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Marriage Licenses
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
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. 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.
ONE-STOP SHOP VITAL STATISTICS RECORDS OFFICE
400 Monroe St.
Suite 610
Detroit, MI 48226
Mon, Tue, Wed and Fri: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Please Note
The Vital Records Department is closed for lunch from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, Monday - Friday.
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:
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
Must be 18+ years old to get married.
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.
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
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.
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 all copies WITHIN TEN DAYS. The copies may be mailed to our 400 Monroe Office (see address above).
*The license is valid only in the State of Michigan.
*The license is valid only in the State of Michigan.
Application Fee
You must pay in cash, money order or debit/credit card when you apply. There is a $30.00 fee if one or both applicants is a Wayne County resident or $40.00 if both parties are non-Wayne County residents. We do not accept personal checks.
To Obtain a Certified Copy of a Marriage License
Request In-Person by Appointment at 400 Monroe St., Suite 610, Detroit, MI 48226Order 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 certified copies of marriage licenses via VitalChek.
Our office 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 (whether the record is found or not). Personal checks are not accepted.
Our office 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 (whether the record is found or not). Personal checks are not accepted.
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 our office, you can purchase a certified copy THAT SAME DAY with an appointment.
A purchased certified copy of your marriage license, must be submitted to your local social security office and Secretary of State to update documents (i.e. driver's license, voter registration card, social security card, etc.).
A purchased certified copy of your marriage license, must be submitted to your local social security office and Secretary of State to update documents (i.e. driver's license, voter registration card, social security card, etc.).
