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Nebraska · How-To Guide

How do I get a marriage license?

County Clerk (county level - each of Nebraska's 93 counties)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Both applicants appear in person at any Nebraska county Clerk's office; bring required documents for both parties; some counties offer a downloadable marriage worksheet to complete in advance
  2. Complete the marriage application/worksheet with all required information
  3. Pay the fee; license issued immediately - NO waiting period; can marry same day
  4. License valid for 1 year (365 days) from date of issuance; can be used in any Nebraska county; expired licenses do not need to be returned
  5. Two witnesses must attend the ceremony and sign the marriage license (witness names and residences printed on the license)
  6. Officiant files/returns the completed marriage license with the County Clerk after the ceremony
  7. Certified copy of the marriage license: available from the County Clerk where license was issued; approximately $9-$16 depending on county
  8. IMPORTANT DIVORCE WAITING PERIOD: If either applicant was divorced in Nebraska, they must wait 6 months after the divorce decree was signed by the judge before they can remarry in Nebraska. This is a significant restriction - verify with your county Clerk if recently divorced. Different rules may apply for divorces granted in other states.
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Valid government-issued photo ID for both parties (driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, or green card; some counties require a certified birth certificate - call ahead); if 17 or 18 years old: certified birth certificate mandatory
  • Social Security numbers for both parties (applicants without SSN must sign an affidavit)
  • Parents' full names including mother's maiden name, and parents' birthplace (city and state or foreign country) for each party
  • If previously married: how marriage ended (death, dissolution, or annulment) and the date it ended; for dissolution, date Decree of Dissolution was signed by judge
  • Both parties must be at least 17 years old - no one under 17 may marry in Nebraska
  • Ages 17-18 (under 19): requires notarized consent form from parent, legal guardian, or custodian (form available at County Clerk's office); if legal guardian or custodian: guardianship/custody papers required
Fee
Varies by county - most counties: $25 (older rate) or $50 (Douglas County after LB596); certified copy: $9-$16 additionally; Douglas County (Omaha): $50 license + $16 certified copy; verify with your specific county Clerk NOTE: Nebraska LB596 set fees at $50 for license and $16 for certified copy in Douglas County; other counties may follow different fee schedules
Waiting Period
If either applicant was divorced in Nebraska, they must wait 6 months after the divorce decree was signed by the judge before they can remarry in Nebraska. This is a significant restriction - verify with your county Clerk if recently divorced. Different rules may apply for divorces granted in other states.
Online Option
Some counties offer downloadable worksheets; no statewide online application; must appear in person
Where to Go
County Clerk in any Nebraska county (no residency or ceremony-county restriction)
County-specific variations apply

Nebraska's 93 county Clerks each administer their own office. Fees vary ($25 in some rural counties, $50+ in Douglas County/Omaha after LB596). Douglas County (Omaha) has a large, staffed office with specific procedures. Lancaster County (Lincoln), Sarpy County, Buffalo County, Hall County (Grand Island), and Scotts Bluff County have larger offices. Some smaller counties may have limited hours. Call ahead to confirm fees, payment methods, and hours.

Nebraska Notes

Important state-specific details

  • No waiting period - can marry same day.
  • No blood test required.
  • No residency requirement - non-residents may apply at any county and marry anywhere in Nebraska.
  • 1-year license validity - longest of any state in this series.
  • 6-month divorce restriction for Nebraska divorces - notable restriction.
  • 2 witnesses required.
  • Self-solemnization NOT permitted - must have an authorized officiant.
  • All Nebraska marriage licenses are public records.
  • Common law marriage: Nebraska does NOT recognize common law marriages established in Nebraska.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Nebraska Secretary of State (general info) - sos.nebraska.gov; County Clerk (varies by county); Nebraska DHHS Vital Records (marriage records held by DHHS after filing) - dhhs.ne.gov/pages/vital-records.aspx | (402) 471-2871