What is needed to get a marriage license?
All that is required for single adults to obtain a marriage license is for them to come in person to the Clerk’s office, bring their driver’s license or other acceptable Identification (Government issued I.D.) and be prepared to pay the fee for the License.Also required is for both applicants to provide a Social Security number. Applicants who are not citizens may provide an immigration registration card, passport or other Government issued I.D.Applicants are required to read the family law handbook and once completed sign an affidavit to that effect. F.S. 741.04(B).
How must I pay for the marriage license fee?
Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted for payment.
Do both parties have to be present at the Clerk’s Office to apply for the marriage license?
Yes (Exceptions can be made only when there is good cause in extreme circumstances.)
Is a blood test required for the applicants to apply for the marriage license?
No. A blood test for marriages in the state of Florida is no longer required.
How long does it take to get a marriage license?
Florida law requires a three-day waiting period between application and the effective date of a marriage license. The waiting period can be waived if applicants show proof of having recently attended at least four hours of marriage counseling with a provider registered with the Clerk’s Office or both parties being out of state residents.
What are the basic restrictions for obtaining a marriage license?
To obtain a license without parental consent, both the male and female must be at least 18 years of age. The 18-year minimum age does not apply for individuals who have been married previously. A county judge may waive the age requirement for applicants who can prove they are parents or expectant parents.
Can an individual who is younger than 16 get a marriage license?
No. With or without parental permission, only a county judge can issue a marriage license to anyone under age 16.
Is the signature of just one parent sufficient to qualify as a parental permission for a minor to marry?
Yes, if that parent has sole legal custody of the minor or if the other parent is deceased.
How long is the marriage license valid?
Florida marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the effective date of the license. The marriage license form must be returned to the Clerk’s Office for recording within 10 days after the marriage is performed.
How long does it usually take to get a certified copy of our marriage record?
Certified copies are normally received within 10 days after the completed marriage certificate is returned to the clerk’s office for recording in the official records.
How much does it cost for a certified copy of the marriage certificate?
One certified copy is provided as part of the marriage license fee, there is no additional cost. Additional certified copies may be obtained for a fee of $3.00 each.
Does one or both of the marriage license applicants have to be an American citizen?
Neither applicant must be a citizen. There is no citizenship requirement to obtain a marriage license.
Can the Clerk’s office perform the marriage for us?
Yes, deputy clerks can perform a civil marriage ceremony. There is a $30.00 fee for performing this service.
Do we have to make an advance appointment for a license and a civil marriage ceremony?
Marriage Licenses are issued without appointments during normal business hours (8:30-5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday). Appointments must be made if you wish for the Clerk’s Office to perform the ceremony. Appointments may be made during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday).
My husband and I want to renew our vows. Do we need to get a marriage license for this?
No.
How do we renew our marriage vows?
Please consult your clergyman, chaplain, other religious adviser or personal counselor.
Do I need my divorce papers or death certificate of my spouse in order to apply for a marriage license?
No. You do not need the documents, unless your marriage ended in the last 60 days, however, the application does require you to note how your last marriage ended (divorce, annulment or death) and the exact date (month, day and year).
Can people obtain a license to marry parnters of their own gender?
