Your city clerk office is where you go to get a marriage license, register a birth or death, and file certain legal documents
The city clerk is a local government official who keeps records for your city or county. If you are looking for a marriage license, the clerk's office is the only place that issues them in your area. They also handle birth certificates, death certificates, business licenses, and public records requests. The office is run by an elected or appointed clerk and their staff.
Every city and county has one, though the name and exact location vary. Some places call it the "clerk's office," others the "vital records office" or "registrar." The building might be in city hall, the courthouse, or a separate government building. You can find yours by searching "[your city name] clerk office" or calling your city's main phone number and asking for the vital records or marriage license department.
Hours are usually Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but some offices stay open one evening a week or offer Saturday hours. Many now let you start the marriage license process online or by mail, though you will still need to visit in person to sign and pay the fee.
Key Takeaways
- The city or county clerk's office is the only place that issues marriage licenses in your jurisdiction.
- You can find your local clerk's office by searching online for "[your city] clerk" or calling your city's main phone line.
- Most offices are open weekdays during business hours, and some offer evening or weekend appointments.
- Many clerk offices now accept online applications or mail-in requests, but you must appear in person to sign the license and pay the fee.
- The clerk's office also handles birth and death certificates, business licenses, and public records requests.
How to find your city clerk's office location and hours
Start with a web search for your city or county name plus "clerk office" or "vital records." Most offices have a website listing their address, phone number, and hours. If you cannot find it online, call your city or county's main switchboard — they can transfer you or give you the direct number.
If you live in a small town, the clerk might share an office with other departments or be in the town hall. In larger cities, there is often a dedicated vital records building separate from city hall. Some counties run a central office that serves the whole county, while others have branch offices in different towns.
Before you go, check whether the office requires an appointment. Many now do, especially after the pandemic. You can usually book a slot online or by phone. If you show up without one, you may have to wait or come back another day.
What documents to bring for a marriage license
Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) for both people getting married. You will also need proof of age, which is usually your birth certificate or passport. Some offices accept a certified copy; others want the original.
If either person was married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse. If you were married in another state or country, bring that marriage certificate. The clerk will check these documents to make sure there are no legal barriers to the marriage.
Bring the exact legal names you want on the license — first, middle, and last. If you have changed your name since your birth certificate was issued, bring the court order or other document that shows the change. The clerk will ask you to spell everything out loud to confirm.
Bring a check or cash for the fee. Most offices accept both, though some take cards. The fee ranges from about $20 to $100 depending on where you live. Ask when you call or check the website so you know the exact amount.
The difference between explore online and in person
Many clerk offices now let you fill out the marriage license form on their website before you come in. This saves time on the day of your visit because the staff does not have to write down all your information by hand. You still have to come to the office in person to sign the form, show your ID, and pay the fee.
Some offices mail you the blank form if you request it, and you can fill it out at home and bring it with you. This is useful if you live far away or have a busy schedule. The form is usually the same whether you fill it out online, by hand, or at home — the difference is just when and where you do it.
A few offices in large cities offer same-day service if you arrive early and the office is not busy. Most take one to three business days to issue the license after you sign it. Ask the clerk when you will be able to pick it up or whether they mail it to you.
What happens after you get your marriage license
The marriage license is a blank form that you and your partner sign in front of the clerk (or sometimes in front of a witness, depending on your state). You then give it to the person who will perform the ceremony — a judge, minister, rabbi, or other officiant. They sign it during the ceremony and return it to the clerk's office.
Once the officiant files the signed license, the clerk records the marriage and issues a marriage certificate. This usually takes one to two weeks. You can order certified copies of the certificate from the clerk's office, and you will need these for things like changing your name, updating your driver's license, or adding a spouse to your health insurance.
The marriage license itself expires if you do not use it. Most states give you 30 to 90 days to get married after the license is issued. If that time passes and you have not had the ceremony, you have to get a new license.
Common reasons people visit the clerk's office besides marriage licenses
Birth certificates are one of the most common requests. If you need a certified copy of your birth certificate, you go to the clerk's office in the city or county where you were born. You will need to show ID and pay a small fee, usually $10 to $25. Some offices mail them to you; others require you to pick them up in person.
Death certificates work the same way. If someone in your family has died, you can order a certified copy from the clerk's office where the death was registered. You will need the person's full name, date of death, and sometimes their date of birth. The fee is similar to a birth certificate.
The clerk's office also issues business licenses in many places, handles public records requests, records property deeds and liens, and keeps minutes from city council meetings. If you are not sure whether the clerk handles what you need, call and ask — they can tell you or direct you to the right department.
What to do if you cannot visit in person
If you live out of state or out of the country, many clerk offices accept applications by mail. You fill out the form, make a copy of your ID and other documents, and mail everything to the office with a check or money order for the fee. The office processes it and mails the license back to you.
Some offices use a third-party service that lets you upload documents online and pay by card. These services charge an extra fee on top of the clerk's fee, but they are faster and more convenient if you cannot travel. Search "[your city] marriage license online" to see if your clerk uses one.
If you need a marriage license urgently and cannot wait for the mail, some offices will hold a license for you to pick up, or they will email you a scanned copy while the original is in the mail. Call ahead and explain your situation — the staff can often find a way to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to get a marriage license?
Many clerk offices now require appointments, especially in larger cities. Check your local office's website or call to find out. If appointments are required and you show up without one, you may have to wait several hours or be turned away. Booking online is usually faster than calling.
How long does it take to get a marriage license?
The time from process to receiving the license varies. Some offices issue it the same day you explore; others take one to three business days. After the ceremony, the officiant files the signed license, and the clerk records the marriage and issues a certificate, which usually takes one to two weeks.
What if I lost my birth certificate and need it for the marriage license?
You can order a certified copy from the clerk's office where you were born. This usually takes a few days to a week by mail. If you need it faster, some offices offer in-person pickup or expedited mail service for an extra fee. Plan ahead so you have time to get it before your marriage license appointment.
Can someone else pick up my marriage license for me?
Some offices allow a family member or friend to pick up a license on your behalf if you give them written permission and they show ID. Others require both people getting married to be present. Call your clerk's office to ask what they allow.
What if the clerk's office made a mistake on my marriage license?
If you notice a spelling error or wrong information before the ceremony, go back to the office when ready and ask them to issue a corrected license. If the mistake is found after the ceremony, you will need to file a correction with the clerk's office, which may require a court order. It is easier to catch and fix errors before the ceremony.