For applicants who are 16 or 17 years old, a parent or legal guardian must accompany them. The parent or guardian must present a state or federally issued picture ID for notarizing the affidavit when signing it. A certified copy of their appointment of guardianship must also be provided. Applicants who are 15 years of age and under will not be issued a marriage license. Per Idaho Code, a marriage may not take place when one applicant is under the age of 18 and the applicants are more than three years apart in age.
Returning the Marriage License
Once the wedding ceremony has taken place, the completed marriage license must be returned to the county clerk's office for recording. The officiant will complete the bottom section of both copies of the marriage license. Certified copies of the marriage license can be purchased for $2.00 each. These certified copies can be used to change the name on a driver's license or social security card.
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Certified copy of the marriage license
In Idaho, there is no waiting period between getting a marriage license and when the wedding can take place. Couples can get their license on the same day they wish to get married. However, if the license is not used within a year, it is advised to contact the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics.
After the wedding ceremony, the officiant completes the bottom section of each copy of the license. The couple keeps the copy with the gold seal, while the other copy must be returned to the county recorder's office to be recorded. Certified copies of the recorded marriage license are then available for a small fee (approximately $2) upon completion of a form by either the bride or groom or an immediate family member.
A certified copy of the marriage license will be needed for most legal actions, such as changing one's name on a driver's license or with the Social Security Administration. It is also required when presenting the marriage certificate to the Social Security Office and the Department of Motor Vehicles.
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Where to get married with an Idaho license
An Idaho marriage license is only valid for ceremonies performed within the state of Idaho. There is no waiting period before using the license, and you can get married the same day you obtain it. You can apply for a marriage license in any county in Idaho and use it anywhere within the state.
To obtain your marriage license, both parties must appear together in person at the county recorder's office. You will need to bring $30 (many offices only accept cash, so it is best to have this on hand), a Social Security number for each applicant, and proof of identity and age with a driver's license, state-issued ID card, passport, or birth certificate. Marriage license fees vary by county but are about $30. The process of applying for a marriage license includes filling out a license application, paying your fee, reading an AIDS information sheet, and signing a Marriage License Affidavit.
Once you have the license, you must get married within the state of Idaho and have the license signed by a legal officiant, minister, judge, or governor. The officiant should sign with their official title. The marriage license must be returned to the recorder's office it was issued from, either in person or by mail. There is no expiration date on the license, but if it is not used within a year, you should contact the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics.
If you are passionate about the outdoors, Idaho has many beautiful wedding venues to choose from, including forests, lakes, and deserts. If you prefer a city wedding, Boise and the surrounding area offer gorgeous venues and many types of venues to match different budgets and visions.
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Frequently asked questions
After your wedding ceremony, your officiant will complete the bottom section of both copies of the marriage license. Once the Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics files your marriage license, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate.
A marriage license is a legal document that you must obtain before your wedding to make it official. A marriage certificate is what you receive after your wedding when you turn in your marriage license.
Both individuals within the couple will need to go to their county recorder's office. There are no appointments, only walk-ins. Couples will need to bring two types of identification to receive their marriage license: a Social Security Number and proof of identity and age. The marriage license fee is approximately $30 in cash, but fees vary by county in Idaho.
There is no waiting period in Idaho, so you can get married as soon as you receive the marriage license.
There is no expiration date on your marriage license. However, if a completed marriage license has not been returned to the Recorder’s Office within a year of your date of marriage, you will need to contact Vital Statistics.











































