Marriage License

Getting legally married in Maricopa County starts with one key step: getting your marriage license. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about a Maricopa County AZ Marriage License—from who qualifies, to how to apply online or in person, how much it costs, what to bring, and what happens after your ceremony. If you’re planning a wedding in Phoenix, Mesa, Surprise, or anywhere else in Maricopa County, this article is designed to help you move confidently through the official process with no surprises.

Understand how the Maricopa County marriage license works

Before you start filling out forms, it helps to understand what the marriage license is (and isn’t) and how it fits into your overall wedding plans.

A marriage license is the legal permission from the county that allows you to get married. In Maricopa County, the license is issued by the Clerk of the Superior Court. Once you receive it, you can hold your ceremony anywhere in Arizona as long as it takes place within one year of the date the license was issued.

For the most accurate, up-to-date rules and instructions, you can always review the Clerk of Superior Court’s official Marriage Licenses information.

Big-picture timeline for a Maricopa County marriage license

Here’s how the process generally fits into your wedding planning:

You apply for a license (online or in person).

The Clerk’s Office issues the license.

You have up to one year from the issue date to hold your ceremony.

Your officiant performs the ceremony and has you and your witnesses sign the license.

The officiant must return the license to the Clerk’s Office within 30 days after the ceremony so it can be recorded.

After it’s recorded, you can order certified copies for your records and for name-change or benefits purposes.

There is no waiting period once the license is issued—you can get married the same day you receive it if you already have an officiant lined up.

Confirm you meet the eligibility rules to marry in Maricopa County

Maricopa County follows Arizona state law for who can get a marriage license. Before you start an application, make sure you meet these basic requirements.

Age requirements and minor applicants

Effective August 3, 2018:

If you are under 16 years old, you cannot legally marry.

If you are 16 or 17 years old, you may be able to marry, but additional documentation is required.

For applicants who are at least 16 and under 18, you must have:

Either:
A certified copy of an Emancipation Order, or
A notarized Clerk’s Office parental consent form plus:
Front and back copies of your parent’s or legal guardian’s ID, or
Your parent(s) or legal guardian present with you at the Clerk’s Office to show ID and sign the consent in front of the clerk

A copy of your birth certificate

A valid government-issued photo ID (more on that below)

The younger applicant’s prospective spouse cannot be more than three years older than the younger applicant. This is strictly enforced.

If you need the official consent document, you can download the parental consent form for minors directly from the Clerk’s Office website.

Identification and proof of age

For all applicants, each person must present a valid government-issued photo ID to prove age and identity. Acceptable IDs include:

Current driver’s license
State identification card
Military ID card
Current passport
Other government-issued photo identification

In addition, effective May 28, 2021, Maricopa County will accept a Matricula Consular ID card as a valid form of identification for issuing any type of marriage license, as long as the foreign government used biometric verification (for example, fingerprints or retina scans) when issuing that ID.

Social Security number requirement

Arizona law (A.R.S. 25-121(B)) requires applicants to provide their Social Security number, if they have one. The Clerk’s Office uses this information primarily for child support purposes and may not release Social Security numbers without a written request from the applicant.

You should be prepared to provide your Social Security number when you apply, whether in person or via phone verification for online applications.

Prior marriages, blood tests, and other documents

A few things many couples worry about—but don’t need to:

You do not need to provide a copy of your divorce decree when applying for a marriage license in Maricopa County.

No blood test is required.

As long as your previous marriage has been legally terminated (divorce decree signed by the court, or former spouse deceased), you can apply for a new license without bringing those documents to the Clerk’s Office.

Gather the documents you’ll need before you apply

Getting your paperwork ready in advance makes the application process much faster, especially if you choose an online application.

Make sure you and your future spouse have:

A valid, government-issued photo ID for each of you

Social Security numbers (if any)

For 16–17 year-olds:
Certified emancipation order or
Completed parental consent form plus ID documentation and birth certificate

If you plan to apply online, you’ll also need:

Clear digital images of the front of each applicant’s photo ID, saved and ready for upload

IDs that match exactly the names you put on the application

A way to sign and scan or photograph the affidavit you’ll receive by email

For in-person applications, it’s helpful (but not required) to complete the Clerk’s paper application ahead of time.

