Marriage License

You must be 18 years of age to apply for a marriage application in Michigan.

For the purpose of marriage application, residency is determined by a current valid driver's license or state I.D.

• If you are a Michigan resident, you must apply in the county where you live. If both parties are Michigan residents but live in different counties, you may apply in either county. The license is valid throughout the state.
• If both parties are out-of-state residents, you must apply in the county where you are going to be married. The license is valid in that county only.

The following is required of BOTH parties:

• Valid driver's license or state ID to prove identity, age, and residency (must show current address). Note: a Passport may be used in place of ID to prove identity or age requirement but does not prove residency. Photocopies are acceptable.
• Birth certificates: copies are acceptable. Birth certificates provide most of the information required to complete the application.
  • IMPORTANT: If you do not have both birth certificates available, the following information is also REQUIRED during the application process: parents' names for both applicants, parents place of birth for both applicants', and place of birth for both applicants. (This information should MATCH what is listed on your birth record.)
• Social security numbers of both parties pursuant to MCL 551.102. (Cards not needed.)
• All fields in the Marriage Information Sheet and the Online Marriage Application are REQUIRED fields. If you do not know the information at the time of applying online, you will be required to provide the information at the time of pick-up. If certain fields are unknown, please inform the staff at the time of pick-up.

Fee per couple:

• $20.00 for Michigan residents
• $30.00 for out-of-state residents
• $5.00 to waive 3-day waiting period

• Discover, MasterCard and Visa
• Cash
• Money Order: payable to Oakland County Clerk
• No Personal Checks

Complete and submit the online application.

Once you've submitted your application you will need to make an appointment to come in and pick up your marriage license.

Your marriage license will expire 33 days from the date of application. Do not apply if your ceremony will be held more than 33 days from today.

After you apply, there is a 3-day waiting period for obtaining the license. If you are not able to apply online at least 3 days prior to your appointment date, the 3-day waiting period can be waived for an additional $5.00 fee. Note: By waiving the 3 day waiting period, the marriage license will expire in 30 days.

Once you submit your application online and have met the above requirements, bring your confirmation number (given at the end of online application), valid identification, social security numbers and birth certificates (or passports) for both parties to our office.

The marriage license is available to be picked up on the third day following your online application submission. It must be picked up in person at our office. Only one party must be present to pick up the marriage license. The person coming in to the office must provide photocopies (front and back) of all required ID for the other party.

• A Marriage License is not available for pick-up on weekends or holidays.
• Apply on Monday; pick up on or after Thursday.
• Apply on Tuesday; pick up on or after Friday.
• Apply on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday; pick up on or after Monday.
• Apply on Saturday (online only); pick up on or after Tuesday.
• Apply on Sunday (online only); pick up on or after Wednesday.