Michigan Marriage License

Michigan is an open-record state. which means a marriage license is not impossible to obtain. The only certain thing you need to know is how and where to get it. For any kind of license (including marriage license) you can contact Michigan Vital Records, which is also providing online services.

How long does it take to get a marriage license in Michigan?

Like other states, Michigan as well as a mandatory three-day waiting period. Basically, after filing the application you must wait for three days to pick up your marriage license.

NOTE: The license expires 33 days since the day of application. This includes the three-day waiting period. So the license is valid for 30 days after your marriage. If your wedding takes place after the license expires, you will need to reapply for a new license and automatically you will pay the fee again.

How to get a marriage license in Michigan?

In order to get a marriage license both parties need to fill out the application form. This may be done in person at the County Clerk’s office. You should provide the things listed below:

• Full name and gender: You must also mention the surname in case it is different in the birth certificate (it means you want to change it).
• Birth Certificate or Passport: You need to provide proof of your age and residency. For that reason, you must present a certified birth certificate or passport. If you use a passport for your license you must also give the names of both parents and the state or the country where they were born.
• Driver’s license: For proof of residency you must provide a state-issued driver’s license. In case you don’t have a driver’s license you can use an identity card instead.
• Photocopy: You must also have the photocopy for your driver’s license. The photocopy of both the front and back of the card is sufficient.
• Social Security Number: The Social Security Number is a nine-digit numerical identifier that is assigned to U.S. citizens and some other residents. It is your first and continuous connection with Social Security.
• Previous marriages:  If you have been married before, you do not have to bring a certified copy of your divorce decree or spouse’s death certificate.

If only one of the parties is present to file the application form one must provide this information about his/her fiancé as well. You must have these documents when you file the application form and when you pick up your license. Blood tests are not required for a marriage license.

Depending on the county, you may supply the following:

• Email address
• Daytime phone number

Age Requirements

If you are 18 years old or older, you are an adult who is free to make marriage decisions without your parent’s input.

If you are 16 or 17 years old you are eligible to marry in case you receive the consent of a parent or guardian.

Marriages at 15 years old or younger are prohibited.

A parent or guardian must present his/her parental consent in written form, whether delivered in person or not. County Clerk’s offices always provide readymade, fill-in-the-blank consent forms.

You are not allowed to marry the following members of your family:

• Grandmother/grandfather
• Stepmother/stepfather
• Mother/father
• Brother/sister
• Son/daughter
• Grandson/granddaughter
• Aunt/uncle
• Niece/nephew
• First cousin

How much does a marriage license cost in Michigan?

In particular, a marriage certificate costs between $20.00 to $30.00 in Michigan. The cost of your marriage license is determined by your state residency status. If at least one of you resides in Michigan, you will only have to pay $20.00 for a marriage license. But if neither of you lives in Michigan, you must pay $30.00.

In case you cannot afford to pay the license fee, due to it imposing undue financial hardship upon you, you may request a probate court to order the county clerk to waive the fee. If you can demonstrate good cause for why the county clerk should waive the three-day waiting period, the Clerk’s office may issue your license immediately. You will only have to pay a small waiver fee, which varies from county to county.

Civil ceremonies

A civil ceremony is a non-religious marriage ceremony that’s conducted on government grounds, during regular government hours, and performed by a county clerk or a judge. There must be two adult witnesses, who are 18 years of age or older, to attend your ceremony. A witness can be anyone other than the officiant, you, and your prospective spouse and he/she must be 18 years old.

Can I apply for a marriage license online in Michigan?

Of course, you can apply for a marriage license online in Michigan. You will need to file the application form for a certified copy of your marriage license. At least one individual from the couple must appear in person at the appointment time.

You must use your marriage license in the State of Michigan.

Every person must present a certified copy of their birth certificate. If you do not have a certified birth certificate, look for other acceptable documents.

Public Marriage Records

Marriage Records contain basic information about married couples and their marriage. These details include the names of the two individuals, the date, and the place of their marriage. Some marriage records will also include the names of the parents of the couple. Additionally, some records may contain the names of the witnesses to the marriage. These records are mainly open to the public. Furthermore, the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) enables access to vital records by members of the public, except where restricted by law provisions or court order.

One should not confuse a marriage record with a marriage license. A marriage license is a legal document that is issued to a married couple.

More details

Your marriage certificate allows you to change your name/surname after marriage with the Social Security Number. You can use an online name change service that assists in completing the necessary paperwork before or after marriage.

Documents that are not written in English, such as a foreign birth certificate or foreign passport, must be translated into English and notarized. Take both the original and translated versions.

You are no longer required to get a blood test or premarital counseling in order to receive a marriage license. Instead of a blood test, you will receive data on pre-birth care and the transmission and avoidance of  HIV and other STD’s.

For more information, you can apply

Michigan Vital Records
P.O. Box 30721
Lansing, MI 48909
Telephone: (515) 335-8666