Getting a Marriage License in District of Columbia
Where to apply for a marriage license in District of Columbia, what to bring, the waiting period, how long it's valid, and the minimum marriage age.
Short answer: Marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of the D.C. Superior Court. Before issuing a license, the clerk examines each applicant under oath about their names, ages, any prior marriages and whether they are related (and how closely); D.C. Code §§ 46-409 (repealed), 46-410
| Getting a marriage license | Marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of the D.C. Superior Court. Before issuing a license, the clerk examines each applicant under oath about their names, ages, any prior marriages and whether they are related (and how closely); false swearing on these matters is perjury. D.C. no longer has a waiting period for issuing a license (the former waiting-period rule, D.C. Code § 46-409, was repealed in 2014). Statute: https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/46-410 Re-verified and corrected 2026-10-27. |
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| Minimum marriage age | The minimum age to marry is 18, and the clerk may not issue a license to anyone under 18. There is no exception for parental consent or court approval. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: D.C. Code §§ 46-403(4), 46-411 |
Where to get help in District of Columbia
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FAQ
How do you get a marriage license in District of Columbia?
Marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of the D.C. Superior Court. Before issuing a license, the clerk examines each applicant under oath about their names, ages, any prior marriages and whether they are related (and how closely); false swearing on these matters is perjury. D.C. no longer has a waiting period for issuing a license (the former waiting-period rule, D.C. Code § 46-409, was repealed in 2014).
What is the legal age to get married in District of Columbia?
The minimum age to marry is 18, and the clerk may not issue a license to anyone under 18. There is no exception for parental consent or court approval.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.