Guidelines for Obtaining a Marriage License

• Both parties must appear in person to fill out the application.
  
• A drivers license, or picture i.d. and proof of social security number will be required.
  
• The license may be issued at the time of application if the ceremony is being performed within 30 days (RSMo 451.040). The license may be used in the State of Missouri only.
• $51.00 license fee (cash only, no checks or credit cards).
  
• Previously married applicants will be asked to provide the date their last marriage ended. No documents are required.
  
  

Under-Age Applicants

Applicants under the age of 18 must bring a parent or legal guardian to give consent to the marriage. If the parents are divorced, the custodial parent must present the divorce decree showing proof of custody. Under-age applicants must bring their birth certificate along with another form of identification, which shows their social security number.

Any applicant age 15 and under must make an appointment with a circuit judge and appear with a parent or legal guardian to obtain a special order giving consent to the marriage. The applicant and parent must then bring the order to the marriage license department to apply for a license.

Marriage License Requests

Proof of your marriage is available upon request in person or by mail. For mail-in requests, please include the grooms full name, brides maiden name, date of marriage and $2.00 for Certificate of Letter of Marriage License or $10.00 for certification. Please mail your request to:

Recorder of Deeds
411 Jules
St. Joseph. MO 64501

Please include a self addressed, stamped envelope