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Alabama marriage license information...
• An Alabama marriage license is valid for 30 days from issuance date. It may be obtained in any Alabama county and used statewide, but is valid only within the State of Alabama.
• Cost varies by county, typically $40-$44 cash, money order, or bank cashier's check only.
• You must both be at least 18 years old.*
• There is no residency requirement, no physical or blood test required, and no waiting period for license to be issued. Your license can be used immediately.
• You must BOTH be present to apply and have with you either valid driver's license, military ID, or certified copy of birth certificate, and valid proof of Social Security number.**
• If previously married, date of divorce or of spouse's death required. If within past 6 months, copy of divorce decree or death certificate may be required. You may not apply for an Alabama marriage license until the 61st day after your divorce decree date, unless you are re-marrying your former spouse.***
• CLICK HERE for marriage license office locations in South Alabama
Florida marriage license information...
• A Florida marriage license is valid for 60 days from its "effective" date. It may be obtained in any Florida county and used statewide, but is valid only within the State of Florida.
• Cost may vary by county, typically $93-$95 cash. Some accept credit card -- call first to confirm.****
• You must be at least 18 years old, otherwise need parents' consent.
• There is no residency requirement, no physical or blood test required, and no waiting period for license to be issued. If neither of you is a Florida resident, your license is "effective" as of the issuance date and can be used immediately. If either of you is a Florida resident, there is a three day waiting period from the issuance date before the license can be used.*****
• You must BOTH be present to apply for the license and have with you photo I.D. such as a driver's license and valid proof of Social Security number, military ID or a valid passport or
I-94 card to verify your age.
• If previously married, date of divorce or of spouse's death required. If within past 30 days, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate is required.
• CLICK HERE for marriage license office locations in Northwest Florida
* 16 with both parents present and consenting in writing and state certified copy of birth certificate
** For foreign visitors and nonresident aliens, some county license offices in Alabama may accept valid passport & visa in lieu of Social Security number. Varies by county -- call first to confirm.
*** Exception: If you are BOTH from out of state, and the divorce was granted outside the State of Alabama, then the waiting period, if any, will follow the guidelines used by the state in which the divorce was granted. You will have to swear under oath to what those guidelines are.
**** Florida resident couples who both have completed the state-sanctioned "marriage preparation" course within the past 12 months are entitled to a discount of $32.50.
***** Three day waiting period for Florida resident couples is waived and license is valid for 60 days upon issuance provided both have completed the state-sanctioned "marriage preparation" course within the past 12 months.
A note about Mississippi marriage licenses...
It is far more complicated and time consuming to get a Mississippi marriage license than it is to get a marriage license in either Alabama or Florida. Couples thinking of marrying in Mississippi may also wish to consider having their wedding ceremony in either Florida or Alabama where nonresidents can obtain and use their license the same day, blood tests are not required, and legal age for marriage without consent is 18 rather than 21.
