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We Have The License, Now What?
By Ronda Addy
The big question was popped and the answer was yes. Now is the time to begin the preparations. One of the most important preparations is getting the marriage license. Every state in the United States requires a marriage license but the rules for getting one vary.
Obtaining the license is the responsibility of the bride and groom to-be. Even though rules vary from state to state, typically both parties need to sign the application in person. Where do you go to do this? You can go to your local city clerk’s office. Sometimes you may need to file in the county where you are planning on getting married. It is a good idea to call ahead for the exact requirements.
Here are some general license requirements for some of the bigger, and probably more popular, states in which to get married. Keep in mind that this is general information only. There may be different requirements in the counties within the states.
• Alaska. Must be 18 years old. The license fee is $25. There is no waiting period between applying for and receiving the license. There is also no waiting period after receiving the license to get married. The license is valid for 90 days. A blood test is required.
• California. Must be 18 years old. The license fee is $50–80. There is no waiting period between applying for and receiving the license. There is also no waiting period after receiving the license to get married. The license is valid for 90 days. No blood test is required.
• District of Columbia (Washington, D.C.). Must be 18 years old. The license fee is $35. There is a three-day waiting period between applying for and receiving the license. There is no waiting period after receiving the license to get married. There is no expiration on the license. A blood test is required.
• Florida. Must be 18 years old. The license fee is $88.50 or $56 if the couple takes a four-hour course. There is no waiting period between applying for and receiving the license. Florida residents only have a three-day waiting period after receiving the license to get married. The license is valid for 60 days. No blood test is required.
• Hawaii. Must be 18 years old. The license fee is $25–50. There is no waiting period between applying for and receiving the license. There is also no waiting period after receiving the license to get married. The license is valid for 30 days. No blood test is required.
• New York. Must be 18 years old. The license fee is $25–30. There is no waiting period between applying for and receiving the license. There is a one-day waiting period after receiving the license to get married. The license is valid for 60 days. No blood test is required.
• Texas. Must be 18 years old. The license fee is $31. There is no waiting period between applying for and receiving the license. There is a 72-hour waiting period after receiving the license to get married. The license is valid for 30 days. No blood test is required.
You have the license and you get married—then what? After the ceremony the officiant and both spouses will sign the license. Some states require witnesses. The officiant will then file for a certified copy of the marriage license and a marriage certificate, which is more of a keepsake. Anywhere from two weeks to a month after your wedding, you will receive both the certificate and the license.
Keep in mind that these are just some general guidelines for getting a marriage license. Some states may require much more detailed information, like your mother’s maiden name, a birth certificate or a social security card. It can’t be stressed enough to call ahead of time and find out what the exact requirements are. You wouldn’t want to wake up 10 years later and find out you’re not legally married, would you?
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