How to Get a Marriage License in Alabama
Alabama marriage license at a glance
- License fee
- varies by county (~$73-$89 recording fee; NO license issued)
- Waiting period
- none
- Minimum age
- 18 without consent
- Blood test
- no
Alabama is different. no marriage LICENSE since Aug 2019 — notarized certificate recorded by probate court
Confirm the fee before you go. The marriage-license fee in this state is set by the county and varies, so the figure above is a representative range — check the exact, current fee on the issuing county clerk's own fee schedule. This page is informational only and is not legal advice.
Alabama does not issue marriage licenses. Instead, as of August 29, 2019, couples execute a notarized marriage certificate form that must be recorded with the county probate court within 30 days of signing. Both parties must present a government-issued photo ID to the probate court at the time of recording. There is no waiting period, and solemnization by an officiant is not required. The recording fee varies by county and is set locally; examples include $73 in Mobile County, $84.50 in Jefferson County, and $89 in Madison County. Couples should confirm the exact current fee and procedures with their county probate court before applying, as fees may change.
Alabama marriage law permits individuals age 18 and older to marry without consent. Those aged 16 or 17 may marry with a notarized document of parental consent. Marriage is not permitted for persons under age 16. No blood test or witnesses are required. The notarized marriage certificate form should be delivered to the county probate court in person; online recording is not available. For complete and current information about eligibility requirements, fees, and the recording process, prospective applicants should contact their county probate court directly or consult the state's official marriage statute.
What a marriage license actually is
A marriage license is the government document that authorizes your marriage; you apply for it before the ceremony, and once it’s signed and returned it becomes your marriage record. The fee, waiting period and ID rules below are what each state and county sets — always confirm the exact current amount with the issuing clerk.
| Requirement | Alabama |
|---|---|
| License fee | varies by county (~$73-$89 recording fee; NO license issued) |
| Fee set by | County (varies by county) |
| Waiting period | none |
| License validity | n/a — no license; notarized marriage certificate must be recorded within 30 days of signing |
| ID required | government photo ID for both parties |
| Residency required | no |
| Minimum age | 18 without consent; 16-17 with notarized parental consent; under 16 not permitted |
| Blood test | no |
| Witnesses | no (notarized form; solemnization not required) |
| Online option | no — paper notarized marriage certificate delivered to a probate court |
| Where to apply | county probate court (records the certificate) |
| Governing law | Set by state statute — refer to your state’s official statutes and the issuing County Clerk for the governing rule |
Full Alabama requirements → · Fees & waiting → · How to apply → · Look up another state →
Compiled from public-record Alabama marriage law and the issuing agency, verified June 2026. Primary source → · How we compile this. Informational only — not legal advice.