How do I get a marriage license?

Clerk of the Peace (county level - New Castle, Kent, or Sussex County)

Step by Step

How to do it

Both parties visit the Clerk of the Peace office in any of Delaware's three counties (license valid statewide regardless of which county issues it)
Both parties must appear in person and present valid government-issued photo ID
Provide required information: place of birth for both parties, parents' names, date and location of ceremony, and officiant's name and contact information
Complete the marriage license application (takes approximately 15-20 minutes to process)
Pay the fee - receive license immediately; however, a MANDATORY 24-HOUR WAITING PERIOD applies before the ceremony can take place
Wait 24 hours from time of application before holding the ceremony
Get married within 30 days - license expires 30 days from date of issuance
Two witnesses (18+) must be present at the ceremony and sign the license
Officiant completes and returns the license for recording

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

Valid government-issued photo ID for both parties
Place of birth, parents' names (and mother's maiden name) for both parties
Date and location of ceremony; officiant's name and contact information
If previously married: date prior marriage ended
Both parties must be at least 18 years old - Delaware was the FIRST STATE to ban child marriage (effective May 9, 2018); no exceptions
Do NOT appear under the influence of drugs or alcohol when picking up license

Fee

Resident fee (at least one Delaware resident): approximately $70; Non-resident fee (both non-residents): approximately $120; fees are cash only at most offices; verify with your specific county

Waiting Period

24 hours from time of application for all applicants (regardless of residency); waiting period can be waived by judicial order for active-duty military or critically ill applicants LICENSE VALIDITY: 30 days from date of issuance; extensions of 30, 60, or 90 days available for additional fee

Online Option

Some counties offer online pre-application (New Castle County has launched online marriage application system); both parties must still appear in person to complete the process

Where to Go

Clerk of the Peace - New Castle County (Wilmington), Kent County (Dover), or Sussex County (Georgetown); license valid statewide

County-specific variations apply

Fees vary slightly by county - confirm exact fee and payment method with your specific county Clerk of the Peace before visiting. New Castle County: 800 N. French St., 2nd Floor, Wilmington; (302) 395-7750. Kent County: 555 Bay Rd., Dover; (302) 744-2300. Sussex County: 22867 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown; (302) 855-7700. In-office civil ceremonies available by appointment (New Castle County: Wednesdays and Fridays).

Delaware Notes

Important state-specific details

Delaware has a MANDATORY 24-HOUR WAITING PERIOD after license issuance - unlike most states; plan accordingly.
Delaware was the FIRST STATE in the nation to ban child marriage (2018) - minimum age is 18 with no exceptions.
Two witnesses age 18+ are required at the ceremony and must sign the license.
No blood test required.
No residency requirement for non-residents, but fee is higher ($120 vs. $70).
License is valid only for use within the State of Delaware.
Probation/parole restriction removed as of December 28, 2025 - applicants on probation or parole no longer need special authorization.
Certified copies of marriage certificate: available from the Clerk of the Peace who issued the license or the Delaware Office of Vital Statistics; $25 per copy.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, Office of Vital Statistics - dhss.delaware.gov/dph/ss/vitalstats.html | (302) 744-4549