How Long Does It Take to Get a Marriage License?
Quick Answer
Same day to 3 days in most states. Many states issue licenses on the spot. Some require a 1–3 day waiting period before the license is valid.
Typical Duration
Quick Answer
You can get a marriage license in the same day in most states. The application itself takes about 15–30 minutes at the county clerk's office. However, some states impose a 1–3 day waiting period between receiving the license and when it becomes valid for a ceremony. Plan ahead — a few states require up to 6 days.
State Waiting Periods
Most states have no waiting period, meaning you can marry the same day you receive your license. Here are the notable exceptions:
| State | Waiting Period | License Validity |
|---|---|---|
| California | None | 90 days |
| New York | 24 hours | 60 days |
| Texas | 72 hours (waivable) | 90 days |
| Florida | 3 days (waivable with premarital course) | 60 days |
| Illinois | 1 day (Cook County; none elsewhere) | 60 days |
| Massachusetts | 3 days | 60 days |
| Minnesota | 5 days (waivable) | 6 months |
| Wisconsin | 6 days | 30 days |
| Pennsylvania | 3 days | 60 days |
| Nevada | None | 1 year |
| Colorado | None | 35 days |
| Hawaii | None | 30 days |
| Washington | 3 days | 60 days |
| Georgia | None | 6 months |
| Ohio | None | 60 days |
Some states allow judges to waive the waiting period in special circumstances. Texas waives its 72-hour wait if you complete a premarital education course.
Documents You'll Need
Bring the following to the county clerk's office:
- Government-issued photo ID — driver's license, passport, or state ID for both applicants
- Social Security numbers for both applicants
- Proof of age — birth certificate if under 18 (with parental consent where allowed)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if either party was previously married
- Cash or check for the fee — typically $25–$100 depending on the county (some offices also accept cards)
You do not need witnesses to apply in most states, though some require 1–2 witnesses at the ceremony itself.
Blood Test Requirements
As of 2025, only Montana still requires a blood test (for rubella) for marriage license applicants, and even that can be waived. All other states have eliminated blood test requirements. Previously, blood tests screened for syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections, but the practice was phased out as it proved to be an ineffective public health measure.
Online vs. In-Person Application
Many counties now offer online pre-application:
- Online pre-application: Fill out forms in advance, then visit the clerk's office to show IDs and pay. This reduces the in-person visit to 10–15 minutes. Available in most major cities and counties
- Fully in-person: Walk in, complete the application, present documents, and pay. Takes 15–30 minutes depending on wait times
- Fully online (limited): A few jurisdictions (like Clark County, Nevada — Las Vegas) allow the entire process online, with the license mailed to you or picked up at a kiosk
Call your county clerk's office ahead of time to confirm hours, fees, and whether appointments are required. Some offices are appointment-only.
How Long Is a Marriage License Valid?
Once issued, a marriage license has an expiration date by which the ceremony must take place. This varies by state:
- 30 days: Hawaii, Colorado, Wisconsin, Kansas
- 60 days: New York, Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Ohio
- 90 days: California, Texas, New Jersey
- 6 months: Georgia, Minnesota
- 1 year: Nevada
If your license expires before the ceremony, you'll need to reapply and pay the fee again.
Cost by State
Marriage license fees range from $10 to $115:
- Lowest: Colorado ($10–$30 depending on county)
- Typical: $30–$75 in most states
- Highest: Minnesota ($115), New York City ($35 + ceremony fee), some California counties ($75–$100)
Some states offer reduced fees for couples who complete a premarital counseling or education course — Florida, for example, reduces the fee by $32.50 and waives the waiting period.
Tips for a Smooth Process
- Check county-specific requirements — rules vary by county, not just by state
- Both parties must appear at the clerk's office in almost all cases
- Bring exact forms of ID listed on the county website
- Go early in the week — clerk's offices are busiest on Fridays
- Verify holiday hours — some offices close for local holidays that differ from federal ones