Choose how to apply: online vs. in-person marriage license options

Maricopa County gives you two main ways to apply for your marriage license:

Through the Online Marriage License Program; or

In person at one of the Clerk of Superior Court’s customer service locations or participating justice or municipal courts.

Each option has its own steps and timing.

Use the Online Marriage License Program if you qualify

If you want to avoid a trip downtown or to a regional court center, the Online Marriage License Program is often the most convenient choice.

Check if you’re eligible to apply online

According to the Clerk’s Office, you must be able to answer “yes” to all of these questions before you apply online:

Is at least one applicant a current Arizona resident?
Is your marriage ceremony date at least 30 days from now?
Do you have valid identification for both applicants?
Do you have access to a supported web browser?

Supported browsers include current versions of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari, as well as Internet Explorer 11.

If you need to marry sooner than 30 days, or if neither of you lives in Arizona, you’ll need to apply in person instead.

Step-by-step online application process

Here’s how the online process works from start to finish:

Prepare your IDs for upload
Take clear images of the front of each applicant’s valid government photo ID.
The ID must show Arizona residency (for at least one applicant) and must match the name you enter on the application.
Signatures on the IDs should match how you’ll sign the affidavit.

Complete the online application
Go through the online system, enter your personal information, and upload the ID images for both applicants.
Double-check spellings and dates of birth—these must be accurate.

Sign and upload the affidavit
After submitting the application, you’ll receive a confirmation email from donotreply@coc.maricopa.gov.
That email includes a link to download your affidavit (only one affidavit is needed for both applicants).
Print the affidavit and ensure both applicants sign it with their original, handwritten signatures, exactly as they appear on the IDs you uploaded.
Use the secure link in the confirmation email to upload the signed affidavit back to the Clerk’s Office.

Phone verification and payment
The Clerk’s Office will review your submission. If everything is in order, they will call you during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday) to:
Verify each applicant’s identity,
Confirm Social Security numbers and dates of birth, and
Collect payment for your license and any optional services.
The call will originate from a restricted number, using the phone number you provided on your application.
Payment must be made by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express).
Online program fees include:
$98.00 for the marriage license
$8.00 for postage and handling
An additional $43.50 if you choose to prepay for a certified copy of your license to be mailed to you after recording

Receive your marriage license by mail
After payment, the Clerk’s Office processes your marriage license and mails it via USPS First Class mail to the address listed at the bottom of your application.
Your packet will include the license and a copy of your receipt.
The license will show its issue date and remains valid for one year.

Once you receive the license, you’re ready to move on to your ceremony—just be sure your officiant knows how to properly complete and return it.

Apply in person at a Maricopa County Clerk or court location

If you don’t meet the online program requirements, prefer face-to-face service, or need your license more quickly, you can apply in person.

Where you can apply in person

Marriage license appointments are available on a limited basis at these Clerk of Superior Court locations:

Downtown Customer Service Center – 601 W. Jackson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003
Northeast Regional Court Center – 18380 N. 40th St., Phoenix, AZ 85032
Northwest Regional Court Center – 14264 W. Tierra Buena Ln., Surprise, AZ 85374
Southeast Regional Court Center – 222 E Javelina, Mesa, AZ 85210

Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are accepted at these sites.

In addition, the Clerk has deputized several justice courts and municipal courts to provide marriage license services. You cannot use the Clerk’s online reservation system to book at those alternate facilities; you contact them directly for local procedures and hours.

To see the full list of locations and hours, you can use the Clerk’s Marriage License Locations and Hours page.

Scheduling an in-person appointment

For main Clerk’s Office locations, you can schedule a visit using the online booking tool. This helps you avoid long waits and ensures staff will be ready to help with your application.

To reserve a time, use the system to make a marriage license appointment. Appointments are honored ahead of walk-in customers.

When you arrive, you can check in with the QR code from your appointment confirmation, either printed or displayed on your phone or device.

Completing your in-person application

To streamline your visit, the Clerk’s Office recommends printing and completing the application before you arrive. You can use the In-Person Marriage License Application form to fill in your information ahead of time.

If you don’t bring a printed application, you can arrive a few minutes early and complete one provided at the location.

