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The validity of a wedding license varies depending on the state and county. In Illinois, a marriage license is valid for 60 days and only in the county it is issued. In Florida, a wedding license is also valid for 60 days, and the application process can take between 3 to 5 weeks. In Georgia, the signed marriage license must be returned to the probate court within 30 days of the ceremony. The time it takes to obtain a marriage license can vary, with some couples receiving their license on the same day and others reporting a longer wait. It is recommended to start the application process early and to check the specific requirements for your state and county.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Validity | 60 days in Illinois and Florida |
| Validity | Valid only in the county they are issued in Illinois |
| Application time | 3-5 weeks in Florida |
| Application time | 2-3 weeks in some states |
| Application time | Same day in Virginia |
| Application time | Next day in Illinois |
| Application time | 3 days in some states |
| Requirements | Government-issued ID |
| Requirements | Proof of age |
| Requirements | Proof of divorce |
| Requirements | Method of payment |
| Requirements | Both parties must be present |
| Requirements | No living spouse from a prior undissolved marriage |
| Requirements | Must be at least 18 years old |
| Requirements | Of sound mind |
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What You'll Learn
Marriage license validity periods
The validity period of a marriage license varies depending on the state and county in which it is issued. In Illinois, for example, marriage licenses are only valid for 60 days and only in the county they are issued. Similarly, in Florida, marriage licenses are typically valid for 60 days, and the final issue date is adjusted to cover the wedding day and a few extra days.
In Georgia, there is a requirement to return the signed marriage license to the probate court within 30 days of the ceremony. The time it takes to obtain a marriage license can also vary, with some states offering same-day issuance, while others may take several weeks. For instance, in Illinois, couples can obtain their marriage license on the same day they apply, provided they have completed the online application in advance and present their IDs in person. In Florida, the online application process typically takes between 3 to 5 weeks, excluding the time for mailing.
It is important to note that some states and counties may have additional requirements, such as a waiting period between applying for and receiving the license, or specific age requirements. For example, in California, there is a 3-day wait period after applying for a marriage license. Additionally, individuals must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind to obtain a marriage license in Georgia, with certain conditions allowing 17-year-olds to obtain a license.
To ensure timely processing and compliance with local regulations, it is recommended to check with the relevant county or state authorities for specific information regarding marriage license validity periods and application procedures.
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Application processing times
The processing time for a wedding license application depends on several factors, including the state and county of application, whether the application is made online or in person, and the current workload of the issuing office. Here are some examples of processing times for different locations:
Illinois:
In Illinois, marriage licenses are typically issued quickly. The license becomes valid 24 hours after it is issued, and couples can marry as soon as they have their license. However, it is recommended to not wait until the last minute, as any changes to the venue after the license is obtained may require a new license to be obtained, matching the new venue.
Florida:
In Florida, the online wedding license application process typically takes between 3 to 5 weeks. This time frame includes the completion of the application form and payment, as well as the provision of photo identification. The process of notarization is often mentioned as the longest step. The official marriage certificate, obtained by mailing the signed license to the courthouse, can take between 4 to 6 weeks to be processed and mailed back.
Georgia:
In Georgia, marriage licenses are issued by county probate courts, and procedures may vary by county. Both parties must be present and provide proof of age, proof of divorce (if applicable), and a method of payment. The signed marriage license should be returned to the probate court within 30 days of the ceremony.
Virginia:
In Virginia, it is possible to obtain a marriage license on the same day, as long as the officiant has signed it.
California and Arizona:
The processing time can vary between different counties and states. For example, in California, the process can be as quick as 30 minutes, while in Arizona, it may take longer, even with an appointment.
It is always recommended to check with the specific county and state offices to obtain accurate and up-to-date information on processing times and requirements.
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Requirements and eligibility
The duration of validity for a wedding license varies across different states and counties. In Illinois, for instance, a marriage license is only valid for 60 days and only in the county it was issued. In Florida, the license is also valid for 60 days, and the processing time for the application is factored in so that the final issue date covers the wedding day and a few extra days.
To obtain a marriage license, certain requirements must be met, and these vary depending on the state and county. Here are some general requirements and eligibility factors:
- Age: Both parties must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. In some states, like Georgia, a 17-year-old may be issued a license if certain conditions are met.
- Previous Marriages: Applicants must not have any living spouses from prior marriages that have not been legally dissolved. Proof of divorce or the date of the end of the previous marriage may be required.
- Residency: Some states, like Georgia, require at least one of the individuals getting married to be a resident of the state. If neither party is a resident, the license must be issued in the county where the wedding ceremony will take place.
