How to Obtain an Ohio Marriage License

Ohio residents must apply for a marriage license with the Probate Court.

The state of Ohio allows males over the age of 18 and females over the age of 16 to enter into marriage. All females younger than 18 must have parental consent. Before the marriage of any couple is recognized by the state of Ohio, a marriage license application must be submitted to the Probate Court in any county in the state. Ohio law states that no blood-related couples or couples of the same sex may legally wed.

Things You'll Need

• Birth certificate
• Photo ID

Instructions

1. Complete the application for a marriage license, which is available online. The license must not be signed until you are in front of a Probate Court employee.

2. Go to your local Probate Court. Bring photo identification and proof of your social security number. If either of you has been previously married, all Ohio Probate Courts require a copy of your divorce decree or death certificate showing the date your previous marriage ended. Couples do not need to take a blood test to obtain a marriage license.

3. Pay the fee for an Ohio marriage license in cash. As of 2010, the fee for a marriage license in Ohio is $50. No other form of payment is accepted in Ohio Probate Courts. Your marriage license is given to you during your visit and does not require a waiting period. It is valid for only 60 days.

References

• Franklin County Probate Court: Marriage License Information