How to Get a Marriage License in Ohio
Ohio marriage license at a glance
- License fee
- varies by county (~$40-$75; Probate Court)
- Waiting period
- none
- Minimum age
- 18 (Ohio set 18 as the floor with a narrow exception requiring juvenile-court approval for 17-yr-olds, age gap ≤4 yrs)
- 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).
In Ohio, couples seeking to marry must obtain a marriage license from the Probate Court in the county where at least one applicant resides, or—if neither resides in Ohio—in the county where the ceremony will take place. The license fee varies by county, typically ranging from approximately $40 to $75, and is set by each county's Probate Court. Ohio imposes no waiting period between application and issuance, though the license remains valid for 60 days from issue, and the ceremony must occur within the state. Applicants must present a government-issued photo ID, proof of age, and provide their Social Security number.
Ohio sets the minimum age for marriage at 18 years old. A narrow exception permits 17-year-olds to marry with juvenile court approval, provided the age difference between partners does not exceed four years. Many counties, including Franklin County, offer online application options, with finalization completed at the Probate Court office. No blood tests or witnesses are required. Couples should confirm the exact current fee and application procedures on their county's Probate Court website before applying, as fees are county-set and requirements may 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 | Ohio |
|---|---|
| License fee | varies by county (~$40-$75; Probate Court) |
| Fee set by | County (varies by county) |
| Waiting period | none |
| License validity | 60 days; ceremony must be in Ohio |
| ID required | government photo ID; proof of age; SSN |
| Residency required | apply in the county where either applicant resides; non-residents apply in the county of the ceremony |
| Minimum age | 18 (Ohio set 18 as the floor with a narrow exception requiring juvenile-court approval for 17-yr-olds, age gap ≤4 yrs) |
| Blood test | no |
| Witnesses | no witnesses required |
| Online option | many counties (e.g., Franklin) offer online application; finalized at the Probate Court |
| Where to apply | Probate Court (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 Ohio requirements → · Fees & waiting → · How to apply → · Look up another state →
Compiled from public-record Ohio marriage law and the issuing agency, verified June 2026. Primary source → · How we compile this. Informational only — not legal advice.