applying for a marriage license
DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
OBTAINING A MARRIAGE LICENSE
MAY BE DIFFERENT THAN WHAT IS DESCRIBED BELOW
OBTAINING A MARRIAGE LICENSE
MAY BE DIFFERENT THAN WHAT IS DESCRIBED BELOW
BOTH of you must apply for the license in person, bringing the appropriate payment and documentation. The clerk's office will not allow a solo bride, groom or partner to apply for a license.
Missouri law allows you to obtain your license anywhere in the state (for example, you can get the license in Jefferson County, and use it at the ceremony in the City of St. Louis). A marriage license from another state will not be considered valid. In Illinois, the ceremony MUST be performed in the same county of which you apply.
MISSOURI
You can apply for a marriage license and use it anywhere in the state.
There is no waiting period, and the marriage ceremony must occur within 30 days.
In most cases, no witnesses are required to sign the marriage license.
ILLINOIS
You must apply for the license in the same County of which you are to be married.
There is a 24-hour waiting period, and the marriage ceremony must occur within 60 days.
No witnesses are required to sign the marriage license.
Missouri law allows you to obtain your license anywhere in the state (for example, you can get the license in Jefferson County, and use it at the ceremony in the City of St. Louis). A marriage license from another state will not be considered valid. In Illinois, the ceremony MUST be performed in the same county of which you apply.
MISSOURI
You can apply for a marriage license and use it anywhere in the state.
There is no waiting period, and the marriage ceremony must occur within 30 days.
In most cases, no witnesses are required to sign the marriage license.
ILLINOIS
You must apply for the license in the same County of which you are to be married.
There is a 24-hour waiting period, and the marriage ceremony must occur within 60 days.
No witnesses are required to sign the marriage license.
EFFECTIVE JUNE 26 2015 - Same Sex Marriage is Legal in Illinois AND Missouri (and the USA!)
Make sure the Recorder of Deeds office is open on the days you would need to, or plan to, get your marriage license. Most are closed evenings, weekends, and most holidays. It is best to bring CASH to get a marriage license which can cost as much as $80.00. Some take credit cards or checks, but they may charge a convenience fee. If you have been married before, bring your divorce papers and be prepared to give the dissolution papers of your former marriage as well as the name of your former spouse to the clerk.
Ask the clerk if you can go ahead and PRE-PAY for your certified copy of the Marriage License. Veterans and those active in the military can receive theirs at no cost. This fee is between $9 and $25 and is needed for those who choose to change their name, social security, health insurance and other legal issues.
Keep in mind that you are responsible for bringing valid and acceptable forms of identification when applying for a marriage license. Expired forms of ID will not be accepted. Some counties require you to bring PROOF OF A VALID SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.
You DO NOT need to live in Missouri or Illinois or the United States to obtain a marriage license.
Anyone from Anywhere in the world with proper valid Identification can get married in the St Louis Metro Area.
Ask the clerk if you can go ahead and PRE-PAY for your certified copy of the Marriage License. Veterans and those active in the military can receive theirs at no cost. This fee is between $9 and $25 and is needed for those who choose to change their name, social security, health insurance and other legal issues.
Keep in mind that you are responsible for bringing valid and acceptable forms of identification when applying for a marriage license. Expired forms of ID will not be accepted. Some counties require you to bring PROOF OF A VALID SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.
You DO NOT need to live in Missouri or Illinois or the United States to obtain a marriage license.
Anyone from Anywhere in the world with proper valid Identification can get married in the St Louis Metro Area.
Acceptable Forms of Identification Include:
- Valid Driver's License (from the United States or from one of its territories)
- Non-Driver's License Identification Card (from the United States or from one of its territories)
- Active United States Military Identification Card
- Valid Passport
- Certified Birth Certificate
- U.S. Certificate of Naturalization (issued within the past ten years)
- Valid United States Alien Registration Card with expiration date
- Employment Authorization Card issued by the United States Immigration Authorities
What Happens Once You Use Your Marriage License?
CHECK OUT THIS BLOG POST
Changing Your Last Name?
CLICK HERE FOR 8 SIMPLE STEPS
CHECK OUT THIS BLOG POST
Changing Your Last Name?
CLICK HERE FOR 8 SIMPLE STEPS
