Where can we apply for a marriage license in Washington, D.C.?

In Washington, D.C., you can apply for a marriage license at the Superior Court of D.C. Marriage Bureau. The Marriage Bureau is open Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is located at the Moultrie Courthouse, 500 Indiana Avenue, N.W., Room 4485, Washington, D.C. To contact the Marriage Bureau office, call (202) 879-4840.  You can learn more about how to apply for your marriage license in Washington, D.C. online at the Superior Court of D.C. official website: Washington Washington, District of Columbia Marriage License.

What are the requirements to apply for a marriage license in Washington, D.C.?

You must both be single and at least 18 years of age to meet the requirements to apply for a marriage license in Washington, D.C. At the Marriage Bureau office you will both need to present a valid I.D. such as a driver’s license as proof of age. On the marriage license application, you will be asked to provide your social security numbers, your home addresses, your birth dates, and your telephone numbers. If you have been married previously, you will also be asked to provide information about when the previous marriage ended whether by death or divorce.

Can we apply for a marriage license in Washington, D.C. if one of us is a minor?

If you are 16 or 17 years old, you can apply for a marriage license in Washington, D.C. as long as you have parental consent.

Is there a waiting period before our marriage license is valid in Washington, D.C.?  

Your marriage license will be valid after a 3-day waiting period.

Can we apply for a marriage license without a blood test in Washington, D.C.?

Yes. Blood tests are not required as part of the marriage license application in Washington, D.C. You do not need to provide any medical certificates when you apply for your marriage license.

How much should we expect to pay for our marriage license in Washington, D.C.?

You should expect to pay the required marriage license fee of $35.00 when you apply for a marriage license in Washington, D.C. You may choose to pay the marriage license fee in cash or with a money order. Money orders should be made payable to “Clerk, D.C. Superior Court.”  

Who can we ask to perform our marriage ceremony in Washington, D.C.?

You may invite any D.C. judge to perform your marriage ceremony in Washington, D.C. If you choose to invite a religious clergy member such as a priest, minster, or rabbi, or if you choose to invite a judge from another state to perform your marriage ceremony, that person must apply for authorization with the Superior Court of D.C. The application for this authorization and more information can be found online at Washington Washington, District of Columbia Marriage License.

Where can we get our marriage certificate in Washington, D.C.?

After your marriage ceremony, you may request a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the Marriage Bureau office for a fee of $10.00 a copy. You can learn more about how to obtain your marriage certificate in Washington, D.C. online at the Superior Court of D.C. website: Washington Washington, District of Columbia Marriage License.