Who may apply for a marriage license? Any two individuals who meet the legal requirements under Pennsylvania law (23 PA CSA §1503) may apply for a marriage license. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to apply for a marriage license.
Where do we apply for a marriage license? Marriage license applications must be submitted online or in-person at the Department of Court Records Marriage License/Passports Office. A marriage license issued in Allegheny County can be used in any other Pennsylvania county.
Do both applicants need to appear together? Yes. Both applicants must appear together, either in person or online through the approved application process, to complete the application.
What identification is required to apply? Both applicants must provide a current, valid photo ID. Acceptable forms of ID include:
Driver’s licenses.
State-issued photo IDs.
International driver’s licenses.
U.S. or international passports.
Military IDs.
Is there a waiting period after applying? Yes. Pennsylvania law requires a three-day waiting period between the application date and the date the license is issued, unless a waiver is granted by the court.
How long is a marriage license valid? A marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.
What is the difference between a traditional marriage license and a self-uniting license? A traditional license requires an officiant to perform the ceremony, while a self-uniting license allows the couple to solemnize their marriage without an officiant, in accordance with Pennsylvania law. The Department of Court Records does not determine who may or may not solemnize a marriage.
What is the fee for a marriage license? The fees for a Marriage License vary from county to county. Allegheny County fee is $90 (includes Pennsylvania taxes and surcharges) plus $10 additional fee per divorce decree. Acceptable forms of payments for the fees: Cash/Credit Card/Money Order.
Can we get married the same day the license is issued? No. The ceremony may not take place until after the mandatory three-day waiting period has passed, unless a waiver has been granted.
How do we obtain a certified copy of our marriage record? Certified copies of a marriage license may be obtained online or in-person at the Department of Court Records Marriage License/Passports Office only if your license was issued in Allegheny County.
What if I have been married before and I am now divorced, can i still apply for a marriage license? Yes. If you have been previously married and are divorced, you may apply for a marriage license. You must provide a certified copy of the final divorce decree. All prior marriages must be legally ended before a new marriage license can be issued.
Who may not marry? Persons related by blood up to and including first cousins may not marry in Pennsylvania.
Who must file the marriage return? The person who solemnized the marriage is responsible for completing and filing the marriage return by mail or in-person with the Department of Court Records Marriage License/Passports Office within ten (10) days of the date of the ceremony to ensure the marriage is officially recorded.
