IDs and records
Who handles getting a marriage license?
Who handles it
A local office, usually a county clerk, issues marriage licenses. The vital records office in the state where you will marry can tell you how to apply.
- Not Federal
- State
- Local
Facts checked November 5, 2026 · 2 sources
Why state and local government
Marriage rules come from state law, and each state sets its own requirements for a license.
What to do next
- Apply for a license in the county where you plan to get married.
- Contact the vital records office in the state where you are getting married to find out how to apply.
- If your license expires or gets lost before you get married, apply for a new one.
In your state
Find your state’s official offices on our state pages.
What varies
How long a license stays valid depends on the issuing state. In some places an office other than a county clerk issues licenses.
Learn the background: What is the difference between a county, a city, a township and a school district?
Sources
Nonpartisan researchLawInfo: How do I get a marriage license?