How to Get a Marriage License in Maryland
Maryland marriage license at a glance
- License fee
- varies by county (~$10-$85; Circuit Court Clerk)
- Waiting period
- 48 hours (license effective 6am the 2nd calendar day after application; waivable)
- Minimum age
- 18 without consent
- Blood test
- no
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.
This row is flagged for re-verification on publish (county-set fee and/or a statute section still being pinned).
Couples seeking to marry in Maryland must obtain a marriage license from the Circuit Court Clerk in the county where the marriage will take place. No residency requirement applies; applicants may apply in any Maryland county regardless of where they live. The application process typically requires proof of identity through a government-issued photo ID, proof of age, and a Social Security number. Some counties offer online application options, though availability varies.
The marriage license fee varies by county, ranging from approximately $10 to $85, and is set individually by each county's Circuit Court Clerk. Maryland imposes a 48-hour waiting period; the license becomes effective at 6 a.m. on the second calendar day following application and remains valid for six months for a ceremony conducted in the issuing county. The waiting period may be waivable under certain circumstances. Minimum age requirements are 18 without parental consent, 17 with parental consent or proof of pregnancy or parenthood, and 16 with parental consent and a court order; individuals under 16 may not marry. Applicants should verify the exact current fee and all requirements directly with their county's Circuit Court Clerk office before applying, as fees and regulations are county-administered and 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 | Maryland |
|---|---|
| License fee | varies by county (~$10-$85; Circuit Court Clerk) |
| Fee set by | County (varies by county) |
| Waiting period | 48 hours (license effective 6am the 2nd calendar day after application; waivable) |
| License validity | 6 months (ceremony in the issuing county) |
| ID required | government photo ID; proof of age; SSN |
| Residency required | no (apply in the county where the marriage will occur) |
| Minimum age | 18 without consent; 17 with parental consent OR proof of pregnancy/parenthood; 16 with consent + court order; under 16 not permitted |
| Blood test | no |
| Witnesses | no witnesses required |
| Online option | some counties offer online application; effective after the 48-hr wait |
| Where to apply | Circuit Court Clerk (county-administered) |
| Governing law | Set by state statute — refer to your state’s official statutes and the issuing County Clerk for the governing rule |
Full Maryland requirements → · Fees & waiting → · How to apply → · Look up another state →
Compiled from public-record Maryland marriage law and the issuing agency, verified June 2026. Primary source → · How we compile this. Informational only — not legal advice.