How To Apply For A Marriage License

Getting hitched with that special someone is a pretty bold move on both parties’ parts, and you might need to know how to apply for a marriage license if you plan on doing so. Of course, the specific guidelines for applying for that “golden ticket” can vary by state, but the regulations are typically synonymous. If you’re ready to apply for a marriage license and get the ball rolling with your loved one, these are the basic steps for doing so.

To apply for a marriage license, you will need:

• Proper documents (social security card, birth certificate, proof of residency, etc)
• Money for the application fee
• A computer (if you plan on applying online)
• A witness, depending on your state of residence

1. First, you must check the requirements for applying for a marriage license before taking any further steps. You don’t want to get knee deep in the application and then realize that you aren’t eligible thanks to some minor technicality. Check all of the requirements for getting a marriage license. These can include being at the ripe age of eighteen, making sure you’re not tied up in another marriage, and other stipulations.
2. Have the required documents ready. When applying for a marriage license, you are normally expected to present a variety of different documents. These include the proof of your identity, your social security card, a copy of your birth certificate, and more. It can vary by state, so make sure to check.
3. Make sure you’ve got the application fee. The application fee usually costs around $20-$30, and it differs by state. It’s usually not an outrageous amount, so it shouldn’t be hard to come up with the cash.
4. Once you’ve met all the requirements and gathered your documents, head to your local registrar’s office. In some cases, you can even print out a marriage license application from the state website. Either way, be sure to fill every portion of the application out with your special someone, but don’t sign it. In many cases, the application must be signed at the local registrar’s office while under oath.
5. Wait for license to be issued. Once you’ve turned that sucker in, all there’s left to do is wait. The license can take anywhere from a day to several days to process. Either way, remember that once you get it, you’ve only got a certain amount of time to marry before it expires!