Ohio Marriage Licenses and Blood Tests
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016
This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw’s team of legal writers and attorneys and in accordance with our editorial standards.
The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors. 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.
Marriage is a legal as well as a spiritual and/or personal relationship. As such, you'll need to get an Ohio marriage license by contacting the Ohio Probate Court and filling out an application.
You and your future spouse both have to appear at the clerk's office, fill out an application, sign it, and pay a license fee, depending on the county. You can get your marriage license immediately. There isn't a waiting period.
If either person was previously married, he or she must show certified documents on how previous marriage ended such as divorce, annulment, or death.
Also, you don't have to have a physical examination or get a blood test to receive a marriage license in the Buckeye State.
The following table highlights the main provisions of Ohio's marriage laws. See Marriage Laws Overview, prenuptial agreements, Tips for Marriage, and Marriage FAQs for more information.
Code Section | Ohio Revised Code Section 3101.01 |
Where to Obtain a License | Ohio Probate Courts |
Age Requirements | 18 years old. 16 years old with parental consent |
Residency Requirement | None, but Ohio residents wanting to marry in Ohio, apply in the county where they reside. Otherwise, out of state residents must apply in the county in which they are getting married. |
Identification Requirements | Both parties must have picture identification (Driver license, Military ID, Passport) |
Same Sex Marriage | No |
Blood Test Requirement | No |
Fees | $60 |
How Long is the License Valid? | 60 Days |
Who Can Preside Over the Ceremony? | Marriages are to be performed by an ordained minister of any religious society or congregation within the state licensed to perform marriages; the Probate Court Judge or any other judge appointed as a probate judge; a Judge of a Municipal Court; the mayor of a municipal corporation in any county in which such municipal corporation wholly or partly lies, the superintendent of the state school for the deaf; or any religious society, in conformity with the rules and regulations of its church. You can learn more here. |
Prior Marriage? | If you've been married before, you'll need to present to the court your divorce decree. |
Waiting Period | None |
Where to Request Marriage Certificate or Divorce Decree | Ohio Office of Vital Statistics (PDF) |
Witnesses | None required |
Because marriage laws can sometimes get complicated, it may also be a good idea to consult an experienced Ohio family law attorney if you have questions about your specific situation.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Family law matters are often complex and require a lawyer
- Lawyers can protect your rights and seek the best outcome
Get tailored family law advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many attorneys offer free consultations.
Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life

Learn more about FindLaw’s newsletters, including our terms of use and privacy policy.