How to Obtain a Marriage License by Mail
One of the most important aspects of any wedding is the marriage license. When a couple is planning a wedding, they may find it difficult to acquire a marriage license from the clerk of the court in person. Some states, such as Florida and Hawaii, offer the ability to obtain a marriage license by mail. This may be the best option for those who cannot get to the courthouse or are planning a destination wedding.
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Things You'll Need
- Social Security number
- Divorce decree if required by state
- Birth certificate if required by state
- Copy of state ID if required by state
Instructions
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Obtaining a Marriage License by Mail
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Check state requirements for acquiring a marriage license by mail. Do this by calling the clerk of the court in the county you wish to be married. Most states vary in their regulations regarding residency, premarital blood tests and vaccinations. Florida, for example, only offers a marriage license by mail if the couple lives out of state.
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Order the application for the marriage license from the clerk of the court either by phone or the County Clerk's official website. When the license arrives, fill it out completely and have it notarized. The couple's current names, maiden names and any other married names, birth dates, addresses, Social Security numbers and place of birth are a few of the items listed on the application.
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Mail the application, along with the license fee and any other required identification documents, to the clerk of the court. Some counties allow you to fax the information.
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If your license is emailed, print the marriage license and any other documents that are sent back to you. Note that some courts prefer to use the U.S. Postal Service as opposed to email.
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Give the notarized license to the minister or other person who will perform the wedding. He will be responsible for mailing it back to the clerk of the court.
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Tips & Warnings
Allow enough time to have the license legalized. Typically marriage licenses expire 60 days from the date of issue. Courts normally charge a higher fee for marriage licenses by mail.
References
Resources
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