Marriage License
HOW TO APPLY
Both parties must appear in person at the Recorder's office with photo identification. (For parties under the age of 18, see below). WHEN TO APPLY Monday-Friday 8 AM to 4:00 PM (except holidays). The license fee of $51 cash, credit, or debit card must be paid at the time of Application. No checks accepted for a marriage license. No refunds. Missouri law has eliminated the 3-day waiting period to obtain a marriage license. If you are getting married within 30 days from application, you may take your license the same day you apply. It is a misdemeanor for anyone to perform a marriage ceremony if a license is not presented prior to the ceremony (451.120 RSMO). The marriage is invalid if the ceremony takes place before the license is picked up. You must return the Marriage License within 15 days after your marriage date (451.130 RSMO). WHEN TO PICK UP LICENSE License must be picked up before ceremony can be performed (see above note). The marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance and may be used anywhere within the State of Missouri. WHAT TO DO WITH THE LICENSE You are responsible for delivering the license to the person who solemnizes your marriage. The person performing the ceremony must complete both portions of the license, have two witnesses sign it, and return it to the Recorder's office within 15 days after the wedding. The license becomes a permanent record. PROOF OF AGE IDENTIFICATION Identification and proof of age is required of ALL persons. The following proof of age documents will be accepted: A U.S. government issued photo ID, a Passport, or a Military ID AGES 15 THROUGH 17: Birth Certificate (legal, certified) AND Parental Consent AGE 18 AND OVER: Valid Driver's License No recorder shall issue a license authorizing the marriage of any male or female under sixteen year of age nor shall a license be issued authorizing the marriage of any male or female twenty one years of age or older to a male or female under eighteen years of age. QUALIFICATIONS Blood relatives, down to and including first cousins, MAY NOT marry under the laws of the State of Missouri. No distinction is made between resident and non-resident individuals. Applicants must be 18 years of age to marry without parental consent. Persons between the ages of 16 and 17 may obtain a license with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. Parents or legal guardians must give consent in person (at the time of application) and have proper identification and proof of custody if divorced or never married. If legal guardian is giving consent, a certified copy of guardianship papers must be presented. Also, guardian must bring in Photo ID. Previously married applicants must give the date their last marriage ended. Persons divorced less than 30 days may apply for a marriage license if they acknowledge that they understand the divorce can be appealed or set aside within 30 days by the court of jurisdiction. MARRIAGE LICENSE CHECKLIST To Apply:
Name Change and Marital Status A certified copy of your marriage license is required by Social Security to change your name. You can obtain a certified copy of your license in the following ways: Send a written request to: Recorder of Deeds: 100 East Newton Room 22 Versailles, Missouri 65084 Phone: 573-378-4029 Certified statements of your marriage license can be received after the marriage license if returned to us. Costs of certified statements are $5.00 each. The license must have been issued in Morgan County. You should contact the following agencies to change your name and notify them of your marital status: Morgan County License Bureau: 108 N. Monroe Versailles, MO 65084 573-378-7434 Voter Registration - Morgan County Clerk's Office: 100 East Newton - Rm. 23 Versailles, MO 65084 573-378-5436 Social Security Administration: 3320 West Tenth Street Sedalia, MO 65301 660-827-4709 or 800-772-1213 Marriage License Fee Distribution:
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