Missouri marriage license: cost and requirements

How much is a marriage license in Missouri?

About $50–$62 depending on the county (St. Louis County $50; Jackson $50–$52; City of St. Louis $60–$62). Includes a $20 state surcharge (451.151).

What do you need to get the license?

• ID: Proof of age: certified birth certificate, passport or other government ID (451.090). Social Security number or a statement that you don't have one (451.040).
• Minimum age: 18, with no exceptions (451.090, 2025 reform).
• Other requirements: Both sign before the recorder or online; the online application only if either of you lives in that county. Common-law marriage is void.

Where do you get it, and who issues it?

Recorder of deeds of the county or of the City of St. Louis (RSMo 451.040 and 451.080).

Where it is valid: Any Missouri county (Jackson County).

Is there a waiting period, and does it expire?

• Waiting period: No waiting period: the recorder issues the license upon receiving the application (451.040.3).
• Validity: 30 days from issuance (451.040.3).

How many witnesses, and who can marry you?

• Witnesses: We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
• Who can officiate: Active or retired clergy in good standing with a Missouri church or synagogue; any judge, including municipal, free of charge; or a religious society if either of you is a member (451.100).

Missouri counties with an AltarPlan guide

We haven't published Missouri county guides yet: we verify them one by one against the official source. In the meantime, these rules apply statewide and the office can confirm the exact fee.

How to get a marriage license in Missouri

1. Confirm where to apply: Recorder of deeds of the county or of the City of St. Louis (RSMo 451.040 and 451.080).
2. Gather your ID: Proof of age: certified birth certificate, passport or other government ID (451.090). Social Security number or a statement that you don't have one (451.040).
3. Get your payment ready: About $50–$62 depending on the county (St. Louis County $50; Jackson $50–$52; City of St. Louis $60–$62). Includes a $20 state surcharge (451.151).
4. Count the waiting period: No waiting period: the recorder issues the license upon receiving the application (451.040.3).
5. Marry within the validity period: 30 days from issuance (451.040.3).
6. Before you go, confirm everything with the office that issues the license: fees and hours change.

Frequently asked questions

Sources and review date

1. Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Missouri, RSMo 451.040 (2025 reform) (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
2. Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Missouri, RSMo 451.090 and 451.100 (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
3. Jackson County Recorder of Deeds, Apply for a Marriage License (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
4. St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds, cost of the license (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.

Reviewed Nov 4, 2026. If you spot an error, write to us.

AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the county office.