Iowa marriage license guide
How to get a marriage license in Iowa
Iowa requires a three-day waiting period after the County Recorder accepts the application, plus an unusual requirement that a disinterested adult witness sign the application itself. The $35 fee includes one certified copy. Once issued the license is valid for six months. Two witnesses are required at the ceremony. Iowa is one of the handful of states that still recognizes common-law marriage.
Iowa marriage license at a glance
- Issued by
- County Recorder
- License fee
- $35
- Waiting period
- 3 days
- Validity
- 180 days from issuance
- Minimum age
- 18 (without parental consent)
- Witnesses required
- 2
- ID requirement
- Government-issued photo ID; Social Security number; one disinterested witness (age 18+) signs the application
- Blood test?
- No (not required in any US state)
- Common-law marriage?
- Recognized
- Statute
- Iowa Code §§ 595.1 et seq.
Source: desmoinescounty.iowa.gov. Fees vary by county within Iowa — check with the local clerk before applying.
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Informational only — not legal advice. Verify all requirements with your local county clerk before applying.