How do I get a marriage license?

Recorder of Deeds (county level - each of Missouri's 114 counties plus the independent City of St. Louis)

Step by Step

How to do it

Both parties appear in person at any Missouri county Recorder of Deeds office; some counties offer online pre-application - check your county's website; most counties do not require an appointment
Present required ID for both parties and provide all required information
Pay the fee; receive the license immediately - NO waiting period; can marry same day
License is valid for 30 days; may be used anywhere in Missouri; cannot be used outside Missouri; the marriage is INVALID if the ceremony takes place before the license is picked up
Ceremony must have 2 witnesses who sign the license
Officiant must complete, sign, and RETURN the license to the ISSUING Recorder of Deeds within 15 days of the ceremony (failure to return is a misdemeanor offense)
After recording, a certified copy of the marriage certificate is available from the Recorder of Deeds for ~$9-$12; some counties automatically mail a certified copy; some charge additionally
DIVORCE WAITING PERIOD: If either party has been divorced, Missouri requires a waiting period before a new marriage license can be issued - typically 30 days after the divorce decree is final; check with the Recorder of Deeds if recently divorced

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

Valid government-issued photo ID for both parties (driver's license, military ID, passport)
Social Security numbers for both parties (if no SSN, sign statement attesting to that)
Full name, birth surname, date and place of birth, current residence, total prior marriages, how and when last marriage ended, race, highest education level
Both must be at least 18 years old (minimum age raised to 18 effective August 28, 2025 - no exceptions for minors; HB 737/SB 43 signed by Governor)
First cousins may NOT marry in Missouri; also prohibited: ascendants, descendants, siblings (half or whole blood), aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews

Fee

Varies by county - typically $46-$61; most counties charge $51; Washington County: $61 (includes certified copy); St. Louis City: ~$50-$60; payment typically cash or card (some counties: cash only; some: no personal checks); verify with your specific county Recorder

Waiting Period

If either party has been divorced, Missouri requires a waiting period before a new marriage license can be issued - typically 30 days after the divorce decree is final; check with the Recorder of Deeds if recently divorced

Online Option

Some counties offer online pre-application; check your county Recorder's website; most require in-person completion and signing

Where to Go

Recorder of Deeds in any Missouri county or City of St. Louis

County-specific variations apply

Missouri's 114 counties plus City of St. Louis each have their own Recorder of Deeds. Fees vary ($46-$61+); payment methods vary (some cash only, some accept cards with convenience fee, some accept checks). Some counties include a certified copy in the fee; others charge separately. Jackson County (Kansas City), St. Louis County, Greene County (Springfield), and St. Charles County have large, well-staffed offices. City of St. Louis: separate office from St. Louis County. Verify specific county fee, payment method, and whether appointment is needed before visiting.

Missouri Notes

Important state-specific details

No waiting period - can marry same day.
No residency requirement - non-residents may apply and marry in Missouri.
Minimum age now 18 with NO exceptions (effective August 28, 2025 - HB 737/SB 43).
No blood test required.
Common-law marriage NOT recognized in Missouri (statute explicitly voids it).
No proxy marriages in Missouri.
First cousin marriage prohibited.
2 witnesses required at ceremony.
Marriage invalid if ceremony takes place before the license is picked up.
Certified copy of marriage certificate: from the Recorder of Deeds where license was issued; MSDH Bureau of Vital Records can provide certified statements about marriages but CANNOT issue certified copies of the license itself.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Missouri Secretary of State (general info) - sos.mo.gov; Recorder of Deeds in each county (varies); Missouri DHSS Bureau of Vital Records (limited marriage statements only) - health.mo.gov/data/vitalrecords | (573) 751-6378