How to Get a Marriage License in South Carolina

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 South Carolina.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

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

1. Apply for the marriage license together in person at any South Carolina county clerk's office. Residency in South Carolina is not required.

2. Present proof of age and identity. A driver's license, military identification card or certified copies of birth certificates are acceptable forms of identification for this purpose.
   

3. Fill out the application and sign it in the presence of the county clerk. Applicants may also be asked to provide addresses, telephone numbers, states of birth, marriage officiator information and father's and mother's full names.
   

4. Pay the license fee and head to the altar. There is a 24-hour waiting period between the time the application is made and the time the license can be picked up. The license does not expire.

Tips & Warnings

• Some counties may require applicants who have been married previously to bring the certified document that ended his or her last marriage, such as a divorce decree, annulment paper or death certificate.
• Blood tests are not required in South Carolina.
• Marriage license requirements often change. Verify all information with the local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel arrangements.