How to Get a Marriage License in District of Columbia
District of Columbia marriage license at a glance
- License fee
- $45 (statewide; DC Marriage Bureau, Superior Court)
- Waiting period
- none (DC eliminated its 3-day wait)
- Minimum age
- 18 without consent
- Blood test
- no
Confirm the fee before you go. check the exact, current fee on the issuing county clerk's own fee schedule. This page is informational only and is not legal advice.
In the District of Columbia, couples seeking a marriage license apply through the DC Marriage Bureau, which operates as a single citywide office under the Superior Court of DC. The license fee is $45. Applicants may submit their application online via the DC Courts marriage portal or in person. There is no waiting period; the license may be obtained and used immediately upon issuance. A valid government-issued photo ID, proof of age, and a Social Security number (or a signed affidavit if no SSN is available) are required. The license does not expire once issued.
To marry in DC, both parties must be at least 18 years old, or 16–17 years old with documented parental or guardian consent; individuals under 16 cannot marry. At least one witness aged 18 or older is required, though couples have the option to self-solemnize their marriage without a third-party officiant. No blood test is required. Applicants should confirm the current fee, specific application procedures, and all eligibility requirements on the official DC Courts website or by contacting the DC Marriage Bureau directly, as rules and processes may be subject to change.
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 | District of Columbia |
|---|---|
| License fee | $45 (statewide; DC Marriage Bureau, Superior Court) |
| Fee set by | State (statewide) |
| Waiting period | none (DC eliminated its 3-day wait) |
| License validity | no expiration (DC license does not expire once issued) |
| ID required | government photo ID; proof of age; SSN (or no-SSN affidavit) |
| Residency required | no |
| Minimum age | 18 without consent; 16-17 with parental/guardian consent; under 16 not permitted |
| Blood test | no |
| Witnesses | 1 witness (18+); couple may also self-solemnize |
| Online option | apply online via the DC Courts marriage portal; self-uniting/self-solemnization allowed |
| Where to apply | DC Marriage Bureau (Superior Court of DC) — single citywide office |
| Governing law | Set by state statute — refer to your state’s official statutes and the issuing County Clerk for the governing rule |
Full District of Columbia requirements → · Fees & waiting → · How to apply → · Look up another state →
Compiled from public-record District of Columbia marriage law and the issuing agency, verified June 2026. Primary source → · How we compile this. Informational only — not legal advice.