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South Carolina · How-To Guide

How do I get a marriage license?

County Probate Court (county level - each of South Carolina's 46 counties)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Both parties must appear together in person at any South Carolina county Probate Court; check the county's Probate Court website for hours, appointment requirements, and whether online applications are available (some counties now accept online or drop-off applications)
  2. Both parties file a written application that must be SIGNED BY BOTH PARTIES AND NOTARIZED in the office of the Probate Judge (application is notarized right at the office; the Probate Judge or staff notarizes on the spot)
  3. Pay the fee; the fee must be paid before the application can be filed
  4. Mandatory 24-HOUR WAITING PERIOD begins; the license cannot be issued until at least 24 hours after the application is filed; the waiting period varies by county (some counties waive or reduce the period under certain circumstances - contact your county); plan accordingly
  5. After the waiting period, EITHER party (or an authorized third party) may return to pick up the license; some counties will mail the license; confirm pickup/delivery options with your specific county
  6. License validity: South Carolina marriage licenses DO NOT EXPIRE - they remain valid indefinitely once issued; this is one of the most unusual features in the U.S.
  7. Two witnesses must attend the ceremony and sign the license
  8. After the ceremony, the officiant completes the license and both copies must be returned to the issuing Probate Court within 30 DAYS of the ceremony; the license comes in multiple copies; all copies must bear original signatures
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) for both applicants; applicants ages 18-25 must submit proof of identity AND age (proof may need to be separate - verify with your county)
  • Social Security card or other documentation of SSN for both applicants; some Probate Courts require the actual Social Security card (not just the number); call ahead to confirm
  • If previously divorced: most (not all) counties require a certified copy of divorce decree; verify with your specific county
  • If previously widowed: death certificate of former spouse may be required; verify with county
  • Minors ages 16-17: parental consent required; one parent/guardian must appear at the time of application with their ID and sign a sworn, notarized affidavit (the affidavit is typically notarized in the office); under 16 cannot marry in South Carolina
Fee
Varies by county - range approximately $35-$120; some counties also have different fees for residents vs. non-residents; call ahead; most courts require EXACT CHANGE in CASH (credit/debit not accepted at many offices); some larger counties now accept cards
Waiting Period
24 HOURS minimum (varies by county; some counties may have longer waiting periods); must wait before picking up license; cannot marry until license is in hand LICENSE VALIDITY: NO EXPIRATION - South Carolina marriage licenses do not expire once issued WITNESSES: 2 required at ceremony; must sign the license RETURN DEADLINE: 30 DAYS after ceremony; both copies to issuing Probate Court APPOINTMENT: Call ahead; some counties require appointments; others are walk-in; many now have online or drop-off options
Online Option
Some counties (check individual county Probate Court website); generally must appear in person; application notarized in office
Where to Go
County Probate Court in any SC county
County-specific variations apply

SC's 46 county Probate Courts each have their own fees, waiting period policies, payment methods, and documentation requirements. Richland County (Columbia), Greenville County, Charleston County, Horry County (Myrtle Beach), Lexington County, Spartanburg County, and York County (Rock Hill) are the most populous. The "no expiration" rule on licenses is state law (SC Code 20-1-220) - applies everywhere. Many rural SC counties are CASH-ONLY and may have very limited hours. Always call your specific county ahead of time.

South Carolina Notes

Important state-specific details

  • 24-HOUR MINIMUM WAITING PERIOD - cannot pick up license until 24 hours after filing; plan at least 2 days (application day + waiting day + pickup day) before the ceremony.
  • NO EXPIRATION DATE on issued licenses - unique nationally.
  • Application must be notarized IN the Probate Court office (by the clerk/judge on-site).
  • CASH ONLY at many SC county Probate Courts - verify before visiting.
  • Notary public is a permitted officiant in South Carolina - not common in most states.
  • Common law marriage: South Carolina recognized common law marriage established before July 24, 2019; post-July 24, 2019 common law marriages are NOT recognized.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
South Carolina Department of Health (vital records - not marriage copies) - scdhec.gov/vital-records | (803) 898-3630; County Probate Court (varies by county)