How to Get a Marriage License in Virginia

Your marriage license comes from a circuit court clerk's office — not from your officiant, your venue or the health department. It is the one thing only the two of you can do.

What to bring

• Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID for both of you
• Your Social Security numbers (or DMV control numbers) for the application
• Payment in a form the clerk accepts — fees are commonly $30 and card payments often carry a surcharge

Where to go

Any Virginia circuit court clerk's office. Couples in our area often use Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, Colonial Heights, Petersburg, Hopewell or Powhatan. Many offices require an appointment, so check before you drive out.

The Virginia marriage license basics

• A marriage license is issued by the clerk (or deputy clerk) of any Virginia circuit court, and there is no residency requirement — but the marriage itself must take place in Virginia.
• Both applicants must be at least 18 years old and present valid government-issued photo identification.
• The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. If it is not used in that window, a new license is required.
• Fees are set locally (commonly $30) and payment methods vary by court, so check with the clerk's office you plan to use.
• Virginia does not require blood tests, and witnesses are not required for the license itself.
• The person who officiates must be authorized to perform marriages in Virginia, certifies the facts of the marriage, and files the record with the office that issued the license within five days after the ceremony.

Court hours, appointment requirements and accepted payment methods differ from courthouse to courthouse. Always confirm the current details directly with the circuit court clerk's office you plan to visit. Nothing here is legal advice.