MARRIAGE LICENSE FAQ's
Where do I apply?
You can apply at the main office or at one of our Satellite Offices.
Do we both need to be present when we apply?
No, only one of the two getting married need to be present, but the person picking
up the license, MUST be a Wayne County resident.
What do we need to apply?
Ever person must present a CERTIFIED COPY [WITH SEAL] of their birth certificate
with parental information. If you do not have a Birth Certificate, Passports will
be accepted.
NOTE: ALL FOREIGN BRITH CERTIFICATES MUST BE TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH BY A CERTIFIED
TRANSLATOR TO BE ACCEPTED. A NOTARY OTHER THAN THE TRANSLATOR MUST NOTARIZE THE
TRANSLATOR'S SIGNATURE.
Birth registrations, hospital certificates, batismal certificates will not be accepted.
Do we need Social Security Numbers?
Yes, you must include both parties Social Security Numbers on the Application, if
you do not have a social security nu ber, you must inform at the Clerks Office when
applying.
How much is a license?
You must pay in cash when you apply. The fee is $23.00 if one or both is a Wayne
County Resident or $33.00 if both parties are our of state residents. We do not accept
personal checks.
Is there a waiting period to obtain my license?
There is a three-day waiting period after the application 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.
DO NOT APPLY MORE THAN 33 DATS NOR LESS THAN 3 WORKING DAYS FROM YOUR WEDDING DATE.
The license is valid only in the State of Michigan.
Do I have to wait 3 days for my license?
NO, for a fee of $5.00, you may apply for a waiver of the three-day waiting period
and receive your marriage license the same day you apply. (NOTE: this service is
currently ONLY available at the main office in Detroit).
How old do I have to be to get married in Michigan?
The age for getting married is 18 without parental consent and 16 with parental
consent. Parents must appear with their identification with 16 or 17 year old applications.
Custodial Parents must appear and bring proof of custody.
Do I need a blood test or counseling to apply for a marriage
license?
NO, THE REQUIREMENT FOR PREMARITAL COUNSELING FOR INDIVIDUALS APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE
LICENSE HAS BEEN ELIMINATED. Applicants will be provided with written educational
material by the Wayne County Clerk regarding parental care and the transmission
and prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Can I get married at the Wayne County Clerk's Office?
YES, If you would like, the Wayne County Clerk's Office can perform your marriage.
We have mass ceremonies available for $50.00 and Private Ceremonies available for
$150.00.
For Further information, or to reserve a time, please call (313)224-5515.
How long do we have to get married after we get a license?
A marriage must be solemnized within 33 days of application of the license. The
marriage MUST be performed on or before the expiration date on the marriage license.
Otherwise the license will be voided.
How do we complete the marriage license when getting married?
Print of type the information on all three copies IN BLACK INK ONLY!!
The Bride MUST SIGN WITH THE NAME SHE WILL USE AFTER THE MARRIAGE. The groom
MUST sign on the signature line. The Witnesses must sign on the signature line AND
type or print their names below on the Designated lines.
The officiant must enter the name of the City, Village or Township, and the name
of the County in which the marriage is performed. As well as fill in the date of
the marriage.
The Officiant must sign on the signature line and type or print their name and title
and complete the address on the designated line. ( THE OFFICIANT MAY NOT USE A P.O
BOX FOR AN ADDRESS
After your marriage is performed, the wedding party or officiant MUST return the
1st and 3rd
copy with in (10) days to the Wayne County Clerk.
Wayne County Clerk
Marriage License Division
2 Woodward Ave., Room 201
Detroit, MI 48226
How do I change my name after I am married?
Approximately 10 days after your wedding, return to the County Clerks Office to
obtain a certified copy of your marriage license.(There is a $22.00 fee for this
service)
You may personally return to the Clerk's Office within 10 days of your marriage
with all the three (3) copies of your compeleted marriage license to obtain a certified
copy of your license.
Take the Certified copy of your marriage license to your local Social Security Office
and complete the necessary form to update their records. Subsequently, a new card
with your changed name, but same number, will be mailed to you.
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.
In person or by mail, this service is free.
After your have reported your name change with the Social Security Office, take
your certified copy to your marriage license to the Secretary of State's Office
to change your name on your drivers license (State ID) and voter registration.