Getting a Marriage License in Missouri
Where to apply for a marriage license in Missouri, what to bring, the waiting period, how long it's valid, and the minimum marriage age.
Short answer: A license from the county recorder of deeds is required before any marriage. Both parties sign the application in the recorder's presence or through the recorder's online process (online applications require identity verification and at least one applicant living in that county); RSMo §§ 451.040, 451.090, 451.151
| Getting a marriage license | A license from the county recorder of deeds is required before any marriage. Both parties sign the application in the recorder's presence or through the recorder's online process (online applications require identity verification and at least one applicant living in that county); incarcerated or deployed military applicants may use a sworn form. Each application includes the applicant's Social Security number (or a statement that he or she has none), and applicants must prove age with a certified birth certificate, passport or other government-issued ID. The license is void 30 days after it is issued. State law adds a $20 fee on top of any other license fee. Common-law marriages are void in Missouri. The base license fee is not set in the sections reviewed; the total varies by county. The sections reviewed do not set a waiting period. |
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| Minimum marriage age | No recorder may issue a marriage license to anyone under 18. The current statute has no parental-consent or court-approval exception. Source: RSMo § 451.090 |
Where to get help in Missouri
More Missouri divorce & family law
- Adopting a Child in Missouri
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Missouri
- Establishing Paternity in Missouri
- Changing Your Name in Missouri
- Child Custody Laws in Missouri
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Missouri
- Divorce Records in Missouri
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Missouri
- How to File for Divorce in Missouri
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Missouri
- All Missouri divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you get a marriage license in Missouri?
A license from the county recorder of deeds is required before any marriage. Both parties sign the application in the recorder's presence or through the recorder's online process (online applications require identity verification and at least one applicant living in that county); incarcerated or deployed military applicants may use a sworn form. Each application includes the applicant's Social Security number (or a statement that he or she has none), and applicants must prove age with a certified birth certificate, passport or other government-issued ID. The license is void 30 days after it is issued. State law adds a $20 fee on top of any other license fee. Common-law marriages are void in Missouri.
What is the legal age to get married in Missouri?
No recorder may issue a marriage license to anyone under 18. The current statute has no parental-consent or court-approval exception.
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.