Apply for a Marriage License

Are you getting married? Let us make it easy for you. You'll need to get married within 30 days of the license issuance. Follow the steps below!

You must apply for a marriage license before getting married in the State of Missouri. Once issued, you can contact a marriage officiant to perform the wedding ceremony.

NOTE: While you can submit your application online, you must still visit us IN PERSON at the County office to receive the license. Both applicants must be present. 

Online Start

Step 1.Gather your documents

Both of you need to present one of the following documents, which must be valid (e.g. not expired):

  • Driver's License
  • Missouri ID or State ID
  • U.S. Passport
  • Foreign Passport
  • Military ID
  • Certified copy of U.S. Birth Certificate, plus U.S. government-issued photo ID
  • Government ID card with government-issued ID number

*NOTE: if you are 16 or 17 years old, you will need parent or guardian consent. The parent or guardian must be present to give consent at the time of the application and must present U.S. government-issued identification. If you are 16 or 17 years old you are prohibited from marrying anyone 21 years of age or older.  If you are under the age of 15 you cannot get married in the State of Missouri. 

Step 2.Know the cost

The fee for applying for a marriage license is $50. Cash, credit (Discover, Visa or Mastercard) or debit card is accepted. This fee is non-refundable. There is a 2.75% bank processing fee if a debit or credit card is used.

Step 3.Start your application online

Save time by starting your application online!

Start Application

Step 4.Visit the county to finish application

Historic Truman Courthouse
112 W Lexington
Suite 30
Independence, Missouri 64050
Directions

Step 5.Get married!

Once you get your license, the marriage ceremony must be held within the State of Missouri within 30 days of issuance. If not performed within 30 days, you will need to return the unused license and/or apply for a new license and pay new license fees. Congratulations!

Fully In Person

Step 1.Gather your documents

Both of you need to present one of the following documents, which must be valid (e.g. not expired):

  • Driver's License
  • Missouri ID or State ID
  • U.S. Passport
  • Foreign Passport
  • Military ID
  • Certified copy of U.S. Birth Certificate, plus U.S. government-issued photo ID
  • Government ID card with government-issued ID number

*NOTE: if you are 16 or 17 years old, you will need parent or guardian consent. The parent or guardian must be present to give consent at the time of the application and must present U.S. government-issued identification. If you are 16 or 17 years old you are prohibited from marrying anyone 21 years of age or older.  If you are under the age of 15 you cannot get married in the State of Missouri. 

Step 2.Know the cost

The fee for applying for a marriage license is $50. Cash, credit (Discover, Visa or Mastercard) or debit card is accepted. This fee is non-refundable. There is a 2.75% bank processing fee if a debit or credit card is used.

Step 3.Visit the county

Historic Truman Courthouse
112 W Lexington
Suite 30
Independence, Missouri 64050
Directions

 

Step 4.Get married!

Once you get your license, the marriage ceremony must be held within the State of Missouri within 30 days of issuance. If not performed within 30 days, you will need to return the unused license and/or apply for a new license and pay new license fees. Congratulations!

Once you leave our office you will need to select a Marriage Officiant to solemnize your marriage.

Per Missouri Revised Statutes Section 451.100 the following are eligible to solemnize a marriage:

  • Marriages may be solemnized by any clergyman, either active or retired, who is in good standing with any church or synagogue in this state.
  • Marriages may also be solemnized, without compensation, by any judge, including a municipal judge.
  • Marriages may also be solemnized by a religious society, religious institution, or religious organization of this state, according to the regulations and customs of the society, institution or organization, when either party to the marriage to be solemnized is a member of such society, institution or organization.

Once the marriage ceremony is completed the marriage officiant will sign and return the Marriage License to the Jackson County Recorder of Deeds Department within 15 days of the ceremony. The License will be retained by the Department for record preservation. Once returned “Certified Copies” of the license can then be obtained from our offices.

Although the Marriage License is preserved by the Department, the marriage officiant will provide the couple with a completed “Marriage Certificate.” Though “unofficial” for legal purposes, the Marriage Certificate does serve as a memorable “keepsake” that can be retained by the couple for their wedding records, wedding album, etc.

Contact Us

Phone

816-881-4483

Email

records@jacksongov.org

Location

Historic Truman Courthouse
112 W. Lexington Suite 30
Independence
64050
View Map

Office Hours

Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for legal holidays.

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