Tuesday Tip- Marriage License vs. Certificate

Hey Everyone. Getting your marriage license is a pretty simple and painless process here in Florida.

A marriage license allows you to get married and a marriage certificate is proof that you are married.

Heres what you need to know.

Where do I go ?

Sarasota Marriage License Dept.-Sarasota County
2000 Main Street
Rm 102
Sarasota, FL 34237
(941) 362-4066
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. / M – F
Closed for holidays Observed by Sarasota County

Manatee County Recorder- Manatee County
1115 Manattee Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34206
(941) 741-4040
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. / M – F
Closed for holidays Observed by Manatee County

What is the ID requirement?

picture ID such as a driver’s license and your Social Security card or a valid passport number or I-94 card. You may be asked for a certified copy of your birth certificate.

If you have been previously married, the date of your divorce or date of your spouse’s death must be supplied. If the divorce or spouse’s death occurred within the past 30 days, a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate is required.

Is their a waiting period?

There is no waiting period for Sarasota County residents who have both completed a state sanctioned marriage preparation course within the last 12 months. There is a three-day waiting period for Florida residents who have not taken the course.

How Much a Marriage License Cost?

$93.50. Many locales do accept credit cards now, but be sure to check with the local county recorder or clerk to make sure.

Marriage Preparation Course:

Effective January, 1999, Sarasota County couples will have to consider the consequences of divorce before they can get married. Prospective brides and grooms are now required to read a small booklet which describes situations such as how a court would divide their assets and information about child support payments. The good side of all this is that licenses will be available for less than $93.50 if a couple attends a four-hour course to improve communication, financial and parenting skills before marriage. Court Clerks are allowed by law to waive the three-day waiting period in the event of a “hardship” case.

Other Tests:

None.

Proxy Marriages:

No.

Cousin Marriages:

Yes.

Common Law Marriages:

No.

Same Sex Marriages:

No.

Under 18:

If an individual is under 18 years of age, but older than 16 years of age, a marriage license can be obtained with parental consent. If a parent has sole custody or the other parent is dead, the permission of one parent is sufficient. If a person is under the age of 16, the marriage license has to be issued by a county judge, with or without parental permission. If a minor’s parents are both deceased and there is not an appointed guardian, he/she may apply for a marriage license. A minor who has been previously married may also apply for a license. A minor who swears that they have a child or are expecting a baby, can apply for a license if the pregnancy has been verified by a written statement from a licensed physician. A county court judge may at his/her discretion issue or not issue a license for them to marry.

Name Change:

Getting a marriage license with your new name on it does not mean your name has automatically changed. If you need to change your last name, you can use an online marriage name change kit.