- Presence: Both parties must be present when obtaining the marriage license.
- Identification: A government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver's license, is typically required.
- Witnesses: While not required in all states, like Illinois, some states may require witnesses to be present during the wedding ceremony.
- Officiant: The officiant of the wedding must be at least 18 years old. This could be almost anyone, as some states do not require officiant registration.
- Application Method: Some counties allow couples to start the application process online, but a physical visit to the courthouse or clerk's office may be necessary to complete the process and obtain the license.
- Waiting Period: Certain states and counties may have a waiting period between the application and issuance of the license. This could range from a few days to a few weeks.
- Fees: There may be fees associated with applying for and obtaining the marriage license, as well as additional costs for certified copies of the license.
- Return of License: After the wedding, the signed marriage license should be returned to the appropriate authority within a specified time frame, which varies by state and county. For example, in Illinois, proof of marriage must be sent to the clerk's office within 10 days, while in Georgia, the signed license should be returned to the probate court within 30 days.
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Where to obtain a license
The procedures for obtaining a marriage license vary depending on the state and county in which you reside. Here is a list of four places where you can obtain a marriage license, along with detailed instructions on how to do so:
County Probate Court
Marriage licenses are typically issued by the county probate court in the state of Georgia. To obtain a marriage license, both parties must be present and provide proof of age, proof of divorce (if applicable), and a method of payment. The signed marriage license must be returned to the probate court within 30 days of the ceremony. If neither party is a resident of Georgia, the license must be obtained in the county where the wedding will take place.
Town Hall or City Hall
In some states, such as Virginia, you can obtain a marriage license from your local town hall or city hall. In certain states, you may be able to obtain your license on the same day, provided it is signed by the officiant. After the wedding, the signed license must be returned to the town hall, and you may need to request certified copies of your marriage certificate.
County Clerk's Office
In Illinois, marriage licenses are issued by the county clerk's office. You can fill out the application online in advance, but both parties must be present to pick up the license and present their IDs. The license becomes valid 24 hours after it is issued, and you have 10 days after the wedding to send proof of marriage back to the clerk's office.
Online Application
In some states, such as Florida, you can apply for a marriage license online. The process typically takes between 3 to 5 weeks, and you will need to provide a photo ID. The license is only valid for 60 days and should be given to the notary or minister on your wedding day, who will then mail it back to the courthouse to be recorded as the official marriage certificate.
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Post-wedding procedures
The duration of a wedding license's validity depends on the state and county in which it is issued. In Illinois, for instance, a marriage license is only valid for 60 days and only in the county they are issued. In Florida, the license is also valid for 60 days. On the other hand, in Georgia, the signed marriage license should be returned to the probate court within 30 days of the ceremony.
Given these differences, it is important to check the specific requirements and validity period for the state and county in which you are getting married.
After the wedding, there are a few procedures that need to be completed. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Obtain a certified copy of your marriage license: While the specific process may vary depending on your location, in most cases, you will need to go to the relevant government office (such as the town or city hall) to obtain a certified copy. In some states, you may also receive a certified copy by mail after submitting your signed marriage license. It is recommended to get at least three copies—one for safekeeping and two to provide to various institutions.
- Submit proof of marriage: In some states, such as Illinois, you are required to submit proof of marriage to the clerk's office within a certain timeframe after the wedding. In Illinois, this timeframe is 10 days.
- Change your name (if applicable): If one spouse is changing their last name, they will need to complete the necessary procedures to legally update their name. This may include providing a certified copy of the marriage license to various institutions, such as the Social Security Administration and the Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Update relevant records: In addition to legal documents, don't forget to update your name and other relevant information with your employer, bank, insurance providers, and any other organizations where your marital status may impact your records.
- Thank your guests: It is customary to send thank-you notes to your wedding guests within a few weeks of the wedding. This is a great way to express your gratitude for their attendance and any gifts they may have given you.
- Preserve your wedding memories: Finally, take some time to preserve your wedding memories. This could include organizing your wedding photos, storing your dress and any other sentimental items, and creating a wedding keepsake box.
Remember, the specific procedures and requirements may vary depending on your location, so it is always a good idea to check with your local government office or wedding officiant to ensure you are completing all the necessary post-wedding steps.
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Frequently asked questions
A wedding license in Florida is valid for 60 days.
A wedding license in Illinois is valid for 60 days and only in the county it is issued.
The online application process takes between 3 to 5 weeks. The official certificate is mailed back in 4 to 6 weeks.
The marriage license is issued on the same day but becomes valid 24 hours after.
The signed marriage license should be returned to the probate court within 30 days of the ceremony.
