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Marriage Licenses

Due to limited staffing and an overwhelming number of phone calls, voicemails, emails, and letters you may now schedule your own appointment in order to receive services from our office using our eScheduler (see below).

Easy as 1-2-3

Step 1: Prepare. (Read this page before moving to Step 2)

Step 2: Apply. Click here to complete eVitals Application

A Marriage License Is OnlyValid For 30 Days After Being Issued.

Step 3: Schedule. Click here to Schedule Appointment


What To Do If Available eScheduler Appointments Are After Your Wedding Date?
Call: 313-967-6938 or 313-224-5565

Time-Sensitive Appointments Are Granted For Marriage Licenses.
We Are Here To Help! When Needed, Please Seek Assistance As Indicated.

General Information

Please note that a person obtains a Michigan marriage license from the County Clerk of the COUNTY IN WHICH THE APPLICANT RESIDES. Please note that the Wayne County resident MUST BE PRESENT WHEN APPLYING.

If BOTH parties are non-residents of Michigan, the applicants must apply in the county in which the marriage is to be performed. At least one of the parties must appear in person to apply with required documents. You can apply at the Wayne County Clerk's Downtown Detroit office location.

NEW ONE-STOP SHOP VITAL STATISTICS RECORDS OFFICE
400 Monroe St.
Suite 610
Detroit, MI 48226
Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM; and Extended Hours on Thursday Only, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Required Documentation

  • Those present must provide a valid driver's license or state identification to show proof of residency.
  • Every person must also present a CERTIFIED COPY of their birth certificate or birth registration WITH PARENTAL INFORMATION. Hospital certificates and/or baptismal certificates will not be accepted. If only one person is applying they must show their I. D. along with their birth certificate or passport and their spouses birth certificate or passport.
  • Both individuals are required to include their Social Security Numbers on their application; if you DO NOT have a Social Security number, you must inform the Wayne County Clerk's Office when applying.
NOTE: ALL FOREIGN BIRTH CERTIFICATES MUST BE TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH BY A CERTIFIED TRANSLATOR, AND A NOTARY OTHER THAN THE TRANSLATOR MUST NOTARIZE THE TRANSLATOR'S SIGNATURE.

If you do not have a certified birth certificate, the following documentation will be accepted:
  • Valid U.S. Passport, signed by holder.
  • Letter of NO RECORD from the state of birth, along with NUMIDENT from Social Security.
FOREIGN BORN (All Documents MUST be originals)
  • Valid Passport, in English or with certified and notarized English translation. Passport must have full date of birth (day, month, and year)
  • Certified birth certificate, in English or with certified and notarized English translation. Certificate must contain full date of birth (day, month, and year)
  • Valid I-94 card attached to your passport. For individuals with refugee status, you must have the letter from your spouse that brought you into the U.S.
  • Valid Resident Alien Card / Valid Green Card
  • Valid Work Authorization Card
  • U.S. Naturalization Papers or Valid U.S. Passport, signed by holder
  • Canadian citizens ONLY may use card-sized birth certificates

Marriage Application Requirements

The age for getting married is 18 WITHOUT parental consent and 16 WITH parental consent. Parents must appear with their own identification when accompanying 16 or 17-year-old applicants. Custodial parents must appear IN PERSON and bring their proof of custody with them.

NOTE: THE REQUIREMENT FOR PREMARITAL COUNSELING FOR INDIVIDUALS APPLYING FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE HAS BEEN ELIMINATED.

Applicants will be provided with written educational materials by the Wayne County Clerk regarding the transmission (and prevention) of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Completing the Application

***SEE THE INSTRUCTIONS AT THE TOP OF THE PAGE FOR MARRIAGE LICENSE APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS DURING COVID-19 OPERATION HOURS.***
Print or type the information on all three copies IN BLACK INK ONLY!

A SPOUSE WHO INTENDS TO CHANGE THEIR NAME AFTER MARRIAGE MUST SIGN & PRINT ALL THREE DOCUMENTS WITH THE NAME THEY WILL BE USING AFTER THE WEDDING.
The officiant must enter the name of the city, village, or township, and the name of the county in which the marriage is being performed. The officiant will also document the date of the marriage on the licenses.

The officiant will sign on his/her signature line, as well as type or print his/her name, title and complete address on the designated lines. P.O. Boxes will not be accepted as an address.
After your marriage is performed, the Wayne County Clerk's Office must receive the 2nd and 3rd copies WITHIN TEN DAYS. The copies may be mailed to our Downtown Detroit Office.

Application Fee

You must pay in cash or debit/credit card when you apply. The fee is $20.00 if one or both applicants is a Wayne County resident or $30.00 if both parties are out-of-state residents. We do not accept personal checks.

Waiting Period

There is a three-day waiting period after applying before the license may be issued and used. A marriage license is void unless the marriage is solemnized within 33 days from the date of application.

The license is valid only in the State of Michigan.
YOU MAY APPLY FOR A WAIVER OF THE THREE (3) DAY WAITING PERIOD FOR A FEE OF $10.00.

To Obtain a Certified Copy of a Marriage License

Request In-Person by Appointment at 400 Monroe St., Suite 610, Detroit, MI 48226

Order By Mail

Order Online

Certified copies of marriage licenses may be obtained online, in person, or by writing to the Wayne County Clerk, Marriage Certification Dept., 400 Monroe St., Suite 610, Detroit, MI 48226. In addition, individuals can obtain "Rushed Delivery" certified copies of marriage licenses via VitalChek.

Our main office in Downtown Detroit, located at 400 Monroe St., Suite 610, has appointment-only service for all years of Marriage Licenses issued by Wayne County.

One certified copy of a marriage license is $24.00 and $7.00 for each additional copy purchased at the same time. A Marriage License search for an uncertified copy is $11.50 for years 1937 to present, whether found or not, and $11.50 for before 1937 and for each 3 year interval, whether found or not. Personal checks are not accepted. Please click here for the Marriage Certificate Order Form.

Changing Names After Marriage

You must first obtain a CERTIFIED COPY of your marriage license. Upon mailing your completed marriage licenses to the Wayne County Clerk's Office, wait approximately TEN DAYS to return and purchase a certified copy at any one of our locations. If you personally deliver your completed licenses to any one of our locations, you can purchase a certified copy THAT SAME DAY.

Next, you will take the purchased certified copy of your marriage license to your local Social Security Office and complete the necessary form(s). Subsequently, a new card with your changed name, but same number, will be mailed to you. From there, you will go to your local Secretary of State Office to update your other documents (i.e. driver's license, voter registration card, etc.).**The Social Security Office will not keep your marriage license. If you cannot visit your local office, call 1-800-772-1213 to make arrangements to process by mail or in person. This service is FREE.**