Getting Married in Jackson County, Missouri: What You Need to Know About Marriage Licenses

by Antoinette Barajas

Jackson County, Missouri, located in the heart of the Midwest, is a vibrant and diverse county with a rich history. If you are planning to tie the knot in this beautiful county, it is important to familiarize yourself with the process of obtaining a marriage license.

To apply for a marriage license in Jackson County, both parties must appear in person before the recorder of deeds or a deputy recorder. It is essential to bring valid identification that includes your date of birth, along with a Social Security card. Accepted forms of identification include a driver’s license, Missouri ID or State ID, or a U.S. Passport.

Once you have gathered the necessary documents, you can head to the recording office to apply for your marriage license. The fees for a marriage license and any additional copies may vary depending on the county. It is advisable to check with the specific county’s recorder of deeds office for the exact fees.

During the application process, you will need to provide the names of both individuals at the time of application, as well as the date of the marriage. If you already know the marriage license number, it is helpful to include that information as well. Keep in mind that there are no refunds for marriage license fees, so it is crucial to double-check all the information before submitting your application.

In the past, Missouri law required a mandatory 3-day waiting period to obtain a marriage license. However, this waiting period has been eliminated, allowing couples to receive their license on the same day they apply. This change makes it more convenient for couples who are planning to get married within 30 days of their application.

Once you have obtained your marriage license, it is essential to keep it in a safe place. Your marriage license is a legal document that proves your marriage, and you may need it for various purposes, such as changing your last name or updating your marital status on official documents.

If you require certified copies of your marriage license, you can obtain them from the recording offices in Jackson County. This can be done either in person or by mail request. Each certified copy typically incurs a fee of $10, payable to the “Recorder of Deeds Department.”

Getting a marriage license in Jackson County, Missouri, is a straightforward process. By ensuring you have the necessary identification and documentation, both parties can apply for a marriage license in person. The elimination of the 3-day waiting period allows for a more efficient process, especially for couples planning to marry within 30 days. Remember to keep your marriage license safe and obtain certified copies if needed.

How Do I Get A Marriage License In Missouri?

To obtain a marriage license in Missouri, both individuals must go in person to the recorder of deeds office or a deputy recorder. It is important to bring valid identification documents that include your date of birth. Additionally, you will need to present your Social Security card.

The fees for a marriage license and copies of the license may vary from county to county in Missouri. It is recommended to check with the specific county recorder of deeds office for the exact fee amount.

To summarize the process of getting a marriage license in Missouri:

1. Both individuals must appear in person at the recorder of deeds office or a deputy recorder.
2. Bring valid identification documents with your date of birth.
3. Present your Social Security card.
4. Pay the required fees, which may vary by county.

Remember to contact the recorder of deeds office in the county where you plan to get married for any additional requirements or specific instructions.

What Do You Need For A Marriage License In Jackson County Missouri?

To obtain a marriage license in Jackson County, Missouri, you are required to provide certain documents. Here is a detailed list of what you need:

1. Identification: You and your partner must present a valid government-issued photo identification document. Acceptable forms of identification include Driver’s License, Missouri ID or State ID, or U.S. Passport. Ensure that the identification is not expired.

2. Age Requirement: Both individuals must be at least 18 years old to apply for a marriage license without parental consent. If either party is between 15 and 17 years old, parental consent is required. If either party is below 15 years old, a court order is necessary.

3. Social Security Numbers: You and your partner must provide your Social Security numbers. If an individual does not have a Social Security number, they must sign an affidavit stating so.

4. Previous Marriages: If either you or your partner has been previously married, you need to provide information about the dissolution of the previous marriage(s). This includes the date, location, and reason for the dissolution (divorce, death, etc.).

5. Application Fee: There is a fee associated with obtaining a marriage license in Jackson County, Missouri. The fee may vary, so it is advisable to check with the local county clerk’s office for the specific amount and acceptable forms of payment.

