Junior Rasmussen
If you're getting married in Pennsylvania, you'll need to obtain a marriage license. The process varies slightly depending on the county, but generally, both applicants must appear in person at the Marriage License Department with valid ID and proof of their Social Security number or Tax ID. There is usually a three-day waiting period after the application before the license can be used, and it remains valid for 60 days from the issue date. It is recommended that applicants take the necessary steps to obtain a marriage license at least six weeks before their wedding.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Validity | 60 days |
| Validity starts | 3 days after issuance |
| Valid locations | Any county in Pennsylvania |
| Valid officiants | Only certain people may solemnize a marriage |
| Required documents | Two forms of identification, one of which must be a photo ID |
| Identification examples | Driver's license, state-issued photo ID, international driver's license, passport, military ID, PHL City ID |
| Additional requirements | Proof of Social Security number or Tax ID |
| Additional requirements examples | Social Security card, ITIN document from the IRS, birth certificate |
| Fees | Vary by county, $60 in Lancaster County |
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![Pennsylvannia Marriage Licenses Issued by Governor James Hamilton, 1748-1752 1908 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/617DLHXyzlL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
- The license is valid for 60 days from the issue date
- It costs $60 to apply for a license in Lancaster County, PA
- A self-uniting license means the couple officiates their ceremony
- Applicants must provide two forms of identification, one being a photo ID
- Blood relatives, including first cousins, cannot marry in Pennsylvania
The license is valid for 60 days from the issue date
In Pennsylvania, a marriage license is valid for 60 days from the issue date. This means that couples have 60 days to solemnize their marriage ceremony from the date of issuance. It's worth noting that the license is not valid until three days after it is issued. If your license expires before you get married, you will need to reapply and start the process over, including paying any associated fees and meeting all the requirements.
To obtain a marriage license in Pennsylvania, both parties must appear together at the clerk of the Orphans' Court office in any county within the state. Both parties must be at least 18 years old to apply without parental consent. If either party is under 18, additional requirements and parental consent may be necessary. When applying, couples are typically required to provide identification, such as a driver's license or passport, social security numbers, and possibly birth certificates. There may also be a fee associated with obtaining a marriage license, which varies by county.
It's important to understand the validity period and requirements associated with a marriage license to ensure the legal union between partners. Additionally, it's crucial to note that a Pennsylvania marriage license is only valid within the state and cannot be used in another state or country.
Once the marriage ceremony has been performed, the signed marriage license must be returned to the clerk of the Orphans' Court office for recording, finalizing the legal process of getting married in Pennsylvania.
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It costs $60 to apply for a license in Lancaster County, PA
In Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, it costs $60 to apply for a marriage license. This license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance, and it becomes valid on the third day following the oral examination.
When applying for a marriage license in Lancaster County, both applicants must be at least 18 years old and provide a current, valid photo ID. Acceptable forms of ID include a driver's license, state-issued photo ID, international driver's license, U.S. or international passport, military ID, or PHL City ID. In addition to a photo ID, applicants must also provide proof of their Social Security number or Tax ID (ITIN). This can be in the form of a Social Security card, Social Security printout, ITIN document from the IRS, or income tax return. If an applicant does not have a Social Security number or Tax ID, they must provide an additional form of ID, such as a birth certificate or another acceptable form of photo ID.
It's important to note that marriage licenses in Lancaster County are subject to certain legal restrictions. For example, if the marriage is solemnized by someone other than the officiants specifically listed as authorized by Pennsylvania law, the couple may be responsible for proving the legality of their marriage if any issues arise in the future. Additionally, Lancaster County does not allow marriages to be performed by friends or family members who have been ordained online.
While the cost of the marriage license itself is $60, there may be additional costs associated with obtaining the necessary documentation, such as fees for obtaining a new copy of a birth certificate or passport. Therefore, it is advisable to factor in these potential extra costs when budgeting for the marriage license application process.
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A self-uniting license means the couple officiates their ceremony
In Pennsylvania, a self-uniting marriage license means the couple can officiate their own wedding ceremony without the presence of an officiant. This type of license is specifically for couples who wish to solemnize their own marriage. It is important to note that this license is only valid in Pennsylvania and cannot be used in any other state or country.
