Deborah Chan
Getting married is an exciting time, but there's a lot of paperwork to prepare before the ceremony. The exact documents you'll need for a wedding license depend on where you live, but there are some common requirements. Both parties must prove their identity and age, and may need to provide a Social Security number or Tax ID. If either party was previously married, they must also prove that they are no longer married, usually with a divorce decree or death certificate. Some locations require proof of divorce for applicants who have been divorced within the last six months. There may also be requirements for minors, such as written consent from a parent or legal guardian. It's important to check with your local authorities to understand the specific documents and requirements for your wedding license.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Requirements vary by location. For example, in Chicago, couples must obtain a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk's office, whereas in North Carolina, it can be obtained from any county in the state. |
| Application Process | Most locations require couples to appear together and fill out an application form. Some counties, like in North Carolina, allow online applications before visiting the office. |
| Identification | Valid identification with proof of age is typically required. This can include a government-issued ID, birth certificate, or other acceptable forms of photo ID. |
| Social Security Number | Applicants must provide a Social Security number or a notarized statement that they are ineligible to receive one. |
| Marital Status | If previously married, applicants must provide proof that they are no longer married. Divorced applicants need to present the date of finalization and may need a certified copy of the divorce decree. Widowed applicants must present a death certificate. |
| Age Requirements | Both parties must be at least 18 years old, with some locations allowing minors of a certain age to marry with parental consent or other specific requirements. |
| Relationship Type | The couple cannot be more closely related than first cousins and cannot be double first cousins. |
| Fees | There is typically a fee associated with obtaining a marriage license, which varies by location (e.g., $60 in Chicago, $98 in Maricopa County). |
| Validity Period | Marriage licenses are usually valid for a set period, commonly 60 days, after which a new application is required. |
| Witnesses | Some license types require witnesses and/or an officiant to preside over the ceremony. |
| Additional Requirements | Some locations may have specific additional requirements, such as providing proof of divorce in English or submitting ITIN documents from the IRS. |
Explore related products
![The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner [Revised Edition]: Worksheets, Checklists, Etiquette, Timelines, and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81lx2xHeJdL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Marriage license vs marriage certificate
A marriage license is a permit to get married in a particular location and a legal document for public records stating that you and your partner are free and eligible to marry each other. It is obtained before the wedding ceremony and is valid for a limited time, usually between 30 days to a year. The cost of obtaining a marriage license varies from state to state and ranges between $35 and $150.
The marriage license application is an affidavit, or sworn statement, that there are no legal impediments to the marriage. Both parties must provide proper forms of identification, proof of divorce or widowhood if either party was previously married, and their date of birth to confirm they are of legal age to marry. In some states, a witness may also be required.
A marriage certificate, on the other hand, is a document issued after the wedding ceremony, confirming the validity of the information on the license. It records the date, time, and place of the wedding, as well as the officiant's name. The marriage certificate is required for various purposes, such as sharing health benefits, filing taxes, applying for home loans or mortgages, proving identity, or travelling internationally. It is also necessary for changing one's name to that of their spouse. The cost of obtaining a marriage certificate varies across states, typically ranging from $5 to $26.
While the specific processes may differ depending on the state and county, understanding the distinction between a marriage license and a marriage certificate is crucial to ensure your status as a married couple is official and legally recognised.
Planning Your Wedding: What Details Matter Most?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner & Organizer [binder edition]: Worksheets, Checklists, Etiquette, Calendars, and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71AVwMqR-fL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Identification documents
To obtain a marriage license, you and your future spouse must present valid identification documents, such as a driver's license or passport, to confirm your identity and date of birth. This is to prove that you are of legal age to marry and that you are not currently married to anyone else. If you were previously married, you will need to provide proper proof of divorce or widowhood.
If you are under the age of 18, additional identification requirements may apply. In some states, if you are under 16 years of age, you are prohibited from marrying. If you are between 16 and 18 years old, you may be required to provide either a certified copy of an Emancipation Order or a notarized parental consent form, along with the identification of your parent(s) or legal guardian.
