How do I get a marriage license?

County Recorder (county level - each of Iowa's 99 counties)

Step by Step

How to do it

Determine which county your ceremony will take place in - you MUST get the license from the County Recorder in THAT SPECIFIC COUNTY
All THREE parties (both applicants AND one witness) must appear together at the County Recorder's office in person; all three must present valid government-issued photo ID or passport
All three parties sign the application in the presence of the Recorder or a notary; some counties allow notarized applications to be submitted by mail or drop-off
Pay the fee - receive confirmation immediately, but the license is NOT valid for a waiting period
MANDATORY WAITING PERIOD: Iowa has a 3-day waiting period (some counties interpret as 3 business days; some as 3 calendar days) starting the day after the application is processed; the license becomes valid on the specified "Valid Day" (varies by application day)
Pick up the marriage license on or after the "Valid Day" - the license has NO EXPIRATION DATE once issued (must be picked up within 6 months of application or it is voided)
Get married; officiant and couple complete the Marriage Certificate; officiant returns the completed license to the County Recorder's office for recording
WAITING PERIOD CHART (3-day, typical):
Apply Monday → Valid Friday; Apply Tuesday → Valid Saturday; Apply Wednesday → Valid Sunday; Apply Thursday → Valid Monday; Apply Friday → Valid Tuesday
(Some counties use 3 calendar days; some 4 or 5 - verify with your specific county recorder)

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

Valid government-issued photo ID or passport for BOTH applicants AND the witness
Witness must be 18+ and personally know both parties
Social Security numbers for both parties
If previously married: date of dissolution or death (some counties request divorce decree)
If 16 or 17 years old: parental/guardian consent form (from Recorder) + district court approval; no one 15 or younger may marry in Iowa

Fee

$35 (most counties); waiver of 3-day waiting period: additional $5 fee (requires district court judge approval); certified copy of marriage certificate: typically $15 (mailed automatically after recording)

Waiting Period

Iowa has a 3-day waiting period (some counties interpret as 3 business days; some as 3 calendar days) starting the day after the application is processed; the license becomes valid on the specified "Valid Day" (varies by application day) Step 6 - Pick up the marriage license on or after the "Valid Day" - the license has NO EXPIRATION DATE once issued (must be picked up within 6 months of application or it is voided) Step 7 - Get married; officiant and couple complete the Marriage Certificate; officiant returns the completed license to the County Recorder's office for recording

Online Option

No - all three parties must appear in person (some counties allow notarized mail submissions - check your county)

Where to Go

County Recorder of the county where the ceremony will take place

County-specific variations apply

Iowa's 99 county recorders each have their own procedures. Some counties count 3 business days; others count 3 or more calendar days - resulting in different "Valid Day" charts. Marion County has a 5-day waiting period. Boone County: 4-day. Some counties require appointments. Some accept notarized mail applications. Certified copies automatically mailed after recording. Verify your specific county's waiting period and pickup procedures before planning your ceremony date.

Iowa Notes

Important state-specific details

Iowa marriage license is COUNTY-SPECIFIC - only valid in the issuing county.
Mandatory 3-day waiting period (minimum) - plan at least 4-5 days before your ceremony to ensure validity.
THREE people must appear: both applicants and one witness who knows both parties.
No blood test required.
No residency requirement - non-residents may marry in Iowa.
Iowa marriage licenses have NO EXPIRATION DATE once issued.
Certified copy of marriage certificate: typically mailed automatically after officiant returns the license and it is recorded; additional copies available from County Recorder for $15 each.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Iowa Secretary of State (general info) - sos.iowa.gov; County Recorder (varies by county)