Idaho Marriage License Variations
In May I planned and coordinated a wedding for a couple from Washington. They got married in Nampa, so they obtained their marriage license in Canyon County. Now, because they live out of state, they are having difficulty obtaining a certified copy of the license so the bride can change her name. Because of their problem, I checked the requirements in Ada County and nearby counties where we most often hold weddings to learn about their requirements and hopefully alleviate future problems.
Marriage licenses can be obtained at any county courthouse in Idaho and can be used anywhere in the state within one year of the issue date. Blood tests are not required and the license can be used immediately. Applicants must be 18 or older to marry without parental approval.
In Ada County, a license costs $30 cash. Approximately three weeks after the wedding the couple will receive a certified copy in the mail. The bride can then take it to the nearest Social Security office to legally change her name. She must also present the certified copy when applying for a new driver's license. She cannot use the copy of the license given to the couple at the time of the wedding, which has not been certified by the county. Counties certify the license after they receive the original signed by the wedding officiant. That original copy is then sent to the state Bureau of Vital Records and becomes part of the Bureau's permanent records.
In Canyon, Gem, and Washington Counties the license fee is $28 cash. If the couple wants a certified copy, they must pay an additional $3 and they, or a representative, must pick up the copy after the wedding. It will not be mailed.
Elmore County, perhaps because of the large military population, has slightly different requirements. Again, the fee is $28 cash and a certified copy costs extra. This is the only county I found that requires the couple to provide their Social Security numbers. If either or both have been divorced, they must provide the exact date the divorce was final and where it was obtained.
Valley County, which includes McCall and Cascade, charges $30 cash or in-state check and they mail the couple a certified copy of the license. Divorced persons must provide the date the divorce was final and widows and widowers must provide the date of their spouse's death.
Marriage license requirements in Oregon are more complex than in Idaho. Again, the license can be obtained and used anywhere in the state. There is a 3 day waiting period before the license can be used and it must be used within 60 days of issue, which creates a problem for couples coming from out of state and who may not plan to arrive until a day or two before the wedding. The fee is $60 cash or money order.
When planning your wedding, be sure to allow time to obtain your license and, if you live out of state or in another part of the state and are marrying in southwestern Idaho, you may want to get it in Ada County so you will automatically receive a certified copy by mail without the hassle of having to send someone to purchase a copy.
Marriage licenses can be obtained at any county courthouse in Idaho and can be used anywhere in the state within one year of the issue date. Blood tests are not required and the license can be used immediately. Applicants must be 18 or older to marry without parental approval.
In Ada County, a license costs $30 cash. Approximately three weeks after the wedding the couple will receive a certified copy in the mail. The bride can then take it to the nearest Social Security office to legally change her name. She must also present the certified copy when applying for a new driver's license. She cannot use the copy of the license given to the couple at the time of the wedding, which has not been certified by the county. Counties certify the license after they receive the original signed by the wedding officiant. That original copy is then sent to the state Bureau of Vital Records and becomes part of the Bureau's permanent records.
In Canyon, Gem, and Washington Counties the license fee is $28 cash. If the couple wants a certified copy, they must pay an additional $3 and they, or a representative, must pick up the copy after the wedding. It will not be mailed.
Elmore County, perhaps because of the large military population, has slightly different requirements. Again, the fee is $28 cash and a certified copy costs extra. This is the only county I found that requires the couple to provide their Social Security numbers. If either or both have been divorced, they must provide the exact date the divorce was final and where it was obtained.
Valley County, which includes McCall and Cascade, charges $30 cash or in-state check and they mail the couple a certified copy of the license. Divorced persons must provide the date the divorce was final and widows and widowers must provide the date of their spouse's death.
Marriage license requirements in Oregon are more complex than in Idaho. Again, the license can be obtained and used anywhere in the state. There is a 3 day waiting period before the license can be used and it must be used within 60 days of issue, which creates a problem for couples coming from out of state and who may not plan to arrive until a day or two before the wedding. The fee is $60 cash or money order.
When planning your wedding, be sure to allow time to obtain your license and, if you live out of state or in another part of the state and are marrying in southwestern Idaho, you may want to get it in Ada County so you will automatically receive a certified copy by mail without the hassle of having to send someone to purchase a copy.
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