Junior Rasmussen
In Pennsylvania, marriage licenses are typically valid from the third day after they are issued and remain valid for 60 days. The fee for a marriage license varies across counties. For instance, in York County, it costs $70 plus a debit/credit card processor fee, while in Philadelphia, a regular marriage license costs $90 and a Quaker or self-uniting license costs $100. Both applicants must be at least 18 years old and must appear at the Marriage License Department with their required forms of identification and payment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| License validity | Valid on the third day after the oral examination and remains valid for 60 days from the issue date |
| Cost of a regular marriage license | $70-$90 |
| Cost of a Quaker or self-uniting license | $100 |
| Additional certified copy | $15 per copy at the time of application, $40 per copy afterward |
| Replacement fee for lost or destroyed license | $10 |
| Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, or money order |
| Identification required | Social Security number or Tax ID (ITIN), U.S. or international passports, Military IDs, PHL City IDs, Driver's License, Non-Driver Photo ID, Birth Certificate, etc. |
| Other documents required | Divorce decree, Notice to Resume Prior Surname, Resumption of Maiden Name document, etc. |
| Age requirement | 18 years or older |
| Blood relatives | Blood relatives down to and including first cousins may not marry |
| Officiant | Required for a regular marriage license; optional for a self-uniting license |
| Return of the license | Must be returned to the Marriage License Department within 10 days of the ceremony |
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What You'll Learn
- Marriage licenses are valid from the third day and expire after 60 days
- Applicants must provide proof of identity and pay a fee
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old
- Blood relatives including first cousins cannot marry in Pennsylvania
- The officiant must return the signed license to the Marriage License Department within 10 days
Marriage licenses are valid from the third day and expire after 60 days
In Pennsylvania, marriage licenses are valid from the third day after the oral examination and remain valid for 60 days from the issue date. This means that couples have 60 days to get married and arrange for an officiant or witnesses, if required by their license type. The three-day waiting period does not start until after the appointment.
In York County, PA, marriage license applications are filed electronically, and appointments are held by video conference. The marriage license must be obtained at least three days before the marriage ceremony, and it will expire 60 days after this three-day waiting period. The office schedules marriage license application video conferences from 8:15 am until 4 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding County holidays.
In Lancaster County, PA, marriage licenses are also valid from the third day following the oral examination. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and present a valid form of identification, such as a driver's license, non-driver photo ID, passport, or Social Security card.
After the marriage ceremony, the license must be signed by the officiant and returned to the Marriage License Department within 10 days. If a couple chooses to be married by someone other than the officiants authorized by Pennsylvania Title 23 §1503, the couple assumes the burden of proof regarding the legality of their marriage.
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Applicants must provide proof of identity and pay a fee
In Pennsylvania, applicants for a marriage license must provide proof of identity and pay a fee. Both applicants must appear at the Marriage License Department with their required forms of identification and payment.
Acceptable forms of ID include driver's licenses, state-issued photo IDs, international driver's licenses, U.S. or international passports, military IDs, and PHL City IDs. Additionally, applicants must provide proof of their Social Security number or Tax ID (ITIN). This can be in the form of Social Security cards, Social Security printouts, or ITIN documents from the IRS. If an applicant does not have a Social Security number or Tax ID, they must present an acceptable form of photo ID, such as a birth certificate (officially translated, if necessary).
Applicants who were previously married must provide proof that they are no longer married. For example, widowed applicants must present a certified copy of their deceased spouse's death certificate. If a maiden name has been resumed, a "Resumption of Maiden Name" document must be presented.
The cost of a regular marriage license is $90, while a Quaker or self-uniting license costs $100. Payment can be made with Visa, Mastercard, or money order. It is important to note that cash and personal checks are not accepted, and no refunds will be provided after the purchase of a marriage license.
In Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, marriage licenses are valid on the third day following the oral examination. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and provide proof of identity, such as a current government-issued photo ID.
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Applicants must be at least 18 years old
In Pennsylvania, applicants must be at least 18 years old to obtain a marriage license. This requirement is consistent across Lancaster County and York County. In addition to meeting the minimum age criterion, applicants must also provide proof of their Social Security number or Tax ID (ITIN). Acceptable documents include Social Security cards, ITIN documents from the IRS, and income tax returns. If an applicant does not have a Social Security number or Tax ID, they must present a second form of identification, such as a birth certificate or a valid photo ID.
It's important to note that marriage licenses in Pennsylvania have specific validity periods. For example, in York County, the marriage license must be obtained at least three days before the wedding ceremony, and it will expire sixty days after this three-day waiting period. Similarly, in Philadelphia, the marriage license becomes valid on the third day after application and remains valid for 60 days.