To obtain a self-uniting marriage license in Pennsylvania, both partners must apply in person at their local county clerk's office. It is recommended to call ahead and make an appointment, as some counties in Pennsylvania may have different procedures and requirements. For example, in Chester County, located in Southeast Pennsylvania, couples can schedule their appointment online, while other neighbouring counties require a phone call. During the application process, both partners must be present and provide two forms of identification, including a current, valid photo ID, such as a driver's license, state-issued photo ID, international driver's license, passport, or military ID. Additionally, proof of Social Security number or Tax ID is required, which can be fulfilled by presenting documents such as Social Security cards, tax returns, or ITIN documents.
It is worth noting that the self-uniting marriage license is different from the standard marriage license used when there is an officiant presiding over the ceremony. The self-uniting license is only valid for a specific period, typically 60 days, and there may be specific rules regarding the number of witnesses required for the ceremony. Therefore, it is essential to carefully review the requirements and regulations of the county in which you plan to marry.
After obtaining the self-uniting marriage license, there is typically a waiting period of three days before the license becomes valid. Once the waiting period is over, the couple can officiate their own wedding ceremony and sign the marriage certificate as both the couple and the officiants. This unique option offers couples the opportunity to personalize their wedding ceremony completely and celebrate their union in a way that aligns with their beliefs and preferences.
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Applicants must provide two forms of identification, one being a photo ID
To obtain a marriage license in Pennsylvania, applicants must provide two forms of identification, with one being a photo ID. Both applicants are required to present a current, valid photo ID. This can include a driver's license, state-issued photo ID, international driver's license, U.S. or international passport, military ID, or PHL City ID.
Additionally, applicants must provide proof of their Social Security number or Tax ID (ITIN). This can be in the form of a Social Security card, Social Security printout, or ITIN document from the IRS. If an applicant does not have a Social Security number or Tax ID, they must still furnish a second form of identification, which could be a birth certificate (officially translated if necessary) or another acceptable form of photo ID.
It is important to note that the marriage license is only valid three days after issuance and expires 60 days later. This means that the marriage ceremony must take place within this 60-day period for the license to be valid. The marriage license is specific to Pennsylvania, and it cannot be used in any other state or country.
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Blood relatives, including first cousins, cannot marry in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, only certain people may solemnize a marriage. Marriage licenses are valid only three days after they are issued and expire 60 days later. While Pennsylvania does not allow close relatives to marry, first cousins once removed and other more distant relationships are allowed. This means that second cousins and beyond are permitted to marry in the state.
Pennsylvania recognizes first cousin marriages conducted in other states where the union is legal. This dates back to the early 20th century when the Superior Court of Pennsylvania made a ruling that validated a first-cousin marriage conducted in another state. Some U.S. states have a section in their marriage application forms where the couple must state whether they have a blood relationship, but there is no such question on the Pennsylvania application form.
The Pennsylvania marriage laws have a lengthy list of prohibited relationships, including parents, siblings, and children. It is also illegal for a man to marry his mother's sister or his father's sister, and for a woman to marry her father's brother or her mother's brother.
The laws prohibiting cousin marriages in some states go back to the 1800s when studies implicated cousin marriages as responsible for "idiocy," deafness, and blindness in offspring. However, these findings have been contradicted by other studies, and some states allow first-cousin marriages with certain conditions, such as genetic counseling.
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Frequently asked questions
You will receive your official wedding license at the end of your visit to the Marriage License Department. It will be valid on the third day after you apply and will remain valid for 60 days from the issue date.
Both applicants must bring a current, valid photo ID, such as a driver's license, state-issued photo ID, international driver's license, U.S. or international passport, military ID, or PHL City ID.
You can bring your own interpreter, who must provide a current, valid photo ID and be at least 18 years old. Alternatively, you can request an interpreter through the Register of Wills office free of charge.
Widowed applicants must present a certified copy of the deceased spouse's death certificate. Divorced applicants must present their original divorce decree. All documents must be in English.
No, a Pennsylvania wedding license is only valid within the state.