Key points for in-person applications:

Both parties must be present to obtain the license.
Each person must show a valid government-issued photo ID.
If applicable, minor applicants must bring required consent forms and documents.
You’ll pay the license fee at the counter (see fee section below).
If everything is in order, you’ll receive your license the same day.

Follow the step-by-step path from license to ceremony

Whether you apply online or in person, the path from application to legal marriage in Maricopa County follows the same legal steps.

License issued

Your marriage license is issued by the Clerk of Superior Court.
The issue date is printed on the license.
There is no waiting period; you can marry as soon as you have the license in hand.

Ceremony within one year

You must hold your ceremony within one year from the date the license was issued.

If you do not marry within that year, the license expires and you must apply for a new one.

Officiant responsibilities and signatures

At the ceremony:

The officiant performs the marriage ceremony.
You and your spouse sign the license.
Required witnesses (typically two) sign as well, following Arizona law.
The officiant completes the certificate portion of the license.

Returning the license for recording

After the ceremony:

The officiant must return the bottom portion of the license to the Clerk’s Office.

The license must be returned no more than 30 days after the ceremony for it to be recorded properly.

Once recorded, your marriage becomes part of the official county record.

Consider covenant marriage as a special option

Maricopa County also supports covenant marriage, a distinct form of marriage recognized under Arizona law (A.R.S. 25-901 through 25-906). Couples who choose this option commit to additional premarital counseling and accept more limited legal grounds for divorce or separation.

Requirements for entering into a covenant marriage

If you and your partner want to obtain a covenant marriage license instead of a standard license, you must:

Complete premarital counseling with clergy or a marriage counselor.

Obtain a notarized statement or attestation from the counselor or clergy confirming that:
You were advised about the nature and purpose of a covenant marriage.
You were counseled on the limited legal reasons for divorce or legal separation.
You were provided with the official pamphlet about covenant marriages in Arizona (published by the Arizona Office of the Courts).

At the Marriage License Office:

You’ll sign a marriage license affidavit and the Declaration of Intent to Enter Into a Covenant Marriage, confirming that you met all statutory requirements.

Converting an existing marriage into a covenant marriage

If you are already married (no matter where your marriage license was originally issued), you can convert your existing marriage to a covenant marriage through the Clerk’s Office. Important points:

No new ceremony (“solemnization”) is required to complete the conversion.

Both spouses sign a certificate of covenant marriage conversion and a Declaration of Intent to Enter Into a Covenant Marriage Conversion at the Marriage License Office.

The fee to convert a traditional license to a covenant marriage is $35.00.

For more background on what covenant marriage means under Arizona law, you can learn more about covenant marriage through resources linked from the Clerk’s site.

Understand fees, payment methods, and optional extras

Marriage has a cost, at least on the paperwork side. Knowing the fees ahead of time helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises at the counter or during your online application.

Standard marriage license fee

The fee for a marriage license in Maricopa County is $98.00.

At Clerk’s Office locations, you can usually pay by:

Cash
Money order
Debit card
Credit card

If you are purchasing a license at certain Justice Courts, only money orders are accepted, so it’s important to check ahead if you plan to apply there.

Certified copy fees

After your marriage license is recorded, you may want a certified copy for tasks like:

Updating your last name with Social Security or the DMV
Proving your marriage for benefits, insurance, or immigration
Keeping an official record in your files

Fees for certified copies are:

$43.50 for a certified copy that is requested and mailed to you, or
$35.50 if you provide a business-size, self-addressed, stamped envelope with your request

You can choose to pay for a certified copy at the time you apply for the license (prepay) or any time after the license has been recorded.

If you want more detailed instructions on how to order those copies, you can use the Clerk’s page to request certified marriage license copies.

Covenant marriage conversion fee

If you decide to convert an existing marriage to a covenant marriage (with no new ceremony), the fee is:

$35.00 for the covenant marriage conversion process.

Online Marriage License Program additional costs

When using the Online Marriage License Program, your total cost may include:

$98.00 – standard marriage license fee
$8.00 – postage and handling
$43.50 – optional prepaid certified copy (if you elect to purchase one in advance)

Those amounts are collected via credit card during the Clerk’s phone call after your online application has been reviewed and accepted.

Complete the official marriage license application forms correctly

Maricopa County provides specific forms you can download and complete to keep your application process smooth and accurate.

