Marriage license Laws in the state of District of Columbia, here is what you need to bring with you, and what you need to know about the District of Columbia marriage laws before filling out the District of Columbia marriage license form.

In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document in your state that allows you to officially tie the knot under the law. The rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from state to state, so you should check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.

You'll typically need to apply for your marriage license at least one month before your wedding ceremony. You'll traditionally need to send in your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents. You don't, however, want to apply for your marriage license too early. In some states, the licenses do expire, if you don't get married within a few months.

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.

And, believe it or not, just because you have your marriage license sent to you in the mail does not mean you are officially married. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your chaplain your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.

ID Requirement: Valid Driver's License and Birth Certificate.

Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of the District of Columbia.

Application Requirement: Both the bride and groom must appear in person at the time of applying.

Waiting Period: 5 days.

If Divorced: If previously married, you need a copy of divorce or death decree.

Fees: Cash Only! - $45.00

Other Tests: Yes. A medical exam for venereal disease is required. Test is valid for 30 days. Requirements may vary from county to county.

Under 18: Both applicants must be at least 18 years old to obtain a marriage license. With parental consent, the male must be at least 16 years old and the female must be at least 16 years old. Parental consent must be provided either in person or by notarized letter.

Officiants: Ordained ministers of the gospel may perform marriages. Marriage licenses are addressed to the minister who will perform the ceremony. The minister must complete a marriage certificate for the bride and for the groom and return another certificate to the clerk of the District of Columbia Court of General Sessions within 10 days after the marriage.

Valid: License has no specified time frame.
An unsigned license can be used throughout the District of Columbia.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.
 

D.C. County Clerk
500 Indiana Avenue, NW
Washington, DC
202. 879. 1010