Getting your Indiana marriage license is an essential step in legally tying the knot. To help you navigate through the process smoothly, here are some tips and guidelines to follow.

When To Apply

A marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued, and couples may be married as early as the same day.  Couples who do not marry within the 60 days must apply for a new license before marrying.

Visit the County Clerk’s Office

To begin, you will need to visit the County Clerk’s office in the county where you plan to get married or the Indiana county you currently reside in. Prior to visiting the clerk’s office, you can begin your registration online. While you will still have to appear at the Clerk’s Office to complete the process and receive your license (as required by law), starting your application online will save you time at the Clerk’s Office.

What To Bring to Obtain Your Indiana Marriage License

Be sure to bring one of the following forms of identification to prove your date of birth:

• Certified copy of birth certificate
• Passport
• Valid driver’s license or other identification issued by a state or another governmental entity that contains date of birth and current address
• Immigration or naturalization record showing date of birth

In addition, if this documentation is in any language other than English, it may be necessary to have it translated and notarized before submitting it to the clerk.  Because local policies vary by county, please contact the clerk’s office in advance to ensure you have all the required documents.

You will also be required to provide your Social Security Number, although your Social Security Card may not be required.

If you were previously married, you will need to provide the date your marriage ended. In addition, some counties require a certified copy of the divorce decree.

Indiana Marriage License Fees

The marriage license fee is $25 if one or both parties are Indiana residents and $65.00 for out-of-state residents. Some offices also charge an additional document fee of $2.00. Each copy of the Certified Marriage License (required for name change at BMV, SSN, etc.) is also $2.00. Most counties require these fees to be paid in cash.

And now you’re ready for wedding day! On wedding day, plan to have your officiant or coordinator keep your marriage license in a safe place after signing. Some couples will have their officiant mail it in for them. The clerk’s office will provide you with a pre-addressed return envelope.

Did you know that some clerk’s offices may offer a beautiful ceremonial marriage license? While it surely adds a touch of romance, remember that it’s purely for show. What you really need is the official marriage license. It’s the only document required to make your union legal. So be sure to sign it and send it in promptly.

Changing your Name?

Read our helpful post about how to legally change your name after the wedding. Follow these easy steps here.