Marriage License Questions? Click Here To Speak To Rev. Louis Right Now at 1-888-886-6075

Maryland Marriage License Requirements

Below is the information on what you need to bring with you, and what you need to know about the marriage laws before filling out the marriage license forms.

In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document that allows you to officially be married under the law. Always check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.

Licenses are usually not valid for more than 30 days so you'll typically need to apply for your marriage license within one month of your wedding ceremony. You need to submit your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents.

When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.

IMPORTANT: You are not officially married when you receive a marriage license. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your officiant your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.

ID Requirement: Picture ID such as a driver's license. If application is mailed or faxed in, it must be witnessed by a Notary Public.

Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of Maryland.

Waiting Period: 3 days.

If Divorced: If divorced within the last 60 days, a certified copy of the divorce decree is needed.

Fees: Cash Only! $25

Other Tests: No tests

Under 18: Need certified copy of birth certificate, both parents must be present with identification, or if you have a legal guardian they must be present with a court order and identification.

Officiants: The minister, priest or rabbi of any church or congregation in the state may perform marriages. Ministers must provide marriage certificates to the couple married and report the marriage to the Marriage Commissioner.

Valid: License is valid for 90 days anywhere in Maryland.
The license can only be used within the State of Maryland.

 

IMPORTANT: State and county marriage license requirements can change so make sure you check with your local town clerk. This information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice. It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any plans.

Allegany ClerkOf Circuit Court. 30 Washington St Cumberland, MD 21502 301-777-5922
Anne ArundelClerk Circuit Court 7 Church Circle Annapolis, MD 21401 410-222-1434
Baltimore City Circuit CourtMarriage License Department 100 N Calvert St, Rm 610 Baltimore, MD 21202 410-333-3780
Calvert County Circuit Court175 Main St Calvert County Courthouse Prince Frederick, MD 20678 410-535-1660
Caroline CountyCircuit Court P.O. Box 458 Denton, MD 21629 410-479-1811
Carroll CountyCircuit Court Clerk 55 North Court St Rm G-8 Westminster, MD 21157 410-386-2022
Cecil CountyCircuit Clerk 108 Court House Elkton, MD 21921 410-996-5318
Charles CountyCircuit Court P.O. Box 970 La Plata, MD 20646 301-932-3236
Dorchester Clerk of Court P.O. Box 150 Cambridge, MD 21613 410-228-0480
Frederick Circuit Court 100 West Patrick St Frederick, MD 21701 301-694-1960
Garrett CircuitCourt Clerk P.O. Box 447 Oakland, MD 21550 301-334-1937
Harford CountyClerk of Court 20 West Courtland St Bel Air, MD 21014 410-838-6000
Howard Circuit Court Clerk 8360 Court House Drive Ellicott City, MD 21043 410-313-2111
Kent County CircuitCourt Clerk County Courthouse Chestertown, MD 21620 410-778-7460
Montgomery CircuitCourt Clerk 50 Court House Square Rockville, MD 20850 301-217-6752
Prince Georges CountyClerk of Circuit Court 14735 Main St Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 301-952-3655
Queen Annes CountyCircuit Court Clerk Court House Centreville, MD 21617 301-758-1773
Somerset CircuitCourt Clerk P.O. Box 99 Princess Anne, MD 21853 301-651-1555
St Marys CircuitCourt Clerk P.O. Box 308 Leonard Town, MD 20650 301-475-4568
Talbot Circuit Court Clerk 11 N Washington St Easton, MD 21601 410-822-2611
Washington CircuitCourt Clerk P.O. Box 229 Hagerstown, MD 21741 301-791-3085
Wicomico CircuitCourt Clerk P.O. Box 198 Salisbury, MD 21801 410-543-6551
Worcester CircuitCourt Clerk Court House Room 104 Snow Hill, MD 21863 410-632-1221