Franklin Dean
If you're getting married in Kansas, you'll need to apply for a marriage license through the county district court. You can do this online, and it's recommended to apply at least two weeks before your wedding. There is a waiting period of three days after you apply for the license, and then one of you must return to the courthouse to pick it up. Once you have your signed license, you'll need to send it in to receive your marriage certificate a few weeks later. This certificate is the proof that you're legally married.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to get marriage certificate after submitting application | A few weeks |
| Time to get marriage certificate after wedding | Not specified, but the marriage license is valid for six months after receiving it |
| Application method | Online or in person |
| Time to get marriage license after application | Three-day waiting period; applications placed on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday are generally available on the following Monday |
| Time to get marriage license before wedding | At least two weeks; can be obtained as early as six months in advance |
| Cost | $85.50 (cash or card) + processing fee + taxes |
| Certified copy cost | $20 |
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What You'll Learn
Apply online or in-person for a marriage license
In Kansas, you can apply for a marriage license online or in person. If you choose to apply online, you must complete the application electronically on the website of the Kansas Judicial Branch. You will need an email address, specific details for each person, and a way to pay for the marriage license (such as a credit card, debit card, or electronic check). There is a three-day waiting period after the application is made, and the license will be issued on the third day after the application, depending on when you applied. For example, if you apply on a Monday, your license will be issued on Thursday.
Alternatively, if you prefer to apply in person, you can go to your county clerk's office and pick up a paper marriage application. You and your partner, as well as the officiant and two witnesses, will need to sign the application. Then, you can send the completed application to the given address, usually the county clerk, and they will send you a marriage certificate a few weeks later. The cost of applying for a marriage license in Kansas is $85.50, plus a credit card processing fee and taxes.
It's important to note that the marriage license is not the same as the marriage certificate. The license is what you apply for and receive before the wedding, and it needs to be signed by witnesses and an officiant during your wedding ceremony. The marriage certificate is the proof of your marriage that you will receive once you turn in your signed license after the ceremony. The marriage certificate can be requested at least two weeks after your ceremony through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Office of Vital Statistics.
Additionally, a marriage license in Kansas is valid for six months from the date it is issued. If you do not get married within that six-month period, you must apply for a new license.
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Receive the marriage license
To receive your marriage license in Kansas, you must first apply for it. You can apply for a marriage license online or in person at your county clerk's office. The application fee is $85.50, though this may vary depending on the county. Some counties may have additional requirements, so it is important to check with your local county clerk's office. You can also check your county's website for information on the marriage license application process.
After submitting your application, there is a waiting period before you can receive your license. In McPherson County, for example, there is a three-day waiting period. If you apply on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, you can generally pick up your license the following Monday. It is recommended that you apply for your license at least two weeks before your wedding, and you can apply up to six months in advance. A Kansas marriage license is valid for six months, so you must have your wedding ceremony within this time frame.
Once the waiting period is over, you can pick up your marriage license from the county courthouse. One of the spouses must return to the courthouse to collect the license. At this point, you will need to pay the application fee if you have not already done so.
After receiving your marriage license, you must have it signed by both spouses, two witnesses over the age of 18, and an officiant. The officiant can be a judge of a court record or an ordained minister. The signing of the license can take place at a simple ceremony, as long as the spouses verbally agree to marry each other. The marriage must be solemnized in front of witnesses, as Kansas views marriage as a communal event.
After the ceremony, the signed license must be returned to the county court that issued it to be recorded. The completed licenses are first filed with the County Clerk of the District Court in the county where the license was issued. The District Courts then forward the licenses to the Kansas Office of Vital Statistics. You can order a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the county where you filed for the license or from the Office of Vital Statistics. A small fee will apply for each copy.
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Get the license signed by witnesses and an officiant
In Kansas, a marriage license is not considered complete until it has been signed by the couple, two witnesses, and an officiant. The officiant can be a priest, a judge, or even a friend who has become ordained online. The officiant's role is not only to sign the license but also to vouch that the marriage occurred and to solemnize the marriage, making it valid.
