Requirements to obtain a marriage license:

• Men and women 18 years of age and older may contract marriage in Michigan without parental consent. 

• Persons 16 and 17 years of age may contract marriage in Michigan with written consent of one parent or legal guardian, who must appear at the time of application. If parents are divorced, the parent must prove custodianship.

• If one or both persons is a Michigan resident-apply in the county where either applicant lives. The license is valid throughout the state.

• If both persons are out-of-state residents-must apply in the county where the marriage will be performed. The license is valid in that county only.

• The following is required of BOTH PERSONS at the time of application:

  • Valid Driver's license/state-issued ID

  • Birth Certificate (officially translated if issued outside the U.S.)

  • Social Security Number

• Also required is a true copy of the divorce judgment for any person who has been divorced within the last year.
• Fee per couple: $20.00 for Michigan residents; $30.00 for out-of-state resident.
• One of both applicants must appear to apply for the marriage license. If only one applicant is present, he/she must have documentation (a copy of the front & back of the driver's license is acceptable and the birth certificate) for the other person.
• Pursuant to PA 578 of 2006, the witnesses to the marriage must be 18 years of age or older.

	There is a 3-day waiting period before the license can be released.  Pursuant to MCL 551.103a, the county clerk , for good and sufficient cause shown, may waive the 3-day waiting period.  The established fee for the 3-day waiver is $30.00.
	The marriage must be solemnized within 33 days of application; the license is valid for 30 days.  Pursuant to MCL 551.7(4), if the county clerk solemnizes a marriage, the established fee is $20.00.
	The issued license may be picked up at the County Clerk's office. It may be mailed upon request if more than 1 week is allowed for mail service.

         To print a Marriage License Application form click here
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