If you are planning to get married, you need to apply for a marriage license. This legal document verifies your age, identity, and that both persons wishing to marry legally qualify in the state. You can apply for an online marriage license. However, you will have to complete the application and sign the paperwork in person. Also, the requirements for qualifying for a marriage license vary from state to state. Therefore, you need to check local requirements and restrictions for applying for an online marriage license.
Many states such as Indiana and Michigan use an e-filing program, where you can e-file your application. Then, you simply verify it by visiting the local county clerk with all the necessary identification and proof of identity. Once you have a certified marriage license, you can take it to any officiate or church to be legally wed. You may need an affidavit to show you do not have a previous marriage certificate. This document will also show there is no record of current marriage for either party.
What You Need to Apply for a Marriage License Online
Most states will ask you to give a certain amount of data up front. Typically, this will be filling out a form online and sending it to the local office. Otherwise, you can fill it out and bring it to your appointment with you.
You will need:
- A certified copy of the birth certificate for each party (not necessary in all states). Or, valid passport and full names of both parents plus the name of the state of birth
- A current valid state photo ID to prove residency for each party showing current address
- Proof of residence if applying for a wedding in a county out of state
- Social security numbers for each party (not necessary in all states)
- Fee State (Typically, $20-$50 depending on the state)
- Full (maiden) name of each party
- Age of each party
- Birthplace of each party
- Full name and birthplace of each parent
If either party is a minor in that state, they will ask for their parents’ presence and proof of relationship.
In most cases, you can apply for your marriage license online and pick it up in person. Most states issue marriage licenses for 30-60 days. If you apply for a marriage license online, bring photocopies of all identification and listed requirements to the pickup office.
Who Can Get a Marriage License?
In most states, you must be 18 or older or have written permission from both parents and/or guardians. You should be legally not married. Also, you will have to visit the county clerk and verify that there are no existing marriage certificates in your name. You will also need to provide identification including photo ID and a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you have been married previously, you will also need a divorce or death certificate. However, rules vary a great deal from state to state. Therefore, it is important to check actual regulations for your state.
How to Replace Vital Records
There are cases you may not be able to apply for a marriage license. For example, if you do not have copies of certified vital records such as your birth certificate or a previous marriage certificate. However, you can order replacement documents at VitalRecordsOnline. If you are over the age of 21, you need your photo ID, full name, location, and date on each of the documents. For example, for a replacement marriage certificate, you must provide the full names of each spouse, the marriage date, and location. This will prevent you from having to return to the vital records office in a state where you filed the records. It will ensure you get replacement records more quickly, so you can file and qualify for your marriage license.