Different states have different laws and requirements when it comes to marriage licenses

Marriage License – Different states have different laws and requirements when it comes to marriage licenses. You will need to check with your city hall to find out what you need.

Before you apply for your license, call your city or county recorders office and ask what is required to apply for a license. They will be able to tell you what you will need or what to bring as proper proof to apply. The office will also be able to tell you how soon or when you need to apply. There may be a waiting period or the license can expire if issued too soon.

Blood tests may be required before you can apply for a license. If you need blood work done, talk to your doctor or go to a health clinic, make sure you have the proper information of what tests need to be run. Check to make sure you within a proper time frame, some states will only consider blood tests valid for a certain period of time. Apply after this time has expired, and you could be required to have another test ran.

Be prepared to present your birth certificate, proof of citizenship, parental consent forms, and driverís license for identification and any blood test results. If you have been divorced, you may need to provide a divorce decree, if you are widowed, you may need to present your spouseís death certificate. In some cases, you are also required to bring a witness that can vouch for you.

Ask the office what the license fee is, and then make sure you bring cash. Many license offices will not accept check as the form of payment on a marriage license.