Simply put, a marriage license is a document that permits you to marry. It is the first step in the process of exchanging vows and starting your life as a married couple.
Each state in the United States has its requirements for obtaining a marriage license. As a result, the exact qualifications will differ from one state to the next. Some states have more stringent requirements, while others have none.
Because states grant permission to marry in the form of a marriage license, you must follow the rules of the state where your wedding will take place.
When Do You Need to Apply for a U.S Legal Marriage Certificate?
When applying for a marriage license, timing is everything. Most states grant the license for a set number of days (usually up to one month from the issue date). In Indiana, for example, a marriage license is valid for 60 days. If your wedding does not take place within 60 days, you must apply for a new license before your wedding ceremony.
Check with your state’s rules before applying for a marriage license, though, to be sure about things like waiting periods (the state of New York requires 24 hours between the issuance of a marriage license and the actual wedding ceremony), license validity dates, and other considerations.
All of these factors may necessitate you to apply for your marriage license sooner or later than expected. Most of the time, applying two weeks before the wedding date is sufficient.
It is a document obtained by a couple that has been issued by the church or a state authority permitting them to marry.
A marriage license is essentially a legal permit stating that you and your partner are legally permitted to marry. It is also confirmation from the authorities that you meet all of the requirements for a legal marriage.
Marriage is a legal contract and a legally binding agreement. So, when two people decide to become life partners through the use of a marriage license and a wedding ceremony, there are a plethora of advantages that come with it.
What Information Do I Need to Get a Marriage License?
Aside from the fee most states charge to obtain a marriage license, you will also be required to provide certain information. Most states require the following information, though some may have different requirements, such as;
- Blood tests.
- Identity verification Severa of Social Security (for U.S. citizens).
- Age verification.
- Previous marriage information (dates, locations, proof of divorce, or death of partner).
- Some states will also ask for information about both parties’ parents, such as their last known address, dates of birth, and state or country of birth.
A marriage license now has specific requirements. You can’t just walk up to any government official and demand a marriage license, can you?
There are several requirements for a marriage certificate attestation verification several, but they vary by state. The most fundamental is –
- The presence of both spouses
- The person who presided over the ceremony
- Two or three witnesses
- The newlywed couples must go to the county clerk’s office where they intend to exchange their marriage vows.
You should also be aware of another important point here: the marriage license is only valid in the state where you obtained it.
You cannot use the license that was obtained, say, in Texas for a wedding that is supposed to take place somewhere in Florida.
However, there is a catch: a US certificate attestation for US citizens can obtain a marriage license in any of the fifty states.
Just keep that in mind! Certain documents are required for a marriage license. To apply for a marriage license, you must bring certain personal records to your clerk’s office.
Who is Eligible to Apply for a Marriage License?
The marriage license must be applied for by both parties. Both parties must provide information. Both parties must be present when applying in person for the marriage license. You must also submit blood test samples or provide blood test results if required by the state in which you intend to marry.
Some states require two witnesses to be present when applying for a marriage license and during the wedding ceremony. If your state requires it, make sure to bring a couple of friends or family members with you.
If one of the parties is under the age of 18, one or both parents may be required to consent to the marriage. To be sure, check with your state’s local laws. Attestation services agencies will help you to obtain marriage certificate attestation.