Getting a Marriage License in South Carolina

Both parties sign a written application filed with the county probate judge (in Darlington and Georgetown counties, the clerk of court), including Social Security numbers (or alien identification numbers). The license may not be issued until at least 24 hours after the application is filed, and the applicants must give a sworn statement that they are legally entitled to marry, with their full names, ages and residences. Applicants aged 18 to 24 must show documentary proof of age; applicants under 18 must file a birth certificate or similar record. A $20 fee for the Domestic Violence Fund is added to the license fee; the base license fee is not set in these sections. Couples who complete a qualifying premarital preparation course may claim a one-time $50 state income tax credit.

A person under 16 cannot enter a valid marriage (including common-law marriage); such marriages are void. A marriage license may not be issued to anyone under 16. For an applicant aged 16 or 17 who lives with a parent, other relative or guardian, the license requires a sworn affidavit of consent signed by that parent, relative or guardian.