It is important to note that requirements may vary by state or country, so be sure to check with your local marriage license office or the relevant government website to confirm the specific identification documents needed for your wedding license application.
In addition to identification documents, you will typically need to fill out and sign a marriage license application form, pay a fee, and provide other supporting documents, such as proof of divorce if applicable.
Planning a Wedding: When to Keep Calm and Carry On
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Proof of divorce or widowhood
If you have been married before, you will need to provide proof that you are no longer married to your previous partner. This could be because of a divorce or because your previous spouse has passed away. In either case, you will need to provide proper documentation to confirm this.
In the case of divorce, you will need to provide the date that the divorce was finalised. If your divorce was finalised within the last six months, you will also need to provide a certified copy of your divorce decree. This is to ensure that there are no legal impediments to your new marriage.
If your previous spouse has passed away, you will need to provide a death certificate or other official documentation to confirm their death. This is to ensure that you are legally free to marry your new partner.
It is important to note that the requirements for proof of divorce or widowhood may vary depending on the state or country in which you are applying for your marriage license. Therefore, it is always best to check with the relevant authorities to ensure that you have the correct documentation.
By providing proper proof of divorce or widowhood, you can ensure that your marriage license application process runs smoothly and that your new marriage is legally recognised.
Planning a Budget-Friendly Indian Wedding: Tips and Tricks
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Proof of age
To obtain a marriage license, both parties must present valid identification with proof of age. This can include a government-issued ID, such as a driver's license, or a birth certificate. In some locations, such as Maricopa County, Arizona, individuals under the age of 16 are prohibited from marrying. Other locations, such as North Carolina, require both parties to be at least 18 years old, unless specific requirements for minors are met. For example, minors aged 16 and 17 may marry a person no more than four years older and must provide written consent from a parent or legal guardian.
It is important to note that marriage license requirements may vary depending on the county and state. For example, in Cook County, Illinois, couples must appear together at one of the four locations of the Cook County Clerk's office, fill out and sign a marriage license application, and present valid identification with proof of age. The marriage license fee in Cook County is $60. On the other hand, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, there is no specified fee mentioned, but applicants must bring their required forms of identification, such as photo IDs, and any other relevant documentation.
In addition to proof of age, other documents that may be required for a wedding license include proof of marital status, such as a divorce decree or death certificate for widowed individuals. These documents must be in English or officially translated if they are in another language. Social Security numbers or a statement of ineligibility for a Social Security number may also be required. It is recommended to contact the relevant office, such as the Register of Deeds or the Marriage License Department, to confirm the specific requirements for your location.
It is worth noting that marriage licenses typically have a validity period, after which they expire if the wedding has not taken place. For example, in North Carolina, the license is valid for 60 days, while in Maricopa County, Arizona, it is valid for one year from the date of purchase. Therefore, it is essential to plan accordingly and allow sufficient time for the application process to obtain your marriage license before your wedding date.
The Billion-Dollar Shaadi Business: Unveiling India's Wedding Industry
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Marriage license expiry
A marriage license is a crucial step in the wedding planning process. It is a permit to get married in a particular location and a legal document stating that you and your partner are free and eligible to marry. While planning their wedding, couples must be aware of the specific rules in their state or country to avoid potential delays and complications.
Marriage licenses typically have an expiration date, and these dates vary by state or country. Most states in the US have an expiration date for marriage licenses, usually ranging from 30 to 90 days from the issue date. For example, marriage licenses in California expire after 90 days, while in Florida, couples must marry within 60 days. If couples do not marry within this timeframe, they must apply for a new license, which may involve additional fees and cause delays in their wedding plans.
When a marriage license expires, it is no longer legally valid for marriage. Couples cannot get married without a valid license, and they may need to restart the application process, causing potential stress and financial implications. An expired license can also complicate matters related to property rights and marital benefits, as the legal recognition of their union depends on having a current and valid license.
To renew an expired marriage license, couples must first check the regulations in their state or country. They may need to apply for a new license, provide identification and proof of residency, and pay any required fees. It is important to set a new wedding date within the validity period of the renewed license to ensure the legality of the marriage.
Officiating Weddings in Louisiana: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