It is important to note that the requirements for a marriage license may vary slightly depending on the county in Missouri. It is always a good idea to contact the county clerk’s office or visit their official website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Remember to gather all the necessary documents and fulfill the requirements before visiting the county clerk’s office to ensure a smooth and efficient process for obtaining your marriage license in Jackson County, Missouri.

How To Get Copy Of Marriage License In Jackson County Missouri?

To obtain a copy of a marriage license in Jackson County, Missouri, you have two options: in-person or by mail request. Here are the steps to follow:

In-person request:
1. Visit either of the Jackson County recording offices during their regular business hours.
2. Provide the names of the couple at the time of the marriage application.
3. Provide the date of the marriage.
4. If possible, provide the marriage license number.
5. Pay a fee of $10 for each certified copy. The payment should be made payable to the “Recorder of Deeds Department.”

Mail request:
1. Write a letter that includes the following information:
– Names of the couple at the time of the marriage application.
– Date of the marriage.
– Marriage license number, if known.
– Your contact information (name, address, phone number).
– Enclose a check or money order for the $10 fee per certified copy, payable to the “Recorder of Deeds Department.”
2. Mail the letter and payment to one of the Jackson County recording offices:
– For marriage licenses issued before 1986:
Jackson County Courthouse
Recorder of Deeds Department
415 E. 12th Street, Room 104
Kansas City, MO 64106

– For marriage licenses issued after 1986:
Jackson County Courthouse
Recorder of Deeds Department
308 W. Kansas Street, Suite 113
Independence, MO 64050

3. Wait for the processing of your request, which may take several days.

Remember to include all necessary information and payment to ensure a smooth and prompt processing of your request.

How Long Does It Take To Apply For A Marriage License In Missouri?

In Missouri, the process of applying for a marriage license has been streamlined, eliminating the previous 3-day waiting period. This means that if you are planning to get married within 30 days from the date of application, you can obtain your license on the same day you apply.

To provide a more detailed breakdown of the process:

1. Application: The first step is to complete the marriage license application form. This can typically be done online or in person at the local county recorder’s office. Make sure to have all the necessary documents and information ready, such as identification, proof of age, and any divorce or death certificates if applicable.

2. Submission: Once you have filled out the application form, you will need to submit it to the county recorder’s office. The process may vary slightly depending on the county, so it’s advisable to check the specific requirements beforehand.

3. Verification: The county recorder’s office will then review your application and verify the provided information. This step ensures that all the necessary documents and details are in order.

4. Payment: At this stage, you will be required to pay the marriage license fee. The fee amount can vary by county, so it’s important to inquire about the specific cost beforehand. Accepted payment methods typically include cash, debit/credit cards, or money orders.

5. Waiting period (if applicable): While the state of Missouri has eliminated the 3-day waiting period, some counties may still impose a waiting period before the license is issued. It’s essential to confirm whether your county has any additional waiting period requirements.

6. License issuance: Once all the necessary steps have been completed, and any waiting period has passed, you will be able to obtain your marriage license. This document is a legal proof that you are eligible to get married in the state of Missouri.

Remember to bring valid identification when picking up your license, as you will likely be required to provide it to the county recorder’s office. Additionally, be aware that marriage licenses do expire after a certain period, typically around 30 days, so it’s important to plan your wedding accordingly.

It’s worth noting that the process and requirements may vary slightly between different counties in Missouri. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the county recorder’s office where you plan to apply for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Conclusion

Jackson County, Missouri offers a straightforward and efficient process for obtaining a marriage license. Both individuals must appear in person and present valid identification and a Social Security card. The fees for a marriage license and copies may vary by county. It is important to note that certified copies of the marriage license can be obtained at either of the recording offices in-person or by mail request. The required information for obtaining certified copies includes the names of the couple at the time of the application, the date of the marriage, and a $10 fee for each copy. It is important to remember that no refunds are available for the application fee. Additionally, Missouri law has eliminated the previous 3-day waiting period to obtain a marriage license, allowing couples to take their license on the same day of application if they are getting married within 30 days. Jackson County, Missouri provides a streamlined process for couples to obtain their marriage license and ensures that necessary documentation and fees are handled promptly.