Standard marriage license application form

For many couples, especially those planning to visit in person, it’s helpful to prepare the application form in advance. You can access the Clerk’s standard marriage license application form to complete your information before you arrive or before submitting documents.

Even if you use the online program, reviewing this form can help you understand exactly what information the Clerk’s Office will require.

Double-check where to go: locations and hours for marriage services

Because Maricopa County is geographically large, it’s important to confirm where and when you can receive marriage license services, especially if you’re coordinating around work schedules or out-of-town guests.

The Clerk’s Office has made it possible to obtain a license without visiting an office at all through the Online Marriage License Program, but if you prefer in-person service you have several options:

Clerk of Court, Downtown Phoenix (Customer Service Center)

Northeast Regional Court Center

Northwest Regional Court Center

Southeast Regional Court Center

Certain Justice Court and Municipal Court locations that offer deputized marriage license services

For updated hours, service details, and directions to each location, it’s a good idea to review the Clerk’s Marriage License Locations and Hours information before you head out.

Departments and offices handling marriage licenses in Maricopa County

Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court – 620 West Jackson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 – (602) 372-5375 or (602) 37-CLERK

Downtown Customer Service Center (Clerk of Superior Court) – 601 W. Jackson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003 – (602) 372-5375

Northeast Regional Court Center (Clerk of Superior Court) – 18380 N. 40th St., Phoenix, AZ 85032 – (602) 372-5375

Northwest Regional Court Center (Clerk of Superior Court) – 14264 W. Tierra Buena Ln., Surprise, AZ 85374 – (602) 372-5375

Southeast Regional Court Center (Clerk of Superior Court) – 222 E Javelina, Mesa, AZ 85210 – (602) 372-5375

Maricopa County Marriage License FAQs

Who is eligible to get a marriage license in Maricopa County?

Maricopa County follows Arizona law for who may marry. If either person is under 16, the clerk will not issue a license. For applicants who are 16 or 17, extra paperwork is required: either a certified emancipation order, or a notarized parental consent form plus proof of the parent or guardian’s identity and a copy of the minor’s birth certificate. Adults must show a valid government-issued photo ID to prove age and identity. Accepted IDs include a current driver’s license, state or military ID, passport, or other government photo ID; a Matricula Consular card is also accepted if it was issued using biometric identity checks. Full eligibility details are posted on the Clerk’s official Marriage Licenses page.

What identification and personal information do we need to apply?

Both parties must appear together and each must present a valid government photo ID so the clerk can verify age and identity. Applicants must also provide a Social Security number, if they have one, because state law requires it for child-support-related purposes. The clerk does not require a copy of any divorce decree, and no blood test is needed. You can review the current ID rules and application instructions through the county’s Marriage Licenses page.

How do we decide between online and in-person applications?

If at least one applicant lives in Arizona, your ceremony is at least 30 days away, and you can upload images of both IDs and sign an affidavit, you may be able to use the county’s Online Marriage License Program page. After you submit the online application and affidavit, the Clerk’s Office reviews your materials, calls to verify your information, takes payment by card, and then mails the license. If you don’t meet those conditions, need the license sooner, or simply prefer to go in person, you can schedule a visit through the county’s marriage license appointment system.

How long is the license valid, and what deadlines matter after the ceremony?

Once issued, a Maricopa County marriage license can be used for up to one year from the date of purchase. The ceremony must take place within that year. After the wedding, the officiant has to sign the license, collect the required signatures from the couple and witnesses, and return the bottom portion to the Clerk’s Office so it can be recorded. The officiant should return it within 30 days of the ceremony to ensure it is properly entered into the official record. When the license has been recorded, you may request a certified copy from the Clerk’s Office at any time.

What fees will we pay, and how do certified copies and covenant marriage work?

The standard marriage license fee is $98, payable by cash, money order, debit card, or credit card at Clerk locations; some justice courts accept only money orders. After your license is recorded, you can have a certified copy mailed to you for an additional fee, with a small discount if you provide your own stamped envelope. The county also offers covenant marriage and conversion of an existing marriage to a covenant marriage for an extra charge. For current fee amounts and any updates, check the official Marriage Licenses page and the Marriage License Locations and Hours page before you apply.