This chart lists requirements for marriage licenses, state by state.
Here's a summary of each state's laws regarding premarital procedures, including blood tests, waiting periods before marriage, and the like. Because state laws in this area have been changing rapidly -- many states have recently eliminated blood tests, for example -- you should check with your county clerk's office before you rely on these rules. (For more information about marriage procedures, read Nolo's article Marriage Requirements, Licenses, and Ceremonies FAQ.)
| State | Blood tests required | Waiting period between applying for and receiving license | How soon you can marry after receiving license | When license expires |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No | None | Immediately | 30 days |
| Alaska | No | 3 days | Immediately | 3 months |
| Arizona | No | None | Immediately | 1 year |
| Arkansas | No | None | Immediately | 60 days |
| California | No | None | Immediately | 90 days |
| Colorado | No | None | Immediately | 30 days |
| Connecticut | No | None | Immediately | 65 days |
| Delaware | No | None | 24 hours | 30 days |
| District of Columbia | Yes | 3 days | Immediately | No provision |
| Florida | No | 3 days unless couple attends marriage preparation class | Immediately | 60 days |
| Georgia | No | None | Immediately | No provision |
| Hawaii | No | None | Immediately | 30 days |
| Idaho | No | None | Immediately | No provision |
| Illinois | No | None | 1 day | 60 days |
| Indiana | No | None | Immediately | 60 days |
| Iowa | No | None | 3 days | 6 months |
| Kansas | No | 3 days | Immediately | 6 months |
| Kentucky | No | None | Immediately | 30 days |
| Louisiana | No | None | 3 days | 30 days |
| Maine | No | None | Immediately | 90 days |
| Maryland | No | None | 2 days | 6 months |
| Massachusetts | No | 3 days | Immediately | 60 days |
| Michigan | No | 3 days | Immediately | 33 days |
| Minnesota | No | 5 days | Immediately | 6 months |
| Mississippi | Yes | 3 days | Immediately | No provision |
| Missouri | No | None | Immediately | 30 days |
| Montana | Yes (female) | None | Immediately | 180 days |
| Nebraska | No | None | Immediately | 1 year |
| Nevada | No | None | Immediately | 1 year |
| New Hampshire | No | None | Immediately | 90 days |
| New Jersey | No | 72 hours | Immediately | 30 days |
| New Mexico | No | None | Immediately | No provision |
| New York | No, except sickle cell testing for African-American & Hispanic applicants | None | 24 hours | 60 days |
| North Carolina | No | None | Immediately | 60 days |
| North Dakota | No | None | Immediately | 60 days |
| Ohio | No | None | Immediately | 60 days |
| Oklahoma | No | None | Immediately | 30 days |
| Oregon | No | 3 days | Immediately | 60 days |
| Pennsylvania | No | 3 days | Immediately | 60 days |
| Rhode Island | No | None | Immediately | 3 months |
| South Carolina | No | 24 hours | Immediately | No provision |
| South Dakota | No | None | Immediately | 20 days |
| Tennessee | No | None | Immediately | 30 days |
| Texas | No | None | 3 days | 30 days |
| Utah | No | None | Immediately | 30 days |
| Vermont | No | None | Immediately | 60 days |
| Virginia | No | None | Immediately | 60 days |
| Washington | No | 3 days | Immediately | 60 days |
| West Virginia | No | None | Immediately | 60 days |
| Wisconsin | No | 5 days | Immediately | 30 days |
| Wyoming | No | None | Immediately | No provision |
Legal Information & Books from Nolo
NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP ?
Talk to a Family attorney.
How It Works
- Briefly tell us about your case
- Provide your contact information
- Choose attorneys to contact you