The process of obtaining a marriage license in Kansas begins with an online application, which can be done through the state's official website or by visiting the county clerk's office. The couple must then obtain the signatures of two witnesses and an officiant, who will typically charge a fee for their services. The completed license, bearing all the necessary signatures, is then submitted to the County Clerk of the District Court in the county where the license was issued.
It's important to note that a marriage license in Kansas is valid for six months from the date of application. If the couple does not get married within this period, they must apply for a new license. The license itself is not proof of marriage; it is the marriage certificate that serves as the official documentation. After the signed license is submitted, the couple will receive their marriage certificate in the mail a few weeks later, which serves as proof of their legal marriage.
While the process outlined above is standard, there may be slight variations or additional requirements depending on the specific county or circumstances. It is always advisable to refer to the official sources and guidelines provided by the state of Kansas for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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Submit the signed license to the county court
After your wedding ceremony, you will need to submit your signed marriage license to the county court to obtain your marriage certificate. This is a crucial step in the process, as it ensures that your marriage is legally recognized and recorded. Here's a step-by-step guide on submitting the signed license and receiving your official marriage certificate:
Submit the Signed License
Once you have obtained all the necessary signatures on your marriage license, including those of the officiant and witnesses, it's time to submit the document to the appropriate county court. Make sure you submit the license to the same county court where you applied for and received the license. This step should be completed promptly after your wedding ceremony to avoid any delays in receiving your marriage certificate.
Return the License to the Issuing County Court
Ensure that you return the signed marriage license to the correct county court. The license must be returned to the county court that issued it. For example, if you applied for and received your license from the Douglas County Courthouse, you should return the signed license to the same courthouse. Each county may have specific requirements and guidelines for submitting the signed license, so be sure to review their instructions.
Submission Process
When submitting the signed marriage license, you may need to provide additional information or documentation. Check with the county court to understand their specific submission process. Some courts may require you to submit the license in person, while others may allow you to mail it or submit it online. It's important to follow the submission guidelines accurately to avoid any delays or complications.
Timeline for Submission
It is recommended to submit the signed marriage license to the county court as soon as possible after your wedding ceremony. Some counties may have specific timelines or waiting periods, so be sure to inquire about these details. The timely submission of the license will initiate the process of recording your marriage and issuing your official marriage certificate.
Obtaining Your Marriage Certificate
After submitting the signed marriage license to the county court, you can expect to receive your official marriage certificate within a few weeks. The processing time may vary depending on the county and their specific procedures. If you require a certified copy of your marriage certificate, you may need to place an order and pay a small fee, as mentioned earlier. This certified copy will serve as your official proof of marriage.
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Order a certified copy of the marriage certificate
To order a certified copy of your marriage certificate in Kansas, you must first understand the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate. The marriage license is the document you receive when your application to get married is approved. The marriage certificate, on the other hand, is the document that proves you are legally married.
To obtain a marriage certificate, you must first have your marriage license signed by an officiant and two witnesses at your wedding ceremony. The signed license is then filed with the County Clerk of the District Court in the county where the marriage license was issued. The District Court then forwards the completed license to the Office of Vital Statistics.
To order a certified copy of your marriage certificate, you must contact the Office of Vital Statistics by phone at 785-296-1400 or visit their website. The initial fee for a certified copy is $20 for a five-year record search. If the record is found, one certified copy is issued; if it is not found, the fee is retained.
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Frequently asked questions
It can take a few weeks to get your marriage certificate in Kansas.
You can apply for a marriage license online or at a district court clerk's office. Once you have the license, you need to get it signed by witnesses and an officiant at your wedding ceremony. After the ceremony, the signed license must be returned to the county court that issued it. Then, you can order your marriage certificate from the county where you filed for the license or from the Kansas Office of Vital Statistics.
The fee for a marriage license in Kansas is typically $85.50, but there may be additional processing and tax fees. There is also a small fee for each copy of your marriage certificate.
Kansas has a three-day waiting period after you apply for a marriage license before you can pick it up. The license is then valid for six months, during which time you must have your wedding ceremony. You will need two witnesses over the age of 18 and an officiant to sign your license at the ceremony.
Yes, Kansas is a common-law state, which means you can introduce yourselves as husband and wife and register the marriage at the county clerk's office without a formal ceremony.
