Marriage Licenses

Below are the requirements that must be met in order to receive a marriage license in Kentucky.

402.210 Requirements for issuance of license.

  1. Both parties to a marriage shall:
    1. Be present for a marriage license to be issued; and
    2. Present to the county clerk documentary proof of age in the form of:
      1. A copy of a birth record;
      2. A certification of birth issued by the state department of health, a local registrar of vital statistics, or other public office charged with similar duties by the laws of another state, territory, or country;
      3. A baptismal record showing the individual’s date of birth;
      4. A passport;
      5. An automobile driver’s license;
      6. Any government or school issued identification card showing the individual’s date of birth;
      7. An immigration record showing the individual’s date of birth;
      8. A naturalization record showing the individual’s date of birth; or
      9. A court record or any other document or record issued by a government entity showing the individual’s date of birth.
  2. If either of the parties is under seventeen (17) years of age, no license shall be issued.
  3. If either of the parties is seventeen (17) years of age, a marriage license shall not be issued unless:
    1. The party who is seventeen (17) years of age presents to the clerk a certified copy of a court order by a family court or District Court judge that grants the party permission to marry and removes the party’s disability of minority, as provided in KRS 402.205; and
    2. At least fifteen (15) days have elapsed since the court order was granted.

What do we do after we are married?

  • The officiate will return the signed marriage application to the Campbell County Clerk’s Office. It will be filed with the County Clerk and a Marriage License will be issued to the couple.
  • When changing your maiden name, you will take your marriage license to the Social Security Administration. Information about the Social Security Office located in Florence, KY.
  • Upon receiving clearance from the Social Security Administration, then you may change your name on your driver’s license. drive.ky.gov

Minister Requirements

  • The “recognition” of a minister can take the form of ordination or license, or any other form which expresses clearly the fact that a religious group recognizes the person or looks to the person as a minister of that specific group. Currently, there is not a registration process for a minister to preform ceremonies in Kentucky.

Need a copy of a marriage license?

For a marriage license copy request, the following fees are required:
  • Photocopy: $0.50 per page
  • Certified copy: $5.00 per certified copy

Marriage License FAQ’s

Where are marriage licenses issued?
The parties may go to any county in Kentucky to get a marriage license if both are 18 years of age or older. Marriage licenses may be used in any Kentucky county and cannot be used anywhere but in Kentucky. If the marriage is not solemnized within the 30-day period, the parties must apply for a new license. Both must be present to obtain a license.

Who issues marriage licenses?
The County Clerk issues marriage licenses. Marriage licenses are valid for 30 days, including the date it is issued, and after that time it is invalid. Therefore, if the marriage is not solemnized within the 30-day period, the parties must apply for a new license.

How can we obtain our marriage license?
1. Both parties must apply for the license together.
2. Identification is required. Both must present an acceptable form of ID, Acceptable forms of ID in accordance with the statue and KCCA’s recorder’s manual include: Drivers’ license, government issued picture ID, original birth certificate, passport, or social security card.
3. Both parties must be 18 years old or older.
4. Correct spelling of father’s full name and mother’s full maiden name (first, middle and last)
5. There is a $50.00 fee for a marriage license.
We accept Cash, certified check, cashier’s check, money order, personal check, Visa, Discover, AMEX or MasterCard.

Where can I return my marriage license after the ceremony?
You can return your marriage license to the County Clerk’s Office at:
Campbell County Clerk
Newport Office
1098 Monmouth Street,Newport,
KY 41071

Is there a waiting period or blood test requirement?
No.

Do I need to bring my birth certificate?
No, unless you’re under 18.

Do I need to bring my divorce decree?
No.

Do I need to bring my social security card?
No.

Can I get a marriage license in one county in Kentucky and marry in another county in Kentucky?
Yes!

What do we do after we are married?
• The officiant will return the signed marriage application to the Campbell County Clerk’s Office. It will be filed with the County Clerk and a Marriage License will be issued to the couple.
• When changing your maiden name, you will take your marriage license to the Social Security Administration. Information about the Social Security Office located at: 7 Youell Street
Florence, Kentucky 41042
• Upon receiving clearance from the Social Security Administration, then you may change your name on your driver’s license.

Need a copy of a marriage license?
By Mail
Send written notice to:
Campbell County Clerk
Newport Office
1098 Monmouth Street,Newport,
KY 41071

• Include in the written notice the following information: brides maiden name, grooms name and date of marriage(year) if before June 26, 2020; After June 25, 2020 partner 1 or partner 2 maiden name and date of marriage (year).
• A certified copy is $6.00 by mail.

In Person
A certified copy of a marriage license can also be obtained in person at the Campbell County Clerk’s Office. The fee to obtain a certified copy of the marriage license in person is $5.00.
Campbell County Clerk
Newport Office
1098 Monmouth Street,Newport,
KY 41071

Skip to content