How do I get a marriage license?

County Clerk / County Recorder (county level - each of Idaho's 44 counties)

Step by Step

How to do it

Both parties visit any Idaho County Clerk or County Recorder's office in person (license valid statewide regardless of which county issues it)
Both parties present valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, military ID, passport - must not be expired by more than 3 years in most counties)
Provide Social Security numbers for both parties (if no SSN, obtain a letter from the Social Security Administration verifying no number has been assigned; non-U.S. residents bring their country's photo ID and visit SSA for verification)
Provide information on request: name, birthdate, birthplace, residence, parents' names; if previously married bring final divorce decree or deceased spouse's death certificate
Pay the fee and receive license immediately - no waiting period; can marry same day
Idaho marriage licenses have NO EXPIRATION DATE (similar to Georgia) - however, if not returned within one year, both parties must sign a Recorder's affidavit
Officiant returns the signed marriage license to the issuing county recorder within 30 days of the ceremony for recording

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

Valid government-issued photo ID for both parties
Social Security numbers for both parties (or SSA verification letter if no SSN)
If previously married: certified copy of most recent divorce decree or deceased spouse's death certificate
If 16-17 years old: parent or legal guardian must accompany and sign affidavit; legal guardian must provide certified copy of guardianship appointment; must not be more than 3 years younger than partner in some interpretations
If under 16: requires court/judge permission in addition to parental consent

Fee

$28-$31 (varies by county - one of the lowest marriage license fees in the US); cash and in-state check most widely accepted; some counties accept cards with convenience fee; verify with your specific county

Waiting Period

None - license issued immediately; can marry same day LICENSE VALIDITY: NO EXPIRATION DATE - unlike most states; must be returned within 1 year or sign Recorder's affidavit; $3 service fee in some counties for this WITNESSES: Not required in Idaho (one of few states with no witness requirement)

Online Option

No - both parties must appear in person; Ada County (Boise) offers some online pre-application capability

Where to Go

Any Idaho County Clerk / County Recorder; license valid statewide but must be returned to the issuing county

County-specific variations apply

Idaho has 44 county recorders - fees ($28-$31), payment methods, and hours vary. Some county recorders are also the county clerk/auditor in rural counties. Call ahead to confirm current hours and accepted payment. County recorders do NOT perform civil ceremonies - ask the clerk for a list of available judges who can perform same-day ceremonies if needed.

Idaho Notes

Important state-specific details

Idaho marriage licenses have NO EXPIRATION DATE - couples can apply well in advance of their ceremony.
NO WITNESSES REQUIRED - one of very few states; just the couple and an officiant.
No waiting period - can marry same day.
No blood test required.
No residency requirement - non-residents may obtain an Idaho marriage license; ceremony must take place within Idaho.
Idaho does NOT allow self-solemnization - an authorized officiant is required.
County recorders typically do not perform civil ceremonies - ask for a judge referral.
Marriage license is only valid for ceremonies performed within Idaho.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Idaho Bureau of Vital Records (for marriage record copies after recording) - healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/vital-records | (208) 334-5988; County Clerk/Recorder (varies by county)