Home › Hawaii › How-To Guide
Hawaii · How-To Guide

How do I get a marriage license?

Hawaii Department of Health, Marriage License Office (state level) / Licensed Marriage License Agents (statewide)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. APPLY ONLINE FIRST: Complete the application online at emrs.ehawaii.gov - pay the $65 fee ($60 + $5 portal fee) online by credit/debit card; receive an Authorization Code/Locator ID - save this code
  2. MEET WITH A MARRIAGE LICENSE AGENT: Schedule and attend an in-person meeting with a licensed Marriage License Agent no more than 30 days before your ceremony date (and no sooner than 30 days before the ceremony); bring Authorization Code, valid photo ID, and any required documents
  3. Both parties must appear together before the agent
  4. Receive your marriage license immediately - no waiting period; can marry same day
  5. Get married within 30 days - license expires 30 days from date of issuance
  6. Your officiant returns the completed license to the Department of Health after the ceremony; DOH mails the certified marriage certificate to the address on your application (approximately 4-6 weeks after ceremony)
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Valid government-issued photo ID for both parties (driver's license, passport, military ID)
  • If 18 years old or younger: certified copy of birth certificate required
  • If previously divorced or widowed within 30 days of applying: official divorce decree or death certificate
  • Authorization Code/Locator ID from online application
  • Both parties must be at least 18 years old; minimum age 15 with parental consent and family court approval
Fee
$65 online ($60 application + $5 portal fee); agents not employed by DOH may charge up to $5 additional surcharge; all fees non-refundable
Waiting Period
None - can marry same day license is issued LICENSE VALIDITY: 30 days from issuance; must be used within 30 days; null and void if ceremony not performed ONLINE APPLICATION: Required first step - emrs.ehawaii.gov (apply up to 1 year in advance) WHERE TO GO: Licensed Marriage License Agents (located throughout Oahu, Maui, Big Island, Kauai - find agents at health.hawaii.gov/vitalrecords/marriage-licenses); also at the DOH office, 1250 Punchbowl St., Room 101, Honolulu
Where to Go
Licensed Marriage License Agents (located throughout Oahu, Maui, Big Island, Kauai - find agents at health.hawaii.gov/vitalrecords/marriage-licenses); also at the DOH office, 1250 Punchbowl St., Room 101, Honolulu
Hawaii Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Hawaii is extremely popular for destination weddings and elopements - the streamlined online-then-in-person process and no waiting period accommodate this demand well.
  • No witnesses required at the ceremony.
  • No residency requirement - non-residents can marry in Hawaii.
  • No blood test required.
  • Officiant must be a Hawaii-licensed officiant (registered with the state) - confirm officiant is Hawaii-licensed before the ceremony.
  • Civil unions: available in Hawaii since January 1, 2012; same process, same fees, same agents.
  • Certified copy of marriage certificate: $10 first copy, $4 each additional; DOH mails automatically after ceremony is recorded; also orderable at vitrec.ehawaii.gov.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Hawaii DOH, Marriage License Office - health.hawaii.gov/vitalrecords/marriage-licenses | (808) 586-4544 | 1250 Punchbowl St., Room 101, Honolulu, HI 96813