The process of obtaining a marriage license may vary slightly between counties in Pennsylvania. In York County, marriage license applications are filed electronically through video conferences, and the license is emailed to the applicants. On the other hand, in Lancaster County, applicants must visit the Lancaster County Courthouse in person to complete the process. The fee for a marriage license also differs between counties, with York County charging $70 plus a debit/credit card processor fee, and Philadelphia charging $90 for a regular marriage license and $100 for a Quaker or self-uniting license.
Regardless of the county, certain requirements remain consistent. Both applicants must be present during the application process, and they must provide the necessary documentation, such as photo IDs. If either applicant was previously married, they must provide proof that they are no longer married, such as a certified copy of the deceased spouse's death certificate or a divorce decree bearing a court seal and signature. Additionally, if a maiden name has been resumed, a "Resumption of Maiden Name" document must be presented.
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Blood relatives including first cousins cannot marry in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, the process of obtaining a marriage license is relatively straightforward. Both applicants must appear at the Marriage License Department with the required forms of identification and payment. The cost of a regular marriage license is $90, while a Quaker or self-uniting license costs $100. The license is valid from the third day after the application and remains valid for 60 days. Within this timeframe, it is the couple's responsibility to arrange for an officiant and witnesses, if required.
Now, regarding your specific concern, it is important to note that blood relatives, including first cousins, are prohibited from marrying in Pennsylvania. This means that if you and your intended spouse are first cousins, you cannot legally marry within the state of Pennsylvania. The state has a lengthy list of prohibited relationships, which includes marriages between parents and children, siblings, and first cousins. Pennsylvania takes these restrictions seriously, and there are legal consequences for attempting to circumvent these laws.
However, it is worth mentioning that Pennsylvania does recognize first-cousin marriages conducted in other states, as long as they are legal in those jurisdictions. This recognition dates back to the early 20th century when the Superior Court of Pennsylvania made a ruling validating such marriages performed out of state. Nevertheless, the state does not perform marriages between first cousins within its borders, and you would need to explore other options if you wish to marry your first cousin legally.
It is also important to be aware that the laws and social attitudes regarding cousin marriages vary across the United States. Some states, like Texas, have passed bans on first-cousin marriages, while others, like Maine, allow it with certain conditions, such as requiring genetic counseling. Historically, cousin marriages have been a controversial topic, with some reports in the 19th century linking them to "physical and mental deprivation of the offspring." However, more recent studies have cast doubt on these assumptions, and the debate continues.
In conclusion, while Pennsylvania does not allow blood relatives, including first cousins, to marry within the state, it does recognize such marriages performed in other states where they are legal. If you are considering marriage to your first cousin, it is essential to understand the legal implications and explore options in other states that permit these unions.
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The officiant must return the signed license to the Marriage License Department within 10 days
In Pennsylvania, there are specific requirements and procedures that must be followed when it comes to obtaining and using a marriage license. One crucial aspect is the timeframe within which the marriage must take place after the license is issued. In most counties in Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia and York County, a marriage license becomes valid on the third day after the application process and remains valid for 60 days from the issue date. This means that couples have a set window of time within which they must schedule their wedding ceremony.
It is important to note that the three-day waiting period starts after the appointment and oral examination. In the case of York County, this appointment takes the form of a video conference, during which both applicants must be present and provide the necessary documentation. After the waiting period, the couple has 60 days to use the license and get married. If the license is not used within this timeframe, it must be returned, and the couple will need to reapply and pay the fee again.
Once the marriage ceremony has been performed, there are additional time constraints that must be adhered to. After the ceremony, the marriage license must be signed by the officiant. It is crucial that this signed license is returned to the Marriage License Department within 10 days of the wedding ceremony. This timeframe applies regardless of whether the marriage license is a regular license or a self-uniting license.
The role of the officiant is significant in the marriage process. In the case of a regular marriage license, an officiant, who must be qualified under 23 PA CSA §1503, is required to preside over the marriage ceremony. This person is responsible for signing the license after the ceremony and ensuring its timely return to the Marriage License Department. By fulfilling these responsibilities, the officiant plays a vital role in ensuring the legality and official recognition of the marriage.
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Frequently asked questions
A marriage license in Pennsylvania is valid for 60 days.
The validity period starts on the third day after you apply for the license.
If you don't use the license within the 60-day validity period, you must return the license and reapply.
The fee for a marriage license varies from county to county. In York County, it costs $70 plus a debit/credit card processor fee. In Philadelphia, a regular marriage license costs $90, while a Quaker or self-uniting license costs $100.
