TIPS ON GETTING YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE

Marriage License:

Before you can say, “I do”, you will need to obtain a marriage license. The requirements are determined by each state and they vary from state-to-state. They can be obtained by calling or writing the county clerk’s office. Use questionnaire “Obtaining Your Marriage License” at the end of this section to find out what information you need to obtain a marriage license. Basically they are laws concerned with the age of consent, residence, citizenship, and freedom of venereal disease. Use form “Marriage License Checklist” to record and determine what other items you may need to get your marriage license. If you are marrying within the State of Texas, review the information under “State of Texas Marriage License” at the end of this section that describes the process for the State of Texas.

Changing your name and address:

After you get married, you may be changing your last name or changing your residence. If so, your may want to take care of some of the changes before your wedding. Some agencies may require a copy of your marriage certificate so check ahead of time.

The items or documents you might need to change include the following:

¨                Social Security Card-(normally at the office of the Federal Social Security Administration).

¨                Driver’s License.

¨                Car Registration.

¨                Voter’s Registration.

¨                Passport.

¨                Employer or School Records.

¨                Bank Accounts (changing or opening of joint accounts).

¨                Insurance Policies (auto, home, health).

¨                Pension Plans.

¨                Property Titles or Leases.

¨                Charge Accounts.

¨                Subscriptions.

¨                Club Memberships.

¨                Post Office (new name and address).

Changing your Name?

Taking your husband’s last name:

If you are planning to take your husband’s last name, you will need to sign your marriage certificate this way and all future documents. Get the necessary paper work or requirements to record your name changes for all legal and official records.

Keeping your maiden name:

If you are planning to keep your maiden name, you will need to sign your maiden name on your marriage certificate and all legal documents. Most states don’t require you notify any official agencies but check your state for any special requirements.

Using your maiden name professionally:

Avoid intermixing the 2 names on legal documents. Use only your maiden name on all legal documents and when filing your joint tax return. The IRS may require proof of your marriage and request a notarized copy your marriage license.

Hyphenating your last name:

You may choose to hyphenate your name so your last name appears first followed by your husband’s last name. If so, be sure to record your name changes with agencies and sign your marriage certificate this way.

Things to find out before obtaining your marriage license:

◻                   Do you need to apply in person and together?

◻                   What is the waiting time period before and after the license is issued?

◻                   Who needs to sign it?

◻                   What are the age requirements?

◻                   What identification or proof of age is required?

◻                   What are the residence requirements?

◻                   Is a blood test or doctor’s certification needed?

◻                   What is the fee?

◻                   Is proof of divorce needed?

◻                   Are AID’s tests required (if so, it can take 6 to 8 weeks to get the results back)?

County Clerk’s Office:                                                  

Phone:                                                                               

Address:                                                                                                                                                                               

Appointment Date:_                                                       State’s minimum age to marry:_                                     Waiting period after application:                                                                            License is valid for         days License Fee:                                                

Time:_                                                                               

Bride’s Doctor:_                                                             

Phone:                                                                               

Address:                                                                                                                                                                               

Appointment Date:_                                                      

Exam Fee:_                                                                     

Need to get:                                                                                                                                                                        

Groom’s Doctor:                                                             

Phone:                                                                               

Address:                                                                                                                                                                               

Appointment Date:_                                                      

Exam Fee:_                                                                     

Need to get:                                                                                                                                                                        

Documents and tests required by County Clerk in your state:

Need to get:

Required:	Item:	Have:	Bride	Groom
	Proof of age (driver’s license)	Q	Q	Q
	Proof of Citizenship (birth certificate)	Q	Q	Q
	Doctor’s Certificate	Q	Q	Q
	Venereal disease blood test	Q	Q	Q
	Rubella, sickle cell anemia blood test	Q	Q	Q
	AIDS or other blood test	Q	Q	Q
	AIDS Counseling	Q	Q	Q
	Proof of Divorce	Q	Q	Q
	Parental consent for marriage of minors	Q	Q	Q

Items to be Changed:	Change Name:	Change Address:	Account or Policy Number:	Phone or Address to Notify Company:	Done:
Social Security	◻	◻			◻
Driver’s License	◻	◻			◻
Car Registration	◻	◻			◻
Employee Records	◻	◻			◻
School Records	◻	◻			◻
Checking Accounts	◻	◻			◻
Savings Accounts	◻	◻			◻
IRA Accounts	◻	◻			◻
Leases	◻	◻			◻
Credit Cards	◻	◻			◻
Stocks and Bonds	◻	◻			◻
Safety Deposit Box	◻	◻			◻
Loans	◻	◻			◻
Post Office	◻	◻			◻
Utilities	◻	◻			◻
Taxes	◻	◻			◻
Auto Insurance	◻	◻			◻
Property Insurance	◻	◻			◻
Medical Insurance	◻	◻			◻
Life Insurance	◻	◻			◻
Doctors/Dentists	◻	◻			◻
Wills/Trusts	◻	◻			◻
Pensions	◻	◻			◻
Property Titles	◻	◻			◻
Business Cards	◻	◻			◻
Business Stationery	◻	◻			◻
Subscriptions	◻	◻			◻
Club Memberships	◻	◻			◻
Voter’s Registration	◻	◻			◻
Passport	◻	◻			◻