How to Get a Marriage License in Arkansas

An important step in making your marriage legal is obtaining a marriage license. Following are guidelines on how to obtain a marriage license if you plan to wed in Arkansas.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Divorce decree, annulment paper or death certificate, if applicable
• Marriage license application
• Valid identification
• Pen
• Cash

1. Apply for the marriage license in person at any Arkansas county courthouse. Residency is not required.

2. Present proof of age and identity. A driver's license, military identification card or passport are acceptable forms of identification for this purpose. Applicants under the age of 21 may also be required to show certified copies of birth certificates.

3. Fill out the application. Applicants may also be asked to provide Social Security numbers, addresses, telephone numbers and father's and mother's full name and state of birth for both applicants.

4. Pay the license fee and head to the altar. There is no waiting period, and the marriage license is valid for 60 days from date of issuance.

5. If either applicant has been married previously, bring the certified document, that ended his or her last marriage, such as a divorce decree, annulment paper or death certificate.

Tips & Warnings

• Blood tests are not required in Arkansas.

• Ministers performing the ceremony in the state of Arkansas must have their credentials recorded in one of Arkansas' 75 counties.

• The license must be returned used or unused, within 60 days to the County Clerk's Office where you applied or a $100 bond will be executed against all applicants.

• Marriage license requirements often change. Verify all information with the local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel arrangements.