{"id":351905,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:42","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/marriage\/marriage-license-requirements.html"},"modified":"2026-07-14T16:30:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T21:30:00","slug":"marriage-license-requirements","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/marriage\/marriage-license-requirements.html","title":{"rendered":"Marriage License Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Marriage License Requirements<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A marriage license is the legal document that allows a couple to marry, and each state sets its own rules for identification, waiting periods, and expiration timelines. Many states require couples to present documents like a birth certificate or driver\u2019s license and may impose a waiting period before the ceremony.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The marriage license application is one of the most crucial steps a couple must take to get married. It serves as a legal acknowledgment of intent to wed, with specific requirements varying by state<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This article summarizes common requirements for marriage licenses\u2014from birth certificates to waiting periods and more. Because requirements vary by state, checking your local laws and consulting an attorney<\/a> can help ensure you meet all deadlines and avoid delays in getting married.<\/p>\n

Marriage License Requirements: Waiting Periods<\/h2>\n

Many states require a waiting period after applying for a marriage license. The waiting period between the time of application to the wedding ceremony ensures that couples have time to consider and ensure they are making the right decision. There’s no spur-of-the-moment, Elvis-type wedding for couples in these states. You must wait a specified number of days before you can have your marriage ceremony.<\/p>\n

Application for a marriage license often requires the couple to submit an identification document. This could include a birth certificate, driver’s license, and social security card.<\/p>\n

The couple will also need to provide their full names and contact information. Here are some examples of waiting periods:<\/p>\n

The following states have a one-day<\/b> (24-hour) waiting period:<\/p>\n