The county clerk office is where you go to get a marriage license, and it's the same office that handles birth certificates, property records, and court documents for your county

Every county in the United States has a clerk's office. It is a government office, not a private business, and it is run by an elected or appointed official called the county clerk. The clerk's office keeps official records — marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, deeds, court filings — and issues copies of those records to the public. When you need a marriage license, you will go to this office in person, fill out a form, pay a fee, and receive the license on the spot or within a few days, depending on your state's waiting period.

The county clerk's office is located in the county courthouse or a separate county building, usually in the largest city in your county. You cannot get a marriage license by mail or online in most states, though a few allow you to read and print the form before you arrive. The office has set hours — typically 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays — and is closed on weekends and federal holidays.

Key Takeaways

  • The county clerk office is a government office in your county that issues marriage licenses and keeps official records like birth certificates and property deeds.
  • You must visit the office in person in most states, bring required documents (usually a photo ID and birth certificate), and pay a fee that varies by county.
  • The office is located in the county courthouse or a county building in your county seat, and you can find the address and hours on your county's official website.
  • Some counties have a waiting period between when you receive the license and when you can use it to marry, which ranges from zero to three days depending on your state.

How to find your county clerk office

Start by searching "[your county name] county clerk" or "[your county name] marriage license" in a search engine. This will take you to your county's official website, which lists the office address, phone number, and hours. If you do not know your county name, search "[your city name] county" and the result will tell you which county you live in.

The office is almost always in the county courthouse, which is usually in the county seat — the main city in your county. If your county is large, there may be a separate clerk's office building nearby. Some large counties have multiple branch offices, so check the website to see if there is one closer to you. Call the office before you go to confirm the hours and ask whether you need to bring anything beyond what the website lists.

What documents you need to bring

You will need a photo ID and proof of your date of birth. A photo ID can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. Proof of birth is usually your birth certificate, but some counties accept a passport or baptism record. Bring the original documents or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

If you were married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. If you were married outside the United States, bring the marriage certificate and a certified English translation if it is in another language. Some counties require additional documents if you have changed your name. The county clerk's website will list exactly what you need; if it does not, call the office and ask.

Marriage license fees and waiting periods

The fee for a marriage license varies by county and ranges from about $20 to $100. Some counties charge more if you want a rush service or additional certified copies. The fee is usually paid in cash or by check, though some offices now accept card payments — ask when you call.

Many states have a waiting period between when you receive the license and when you can use it to marry. This period is zero days in some states (you can marry the same day) and up to three days in others. A few states waive the waiting period if you take a premarital counseling class. Your state's waiting period is set by state law, not by the county clerk, so it is the same across your entire state. Check your state's vital records website to find out what your state's waiting period is.

How long the license is valid

A marriage license is valid for a set number of days after you receive it. In most states, the license is valid for 30 to 90 days. If you do not marry within that time, the license expires and you have to get a new one. Some states allow you to renew an expired license without starting over; others require you to fill out a new process and pay the fee again.

Check your state's rules before your wedding date so you know when to pick up the license. Your state's vital records office website will have this information, or you can call the county clerk's office and ask how long licenses are valid in your state and whether you can renew an expired one.

What happens after you marry

After the ceremony, the person who performed the marriage (the officiant) signs the license and returns it to the county clerk's office. The clerk then records the marriage and issues a certified marriage certificate, which is a formal record of the marriage. This is different from the marriage license — the license is what you use to get married, and the certificate is the proof that you are married.

The clerk's office will mail the certified marriage certificate to you, or you can pick it up in person. You will need this certificate to change your name, update your Social Security record, add a spouse to your health insurance, or prove your marital status for legal purposes. You can order additional certified copies from the county clerk's office at any time, usually for a small fee.

County clerk offices in different states

The basic process is the same across all states — you go to the county clerk, bring documents, pay a fee, and receive a license — but the specific requirements and fees vary. Some states require a blood test or premarital counseling; others do not. Some states allow you to marry at 16 with parental consent; others require you to be 18. Some states recognize common-law marriage; others do not. Your state's vital records office website will have the exact rules for your state.

If you are marrying someone from another state or country, the rules can be more complex. The marriage license you receive in one state is usually recognized in all other states, but if you are marrying a non-citizen, you may need additional documents. If you are unsure, call the county clerk's office and describe your situation — the staff can tell you what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a marriage license online or by mail?

In most states, you must visit the county clerk's office in person. A few states allow you to read the process form online and fill it out before you arrive, which can speed up the process. No state currently issues a marriage license entirely by mail or online. Call your county clerk's office to ask if you can submit the form in advance.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

You can use a passport, military ID, baptism record, or other official document that shows your date of birth. If you do not have any of these, contact your state's vital records office to order a birth certificate before you go to the county clerk. This can take several weeks, so plan ahead.

Can I change my name when I get married at the county clerk's office?

The marriage license itself does not change your name. After you marry, you use the marriage certificate to change your name with Social Security, your driver's license, and other agencies. Some counties allow you to request a name change on the marriage license form, but this varies by state. Ask the county clerk when you explore.

What if my county clerk's office is closed when I need a license?

Plan to visit during regular business hours on a weekday. If you are getting married on short notice and the office is closed, some counties have emergency procedures — call the office and ask. If your state has no waiting period, you can sometimes get a license and marry on the same day if you go early in the morning.

Do I need to register my marriage after I get the license?

No. The officiant who performs the ceremony signs the license and returns it to the county clerk, who then records it automatically. You do not need to do anything else. The clerk will mail you a certified marriage certificate, which is your proof of marriage.