Delaware Marriage License Requirements
Below is the information on what you need to bring with you, and what you need to know about the marriage laws before filling out the marriage license forms.
In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document that allows you to officially be married under the law. Always check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are.
Licenses are usually not valid for more than 30 days so you'll typically need to apply for your marriage license within one month of your wedding ceremony. You need to submit your birth certificates, tax information, and other official documents.
When you apply for your license, you'll not only need a proof of identification and age, will need to provide any information about previous marriages, and will need to pay a nominal fee. You will also need to have a witness when you sign the application, so plan on bringing your maid of honor or best man with you. The bride will need to know what her married name will be before she signs the marriage certificate. You'll have to write that name on the application.
IMPORTANT: You are not officially married when you receive a marriage license. You need to have a justice of the peace or a religious clergyman sign the document. On your wedding day, you'll give your officiant your marriage license, then after the ceremony, he'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.
ID Requirement: Picture ID such as a driver's license. If application is mailed or faxed in, it must be witnessed by a Notary Public.
Residency Requirement: Do not have to be a resident of Delaware.
Waiting Period: 3 days.
If Divorced: If divorced within the last 60 days, a certified copy of the divorce decree is needed.
Fees: Cash Only! $25
Other Tests: No tests
Under 18: Need certified copy of birth certificate, both parents must be present with identification, or if you have a legal guardian they must be present with a court order and identification.
Officiants: The minister, priest or rabbi of any church or congregation in the state may perform marriages. Ministers must provide marriage certificates to the couple married and report the marriage to the Marriage Commissioner.
Valid: License is valid for 90 days anywhere in Delaware.
The license can only be used within the State of Delaware.
IMPORTANT: State and county marriage license requirements can change so make sure you check with your local town clerk. This information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice. It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any plans.
Arden marriage license
Ardencroft marriage license
Ardentown marriage license
Bear marriage license
Bellefonte marriage license
Bethany Beach marriage license
Bethel marriage license
Blades marriage license
Bowers marriage license
Bridgeville marriage license
Brookside marriage license
Camden marriage license
Cheswold marriage license
Claymont marriage license
Clayton marriage license
Dagsboro marriage license
Delaware City marriage license
Delmar marriage license
Dewey Beach marriage license
Dover marriage license
Dover Base Housing marriage license
Edgemoor marriage license
Ellendale marriage license
Elsmere marriage license
Farmington marriage license
Felton marriage license
Fenwick Island marriage license
Frankford marriage license
Frederica marriage license
Georgetown marriage license
Glasgow marriage license
Greenville marriage license
Greenwood marriage license
Harrington marriage license
Hartly marriage license
Henlopen Acres marriage license
Highland Acres marriage license
Hockessin marriage license
Houston marriage license
Kent Acres marriage license
Kenton marriage license
Laurel marriage license
Leipsic marriage license
Lewes marriage license
Little Creek marriage license
Long Neck marriage license
Magnolia marriage license
Middletown marriage license
Milford marriage license
Millsboro marriage license
Millville marriage license
Milton marriage license
Newark marriage license
New Castle marriage license
Newport marriage license
North Star marriage license
Ocean View marriage license
Odessa marriage license
Pike Creek marriage license
Pike Creek Valley marriage license
Rehoboth Beach marriage license
Rising Sun-Lebanon marriage license
Riverview marriage license
Rodney Village marriage license
Seaford marriage license
Selbyville marriage license
Slaughter Beach marriage license
Smyrna marriage license
South Bethany marriage license
St. Georges marriage license
Townsend marriage license
Viola marriage license
Wilmington marriage license
Wilmington Manor marriage license
Woodside marriage license
Woodside East marriage license
Wyoming marriage license
New Castle County marriage license
Sussex County marriage license
Kent County marriage license
Kent County / New Castle County marriage license
Kent County / Sussex County marriage license