Deborah Chan
Planning a wedding in Michigan? Don't forget to factor in the time it takes to get your marriage license. In Michigan, there is a mandatory three-day waiting period after you apply for your license before you can get married, and your license will expire 33 days from the date of application if you don't tie the knot by then. So, be sure to give yourself enough time to get your license before the ceremony, but not so much time that it expires before the big day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | 3 days |
| Time to get married after receiving the license | 33 days |
| Documents required | Valid driver's license or state ID showing proof of residency, Social Security number, valid passport or birth certificate |
| Fee | $20 |
| Fee for waiving the waiting period | $5 or $10 |
| Certified copy of marriage license | $24 |
| Additional copy of marriage license | $7 |
| Uncertified copy of marriage license | $11.50 |
| Return of signed license to the County Clerk's office | Within 10 days |
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What You'll Learn
Marriage license waiting period
In Michigan, there is a mandatory three-day waiting period from the time you apply for a marriage license to when you can actually get married. This means that you should apply for your license at least three days before your wedding date. The license is valid for 33 days from the date of application, so you must get married within this window or you will need to reapply for a new license.
To apply for a marriage license in Michigan, you must go to the County Clerk's office in the county where the ceremony is taking place. If you are a non-resident, you need to apply for your marriage license in the county where the ceremony is taking place. If you are a resident, at least one applicant needs to be a county resident with proof of residency (a current driver's license or state ID). Both parties will need to bring a valid driver's license or state ID, a valid passport or birth certificate, and their Social Security number. There is a fee for the marriage license, which varies depending on the county and whether you are a resident or non-resident.
After your marriage has been solemnized, the signed original license must be returned to the County Clerk's office within 10 days. You will need signatures from two witnesses over 18 on your marriage license, as well as the officiant's signature, to make the marriage official. The officiant must also document the date of the marriage and enter the name of the city, village, or township, and the name of the county in which the marriage is being performed.
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License validity period
In Michigan, there is a mandatory three-day waiting period after you have applied for your marriage license. This means that you will need to apply for your license at least three days before your wedding date. The license is then valid for 33 days from the date of application. If you do not get married within this 33-day period, your license will expire and you will need to reapply.
The three-day waiting period does not include the application day. You can waive this waiting period by paying a fee, which varies between $5 and $10, depending on the county.
Once you have received your license, you must return the signed original to the County Clerk's office after the marriage is solemnized. This must be done within ten days of your wedding. You can purchase a certified copy of your marriage license on the same day as you deliver the original to the Clerk's office, provided you have made an appointment.
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Required documents
To obtain a marriage license in Michigan, you must submit an application and present the required documentation. The marriage license will expire 33 days from the date of application, so it is important to plan accordingly and not apply too early.
- A valid driver's license or state ID for both parties to prove identity, age, and residency. The ID must show the current address, and photocopies are acceptable.
- Birth certificates for both parties are not required but are helpful when completing the marriage application. If birth certificates are not available, the following information is required: place of birth for both parties, parents' names and birthplaces for both applicants, and social security numbers of both parties. This information should match the birth records.
- If either party does not have a certified birth certificate, other forms of documentation can be accepted, such as a valid U.S. passport, a letter of no record from the state of birth along with NUMIDENT from Social Security, a valid passport with a certified and notarized English translation, U.S. naturalization papers, or a valid U.S. passport for Canadian citizens.
- If one or both applicants are residents of the county where the application is being made, proof of residency is required. This can be in the form of a current driver's license or state ID.
- For applicants in Macomb County, there is an additional requirement to make an appointment for notarization of the affidavit after submitting the online application.
- Once the marriage has taken place, the completed marriage license must be submitted to the local social security office and Secretary of State to update documents.
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License fees
The license fees for marriage in Michigan vary depending on the county. Here is a breakdown of the fees for different counties:
Wayne County
The fee for a marriage license in Wayne County is $30 if one or both applicants are residents of the county. If both parties are non-residents of Wayne County, the fee is $40. Additionally, one certified copy of a marriage license costs $24, and each additional copy purchased at the same time costs $7. An uncertified copy of the marriage license for search purposes costs $11.50, regardless of whether the record is found or not.
Oakland County
Although the exact license fee for Oakland County is not mentioned, there is a mention of a $5 fee to waive the three-day waiting period after submitting the online application.
Macomb County
The current fee for a marriage license in Macomb County is $20. However, there is a proposal to increase this fee to $50 for in-state marriages and $75 for out-of-state marriages. Additionally, there is a $10 waiver fee to bypass the three-day waiting period. If there are any errors in the information provided by the applicant, there is a $20 reprint or retype fee to correct the marriage license.
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Where to apply
To obtain a marriage license in Michigan, you must apply at the county clerk's office. This can be done in person or online, depending on the county. Some counties, such as Oakland County, offer both options, while others, like Macomb County, only accept online applications.
If you are a resident of Michigan, you should apply for your marriage license in the county where you live. If you are a non-resident, you need to apply for your marriage license in the county where the ceremony is taking place. For example, if you are getting married in Wayne County, you must obtain your marriage license from the Wayne County Clerk's Office, regardless of where you live.
When applying for a marriage license in Michigan, it is important to note that there is a mandatory three-day waiting period after submitting your application. This means that you should apply for your license at least three days before your wedding date. The license is valid for 33 days from the date of application, and you must get married within this window. If you do not get married within the 33-day period, the license will expire, and you will need to reapply.
Additionally, when applying for a marriage license, both parties must bring valid identification and proof of residency, such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. It is also recommended to bring your Social Security number and birth certificate. Some counties may have specific requirements, so it is essential to check with your local county clerk's office for detailed information on the application process and required documents.
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Frequently asked questions
A Michigan marriage license is valid for 33 days from the date of application.
You should apply for your marriage license at least three days before your wedding date due to Michigan's three-day waiting period.
You must return the signed marriage license to the County Clerk's office within 10 days of the ceremony.
