District of Columbia marriage license guide
How to get a marriage license in District of Columbia
The District eliminated its three-day waiting period in 2015 — couples now apply and receive their license the same day at the DC Superior Court Marriage Bureau for a $45 total fee ($35 application + $10 certificate). DC licenses have no expiration date. Two witnesses are required. DC is one of the few jurisdictions that still fully recognizes new common-law marriages formed by couples who hold themselves out as married.
District of Columbia marriage license at a glance
- Issued by
- DC Superior Court Marriage Bureau
- License fee
- $45
- Waiting period
- None (issued same day)
- Validity
- No expiration (valid until used)
- Minimum age
- 18 (without parental consent)
- Witnesses required
- 2
- ID requirement
- Government-issued photo ID; Social Security number
- Blood test?
- No (not required in any US state)
- Common-law marriage?
- Recognized
- Statute
- D.C. Code §§ 46-401 et seq.
Source: www.dccourts.gov. Fees vary by county within District of Columbia — check with the local clerk before applying.
District of Columbia counties — where to apply
Just married? Lock in life insurance before rates go up
Newlyweds get the best life insurance rates of their lives. A licensed agent in District of Columbia can quote you in under 5 minutes — no health exam required for most policies.
Informational only — not legal advice. Verify all requirements with your local county clerk before applying.