General Information
At the Marriage License Department of the Clerk’s Office, we’re happy to serve those who plan to marry, and we hope you find this page informative. If you have questions, please feel free to call us at (850) 638-6285.
Any couple that would like to get married in Florida may apply for a license in our office, located at 1293 Jackson Avenue, Suite 101, Chipley, Florida.
Residents of Florida who apply for a marriage license have a choice: you can wait (3) three days for the license to become effective, or you can attend a premarital preparation course from a registered provider waiving the (3)three-day waiting period. If you’d like to attend one of these premarital courses, a directory of course providers is available. Please note that the Marriage License Department does not offer this course. However, if you are getting married by a local pastor, he or she can assist you with the course.
Marriage License Requirements
There are two basic requirements for obtaining a marriage license:
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- Both parties (spouse 1 and spouse 2) must be age 18 or over and must apply in person at the same time
- There are two forms of identification that may be required, described below
The first form of identification required is a valid photo identification issued by the federal or state government. The photo identification must have the correct legal name, date of birth, and signature of the applicant.
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- Driver’s license (U.S. state or government)
- Passport
- U.S. military identification
- State identification card (U.S. state or government)
- Alien registration card
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A second form of identification is required if the applicant has been issued a U.S. Social Security number. In accordance with Florida State Statute, any person who has been issued a Social Security number will need to provide that number. Any person who is not a citizen of the U.S. may provide either a Social Security number or an alien registration number if one has been issued. If neither has been issued, another form of identification may be required.
Here are a few other things it will be helpful to know:
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- No blood tests are required.
- You do not need to be a resident of this county or of Florida to obtain a marriage license.
- Marriage licenses are for use in the state within (60) sixty days of the date of issue.
- By law, the Family Law Handbook must be read before you get a marriage license. It is available for viewing at the bottom of this page.
- If either applicant has been previously married, the exact date of the last divorce, death, or annulment must be provided.
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Fees
Marriage license and application: $86.00
Discounted marriage license and application (available after completion of a premarital preparation course by a registered counselor, with proof that the course was taken): $61.00
Waiting Period
The mandatory (3) three-day waiting period for Florida residents may be waived if the couple attends a premarital course from a registered provider and presents a certificate of completion when applying for a license. There is no waiting period for non-Florida residents.
Discounted License
Both residents and non-residents of Florida may receive a $25.00 discount on their marriage license by completing a premarital course. The course must be completed no more than (1) one year before the date you apply for a marriage license. Please note that both parties must attend the course, and a certification of completion must be presented at the time of application to be eligible for the discount.
Name Changes on Other Documents
If your marriage involves a change of name or address, please remember to notify the following agencies:
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- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Division of Driver Licenses
- Local Social Security Office
- Supervisor of Elections (voter registration)
- Military Reserve Commanding Officer
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Requirements for Minors
Requirements for minors 17 years old (one or both applicants):
In addition to the requirements listed above, the following documents must be presented when one or both of the applicants are 17 years old.
Any applicant under the age of 18 must have the consent of all parents or guardians. If custody of the minor has been granted to one parent, original proof must be provided. Consent forms are available from this office for your convenience. If one parent is deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate is required. Proof of age and parents’ identity is also required. This may be done with a certified copy of the person’s birth certificate. If the parents’ names do not match, additional proof may be required.
A parental consent form may be completed at the time of the application. Both parents must be present with their own identification on hand. If the parents are divorced and one parent has full custody of the minor, proof of custody must be presented, and only the consent of the custodial parent will be required in writing. A judicial review may be required. A previously married minor may apply without parental consent.
Frequently Asked Questions
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