The Marriage License

GENERAL LICENSE INFORMATION

The 2007 Nevada Legislature passed Assembly Bill 406 which made proof of identity a requirement for obtaining a marriage license, effective January 1, 2008.  Therefore, individuals planning to obtain a marriage license in Nevada will need to bring proper identification with them.  

Identification:  

An original or certified copy of one of the following forms of identification will be required effective Jan 1, 2008:  

    Driver's License, Instruction Permit, or identification card issued by this State or another state
    Passport
     Foreign government issued ID card, including driver's license (must include birth date)
     Matricula Consular Card
     Military Identification Card or Military Dependant Identification Card
    Certificate of Citizenship, Certificate of Naturalization, Permanent Resident Card or Temporary Resident Card
     Voter Identification Cards (must contain birth date)
     Birth Certificate and a secondary form of identification that contains the name and picture of the applicant such as:
       - Gaming/Sheriff's Work Card
       - Employee ID card/badge
       - Membership card from establishment requiring ID for membership (Costco, Sam's Club, etc.)
       - Credit Card

Pursuant to NRS 122.050, the marriage license must contain the name of each applicant as shown in the identification documents presented.  

The Clerk's Office will consider the following documents on a case-by-case basis:

    Student Identification Cards
     Prison Identification Cards
     Any other documents not otherwise mentioned in this policy
     Temporary Driver's License or Permit (must not have language "Not Valid for ID Purposes)

The County Clerk may request that foreign birth certificates be translated into English and notarized. 

ATTENTION:

Your marriage license and certificate will be prepared with your legal name exactly as it appears on the identification presented.  Spelling or typographical errors discovered after the ceremony may be corrected upon written request to this office.  Marriage records WILL NOT be changed after the ceremony to reflect names that are different from the names on the identification presented at the time the license was issued.  It is your responsibility to present the proper identification to have your name reflected as you desire.  

For example, if you want your marriage license and certificate to reflect your full middle name, the identification you present must contain your full middle name - not an initial.

Marriage License Requirements:  

Requirements for U.S. citizens and non U.S. citizens are the same.

It is suggested that non U.S. citizens check with your local officials for special documents that may be needed to ensure that your marriage will be recognized in your country.

Applicants must be a male and a female, at least 18 years of age, and not nearer of kin than second cousins or cousins of half blood, and not having a husband or wife living.

Applicants may be required to prove their age. Those not having acceptable identification to prove age may be refused a marriage license. (Faxed copies, damaged identification, privately issued I.D., check cashing cards or photocopies of identification are unacceptable.)

Social Security Numbers are required on the Affidavit of Application for a Marriage License. Please know your Social Security Number. Those without knowledge of their Social Security Number may be refused a marriage license.  It is recognized that non U.S. citizens will not have a Social Security Number.

There is no blood test and no waiting period after a license is issued.

Divorced Applicants:

Are required to know the Month/Day/Year/City and State of their divorce. The divorce must be final and filed with the courts in the state or country granted. You are not required to bring the divorce decree.

Minor applicants, ages 16 or 17 (not yet age 18):

Must have consent of a parent or legal guardian.  Minors will need an original or certified copy of the birth certificate which lists the name of the consenting parent. (No photocopies of documents may be accepted.)  Legal guardians are required to present a certified copy of the court ordered guardianship papers. (No photocopies may be accepted.)  A parent or guardian is required to have acceptable identification to prove they are the parent on the birth certificate or the legal guardian on the guardianship order.

If it is not possible for the parent or guardian to be present, an original, notarized statement in English must be presented with the certified copy of the birth certificate or a certified copy of the guardianship order at the time of the issuance of the marriage license. The notarized statement should contain the parent or legal guardian's full name, relationship to the minor, minor's full name, birth date and the statement that the parent or legal guardian gives consent for the minor to marry. All documents must be in English or translated into English by a notary.

A person less than 16 years of age may marry only if either parent or legal guardian files an action, pays all court fees as provided by law, and presents a court order, from a Nevada State Court, authorizing the Clerk to issue the marriage license. Applicants should contact an attorney to prepare the documents. This office has no forms.

Fees:

The fee for a marriage license is $55.00 CASH. Correct change is appreciated.

NOTICE: NRS Chapter 19 requires that we charge fees for copies and a records search.  A number of requests for copies of records are received through the mail, and frequently customers will pay more than what is required by statute.  Please be advised that overpayments of $10 or less will not be refunded by this office except upon specific request of the customer.  Requests for refund of overpayment must be submitted in writing within 60 days of receipt date and include the receipt number.

Marriage Ceremonies:  

In order to have a legal marriage, a ceremony must be performed in the State of Nevada within one year from date of issuance of the marriage license by any person licensed or authorized to perform ceremonies in Nevada. The ceremony may be performed in any Wedding Chapel, Church or the Civil Marriage Commissioner's Office. These marriages are recognized throughout the world.  A list of Wedding Chapels is available by clicking here.

Renewing Wedding Vows:

ATTENTION: Information presented here is subject to change without priuor notice. It is suggested that you check with the Las Vegas Marriage Bureau for the latest requirements.

On-Line Las Vegas Marriage License Application

For additional information, go to our Las Vegas Wedding FAQ's page.

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