Michigan marriage license guide
How to get a marriage license in Michigan
Michigan charges $20 for residents and $30 for non-residents, with a three-day waiting period (waivable for a $10-$25 fee depending on county). The license is valid for only 33 days from the date of application — one of the shortest validity windows in the country. Residents must apply in their county of residence. Two witnesses are required. Michigan abolished common-law marriage in 1957; earlier marriages remain valid.
Michigan marriage license at a glance
- Issued by
- County Clerk (county of residence; non-residents apply in county of ceremony)
- License fee
- $20–$30
- Waiting period
- 3 days
- Validity
- 33 days from issuance
- 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?
- Not recognized
- Statute
- Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 551.1 et seq.
Source: www.macombgov.org. Fees vary by county within Michigan — check with the local clerk before applying.
Michigan counties — where to apply
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Informational only — not legal advice. Verify all requirements with your local county clerk before applying.