Ohio marriage license: cost and requirements
You apply at the probate court of the county where either of you lives. The license lasts 60 days.
Ohio summary
Official source Reviewed Nov 4, 2026 · Official source, with details that may vary.
- Cost
- Varies by county; in Franklin County, $65.
- Waiting period
- No waiting period: it is issued the same day (Franklin County).
- Validity
- 60 days from issuance (ORC 3101.05).
- Witnesses
- We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
How much is a marriage license in Ohio?
Varies by county; in Franklin County, $65.
What do you need to get the license?
- ID: Documentary proof of age (birth certificate, passport or driver's license, among others) and Social Security number (ORC 3101.05).
- Minimum age: 18. At 17: juvenile court consent, the other person no more than 4 years older, premarital counseling and a 14-day wait after consent (ORC 3101.01, 3101.02, 3101.04).
- Other requirements: Certified copy of the most recent divorce decree or death certificate (Franklin County). The officiant returns the certificate within 30 days.
Where do you get it, and who issues it?
Probate court of the county where either of you lives; both appear in person (ORC 3101.05).
Is there a waiting period, and does it expire?
- Waiting period: No waiting period: it is issued the same day (Franklin County).
- Validity: 60 days from issuance (ORC 3101.05).
How many witnesses, and who can marry you?
- Witnesses: We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
- Who can officiate: We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
Ohio counties with an AltarPlan guide
We haven't published Ohio 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.
Other counties couples often look up
We haven't verified these counties yet. The Ohio rules on this page apply; the fee and the office depend on the county, so confirm them on the official website.
- Franklin County (Columbus)State rule No guide of its own yet.
How to get a marriage license in Ohio
- Confirm where to apply: Probate court of the county where either of you lives; both appear in person (ORC 3101.05).
- Gather your ID: Documentary proof of age (birth certificate, passport or driver's license, among others) and Social Security number (ORC 3101.05).
- Get your payment ready: Varies by county; in Franklin County, $65.
- Count the waiting period: No waiting period: it is issued the same day (Franklin County).
- Marry within the validity period: 60 days from issuance (ORC 3101.05).
- Before you go, confirm everything with the office that issues the license: fees and hours change.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age to marry in Ohio?
18. At 17: juvenile court consent, the other person no more than 4 years older, premarital counseling and a 14-day wait after consent (ORC 3101.01, 3101.02, 3101.04).
Does AltarPlan issue the license?
No. AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. This information is a general guide, not legal advice: confirm with the office.
Sources and review date
- Ohio Revised Code, ch. 3101 (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
- Ohio Revised Code, 3101.05 (authenticated version, March 20, 2025) (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
- Franklin County Probate Court, Marriage License Requirements (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.