How to Get a Marriage License in Missouri
Missouri marriage license at a glance
- License fee
- varies by county (~$51; Recorder of Deeds)
- Waiting period
- none
- 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).
To obtain a marriage license in Missouri, applicants must apply at the Recorder of Deeds office in the county where at least one partner resides. Applicants must present a government-issued photo ID, proof of age, and a Social Security number. Missouri's marriage statute permits individuals aged 18 and older to marry without consent. Those aged 16 or 17 may marry with consent from one parent. Marriage below age 16 is not permitted under state law, and no person aged 21 or older may marry someone aged 16 or 17. There is no mandatory waiting period in Missouri, and the marriage license remains valid for 30 days from issuance. No blood test or witness signatures are required.
The fee for a marriage license varies by county and is set by each county's Recorder of Deeds office; the typical fee is approximately $51, though the exact amount should be confirmed directly with the applicable county recorder before applying. Missouri does not currently offer a statewide online option for marriage license applications. All applicants should verify the current fee, eligibility requirements, and application procedures with their county Recorder of Deeds office or the official county government website before submitting an application, as fees and rules are 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 | Missouri |
|---|---|
| License fee | varies by county (~$51; Recorder of Deeds) |
| Fee set by | County (varies by county) |
| Waiting period | none |
| License validity | 30 days |
| ID required | government photo ID; proof of age; SSN |
| Residency required | no |
| Minimum age | 18 without consent; 16-17 with one parent's consent; under 16 not permitted (and no 21+ may marry a 16/17-yr-old) |
| Blood test | no |
| Witnesses | no witnesses required |
| Online option | no statewide online option; apply at the Recorder of Deeds |
| Where to apply | Recorder of Deeds (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 Missouri requirements → · Fees & waiting → · How to apply → · Look up another state →
Compiled from public-record Missouri marriage law and the issuing agency, verified June 2026. Primary source → · How we compile this. Informational only — not legal advice.