Marriage License Requirements
How to make it legal in Maryland
The Basics
• Only one member of the couple must apply for the license in person.
• The license is effective only in the county where it was issued.
• There is no residency requirement.
• There is a 48-hour waiting period before you can use your license. You can petition the court for a waiver.
• The license is good for six month from the date of issue.
• Most offices are open Monday through Friday, excluding holidays; call the appropriate office for exact hours of operation and for exact requirements, as they vary from town to town.
• Marriage licenses are issued in every town and city throughout the state of Maryland, but you must apply for the license in the town or city in which you are getting married.
What to Bring
• Identification: You must present a valid form of identification (a driver's license, Social Security card, a resident ID, a passport, or a birth certificate is sufficient). Certain restrictions apply for brides- and grooms-to-be who are under 18.
• Money: Fees range from $35 to $60, in cash.
Where to Go
Following is a partial list of local marriage-license offices. Call your town or city clerk's office if it is not listed here. Most offices are open Monday through Friday excluding holidays; hours vary slightly.
ANNEARUNDEL COUNTY
Circuit Court
7 Church Circle
Annapolis, MD
Tel: 410/222-1434
M-F: 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
$55, cash or credit card
BALTIMORE COUNTY
County Courts Building
401 Bosley Ave.
Towson, MD
Tel: 410/887-2607
M-F: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
$35, cash
CARROLL COUNTY
Circuit Court
55 North Court Street
Room G8
Westminster
Tel: 410/386-2022
M-F: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
$35, cash, check or money order
FREDERICK COUNTY
Clerk of Court
100 West Patrick Street
Frederick
Tel: 310/694-1960
M-F: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
$60, cash
HARTFORD COUNTY
20 West Courtland Street
Bel Air, MD
Tel: 410/838-6000
M-F: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
$40, cash
HOWARD COUNTY
The Thomas Dorsey Building
9250 Bendix Road
Columbia
Tel: 410/313-5850
M-F: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
$35, cash
MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Court Clerk
50 Maryland Avenue
Room 111
Rockville
Tel:301/217-6752
M-F: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
$55, cash, check or charge
PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY
Circuit Court
14735 Main Street
Upper Marlboro, MD
Tel: 301/952-3288
M-F: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
$55, cash, credit card or money order
