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Maryland Marriage License Information, Laws, Requirements

In most circumstances you may apply for a marriage license at any MD county clerk office where you plan to be married. These offices are usually located in the county probate court or circuit court. This document outlines the procedures you must follow to obtain your license.

Cost of License

What is the cost of a marriage license?

The marriage license fee is roughly $55.00 dollars, although fees may vary from county to county. Accepted forms of payment are cash.

Residency Requirements

What are the residency requirements for Maryland?

None. You do not have to be a previous or current resident of Maryland to obtain a marriage license that is valid statewide.

Waiting Period

Is there a waiting period from the application date to the date the license is issued?

Yes, there is a mandatory 2 day waiting period. In most states, the waiting period does not include Saturdays, Sundays or holidays. In some instances, the day the application is filed is not included within the waiting period.

Is there a waiting period from the date the license is issued to the date I am allowed to marry?

No, you can marry immediately after receiving your license.

Age Requirement

What is the minimum age a man or woman may marry?

You must be 18 years old or older to marry without parental consent. A birth certificate may be necessary to show proof of age.

What if one or both of us is younger than 18?

If either partner is under 18, parents or legal guardians must be present. If a parent can not be present, due to death, separation, divorce or other circumstances, proper evidence must be presented for verification. You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you are under 16 you can not marry without a court order. A minor who is pregnant does not need parental consent as long as the pregnancy is verified in a written statement by a licensed physician.

Blood Tests and Physical Exams

Are blood tests and physical exams required?

No blood test or physical exam is required.

License Expires

How long does a marriage license remain valid once it's been issued?

Your license will expire 6 months from the date it is issued.

Divorced and Widowed Applicants

What if one or both partners have been divorced or have had a spouse die?

If previously married, the date of divorce or date of spouse's death must be provided. Bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate. A copy of your divorce records or spouse's death certificate can be ordered online.

How Do I Legally Change My Name?

What's the process of legally changing my last name after marriage?

Following your wedding ceremony, you will receive a marriage certificate, which is a piece of paper proving that you are legally married. This certificate will serve as evidence of your marriage, which you'll need when you begin the process of notifying several goverment agencies about your name change, as well as any non-government institutions that you do business with (ie, banks, employers, credit cards, memberships, etc).

We have created a legal name change kit that you can use and complete before or after your marriage takes place. Completing all the necessary name change documentation prior to your wedding can be considerably convenient.

Miscellaneous Questions

Are proxy marriages legal?

No, marriage by proxy is not allowed.

Are cousin marriages legal?

Yes, cousin marriages are allowed.

Are common law marriages legal?

No, common-law marriages are not allowed.

Are same sex marriages legal?

No, same-sex marriages are not allowed.

County Clerk Address and Phone Number List

Allegany Clerk
Of Circuit Court.
30 Washington St
Cumberland, MD 21502
301-777-5922
Map
Anne Arundel
Clerk Circuit Court
7 Church Circle
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-222-1434
Map
Baltimore City Circuit Court
Marriage License Department
100 N Calvert St, Rm 610
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-333-3780
Map
Calvert County Circuit Court
175 Main St
Calvert County Courthouse
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
410-535-1660
Map
Caroline County
Circuit Court
P.O. Box 458
Denton, MD 21629
410-479-1811
Map
Carroll County
Circuit Court Clerk
55 North Court St
Rm G-8
Westminster, MD 21157
410-386-2022
Map
Cecil County
Circuit Clerk
108 Court House
Elkton, MD 21921
410-996-5318
Map
Charles County
Circuit Court
P.O. Box 970
La Plata, MD 20646
301-932-3236
Map
Dorchester Clerk Of Court
P.O. Box 150
Cambridge, MD 21613
410-228-0480
Map
Frederick Circuit Court
100 West Patrick St
Frederick, MD 21701
301-694-1960
Map
Garrett Circuit
Court Clerk
P.O. Box 447
Oakland, MD 21550
301-334-1937
Map
Harford County
Clerk Of Court
20 West Courtland St
Bel Air, MD 21014
410-838-6000
Map
Howard Circuit Court Clerk
8360 Court House Drive
Ellicott City, MD 21043
410-313-2111
Map
Kent County Circuit
Court Clerk
County Courthouse
Chestertown, MD 21620
410-778-7460
Map
Montgomery Circuit
Court Clerk
50 Court House Square
Rockville, MD 20850
301-217-6752
Map
Prince Georges County
Clerk of Circuit Court
14735 Main St
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-952-3655
Map
Queen Annes County
Circuit Court Clerk
Court House
Centreville, MD 21617
301-758-1773
Map
Somerset Circuit
Court Clerk
P.O. Box 99
Princess Anne, MD 21853
301-651-1555
Map
St Marys Circuit
Court Clerk
P.O. Box 308
Leonard Town, MD 20650
301-475-4568
Map
Talbot Circuit Court Clerk
11 N Washington St
Easton, MD 21601
410-822-2611
Map
Washington Circuit
Court Clerk
P.O. Box 229
Hagerstown, MD 21741
301-791-3085
Map
Wicomico Circuit
Court Clerk
P.O. Box 198
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-543-6551
Map
Worcester Circuit
Court Clerk
Court House Room 104
Snow Hill, MD 21863
410-632-1221
Map

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