Marriage License

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Marriage License Law

In Florida, the Clerk of the Circuit Court is the issuing agent for marriage licenses.

Any couple, if one or both parties is a Florida resident, may take a 4-hour premarital preparation course or wait three (3) days before the marriage license goes into effect. To receive a waiver of the three-day waiting period, a premarital preparation course must be completed within one year prior to obtaining a marriage license and a valid certificate of completion must be presented to the Clerk's Office. Taking the premarital preparation course also lowers the standard fee.

View the Roster of Premarital Preparation Course Providers in Manatee County.

Additionally, the couple must read and sign a statement that they have read the Family Law handbook or Manual de Derecho Familiar.

If all of the course requirements are met on the day of application, the marriage license will be issued and also be effective the same day. If the course requirements are not met on the date of application, the marriage license will be issued but will not be effective until three (3) days from the issue date. The expiration date will be sixty (60) days from the effective date and will appear on the license.

Who Can Apply for a Marriage License?

Any male or female 18 years of age or older.
A minor whose parents are deceased and has certified copies of both death certificates.
With a judge's approval, minors, who must swear under oath, that they are parents or expectant parents of a child.
A previously married minor.
Any male or female 16-17 years of age with both parents' or legal guardians' consent.

What Do We Need to Bring When We Apply for a Marriage License?

Both the bride-to-be and the husband-to-be need to be present when applying for a marriage license. Depending on which category applies to you, you will need to bring the following information:

Applicants 18 years of age or older:

Valid government photo identification that shows the applicant's date of birth (driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport)
You must know your Social Security Number, if applicable.
If previously married, you must provide the day, month, and year the previous marriage ended.
Your signature will be required on the application.

Applicants 16-17 years of age must present EACH of the following:

Valid government photo identification that shows the applicant's date of birth (driver's license, state ID, military ID, or passport)
You must know your Social Security Number, if applicable.
Certified copy of your birth certificate showing both parents' names.
Notarized consent form of both parents or consent of one parent in the case of divorce if the custodial parent has the authority to grant permission for the non-custodial parent. (This consent must be accompanied with a certified copy of the Court Order granting sole parental responsibility of the minor applicant to the custodial parent). If one or both parents of a minor are deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate is required.

Applicants under 16 years of age must present EACH of the following:

Valid government photo identification that shows the applicant's date of birth (driver's license, state ID, military ID, passport)
You must know your Social Security Number, if applicable.
Certified copy of your birth certificate showing both parents' names.
Notarized consent form of both parents or consent of one parent in the case of divorce if the custodial parent has the authority to grant permission for the non-custodial parent. (This consent must be accompanied with a certified copy of the Court Order granting sole parental responsibility of the minor applicant to the custodial parent). If one or both parents of a minor are deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate is required.
Certificate from a licensed physician that the female is pregnant.
An affidavit that the couple are the parents of an unborn child or an affidavit that the child is already born along with a certified copy of the child's birth certificate.