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Maryland · How-To Guide

How do I get a marriage license?

Clerk of the Circuit Court (county level - each of Maryland's 23 counties plus Baltimore City)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine which county your ceremony will take place in - you MUST get the license from the Circuit Court Clerk's office in THAT SPECIFIC COUNTY
  2. Only ONE party needs to appear in person to apply (unlike many states); however, you must bring valid ID for BOTH parties and have all required information for both
  3. Complete the marriage application on-site at the Clerk's office (application must be completed in the office if applying in person, not submitted in advance); process takes about 15 minutes; applications generally taken until 4:00-4:15 PM
  4. Pay the fee and receive the license; the license is NOT effective until 6:00 AM on the second calendar day after issuance
  5. MANDATORY 48-HOUR WAITING PERIOD: The license is not effective until 6:00 AM on the second calendar day; you CANNOT marry within this period without a judicial waiver (available for military service or pregnancy)
  6. Get married within 6 months - license expires 6 months from date of issuance
  7. No witnesses required at the ceremony in Maryland
  8. Officiant completes and returns the marriage certificate to the Clerk's office after the ceremony
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Valid government-issued photo ID for both parties (driver's license, passport, government-issued ID) - only one party needs to be present but ID for BOTH is required
  • Social Security numbers for both parties
  • Full names, current addresses, state/country and place of birth for both parties
  • Marital status (Single, Divorced, Widowed, Annulled)
  • If previously married: date and place of each divorce/death; certified copy of divorce decree required if divorced within last 6 months
  • Both parties must be at least 18; if 17: must present certified copy of court order granting authorization to marry (obtained by petitioning court in county of residence)
  • Starting October 1, 2025 (per Maryland HB0323): birth date disclosure required
Fee
Varies by county - $35 (Worcester County) to $85 (some counties); most common: $50-$70; premarital preparation course may offer a discounted fee in some counties; civil ceremony additional $25 fee in most counties; verify with your specific county Clerk
Waiting Period
The license is not effective until 6:00 AM on the second calendar day; you CANNOT marry within this period without a judicial waiver (available for military service or pregnancy) Step 6 - Get married within 6 months - license expires 6 months from date of issuance Step 7 - No witnesses required at the ceremony in Maryland Step 8 - Officiant completes and returns the marriage certificate to the Clerk's office after the ceremony
Online Option
Some counties allow non-resident applicants to submit a notarized Affidavit application by mail; most in-person; check your specific county Clerk
Where to Go
Circuit Court Clerk's office in the county where the ceremony will take place
County-specific variations apply

Fees vary county by county ($35-$85+). In-person requirements vary - Howard County allows one party to appear; other counties may have different policies. Some counties allow one party to appear with ID for the absent party; always call ahead to confirm. Baltimore City has its own Clerk of the Circuit Court (same process but separate office from the 23 counties). Mail applications with notarized affidavit available for non-residents in some counties (contact specific county Clerk).

Maryland Notes

Important state-specific details

  • County-specific license - must obtain in the CEREMONY county, not where you live.
  • 48-hour waiting period - mandatory statewide; effective 6:00 AM second calendar day.
  • No blood test required.
  • No witnesses required.
  • 6-month validity - generous.
  • Premarital preparation course may reduce fee in some counties.
  • Civil ceremonies available at most Circuit Court Clerk offices by appointment; additional fee (~$25).
  • Certified copy of marriage certificate: available from the Circuit Court Clerk or from the Maryland Department of Health Division of Vital Records (for marriages 2007-present).
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Maryland Courts, Clerks of the Circuit Court - mdcourts.gov/clerks | (410) 260-1430; Maryland Vital Records (for marriage certificate copies 2007+) - health.maryland.gov/vsa | (410) 764-3038