Virginia marriage license: cost and requirements
There is no waiting period and you don't need to be a resident; the license is good for 60 days in Virginia. Both of you must go to the court together.
Virginia summary
Official source Reviewed Nov 4, 2026 · Confirmed in the law or on the official website.
- Cost
- $30 in Fairfax (includes a $20 state tax per license, § 20-15).
- Waiting period
- No waiting period.
- Validity
- 60 days from issuance.
- Witnesses
- We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
How much is a marriage license in Virginia?
$30 in Fairfax (includes a $20 state tax per license, § 20-15).
What do you need to get the license?
- ID: Current photo ID (driver's license, passport or military ID); both in person.
- Minimum age: 18 (Code of Virginia § 20-48, according to the Fairfax court).
- Other requirements: No blood test or residency is required.
Where do you get it, and who issues it?
Clerk or deputy clerk of the Circuit Court.
Where it is valid: Only in Virginia.
Is there a waiting period, and does it expire?
- Waiting period: No waiting period.
- Validity: 60 days from issuance.
How many witnesses, and who can marry you?
- Witnesses: We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
- Who can officiate: Ministers authorized by order of a court or clerk, other people with a clerk's order (a $500 bond may be required) and certain state judges and officials (§§ 20-23, 20-25, 20-26).
Virginia counties with an AltarPlan guide
We haven't published Virginia 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 Virginia rules on this page apply; the fee and the office depend on the county, so confirm them on the official website.
- Fairfax CountyState rule No guide of its own yet.
How to get a marriage license in Virginia
- Confirm where to apply: Clerk or deputy clerk of the Circuit Court.
- Gather your ID: Current photo ID (driver's license, passport or military ID); both in person.
- Get your payment ready: $30 in Fairfax (includes a $20 state tax per license, § 20-15).
- Count the waiting period: No waiting period.
- Marry within the validity period: 60 days from issuance.
- Before you go, confirm everything with the office that issues the license: fees and hours change.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Virginia marriage license valid anywhere in the state?
Only in Virginia.
What is the minimum age to marry in Virginia?
18 (Code of Virginia § 20-48, according to the Fairfax court).
Who can officiate a wedding in Virginia?
Ministers authorized by order of a court or clerk, other people with a clerk's order (a $500 bond may be required) and certain state judges and officials (§§ 20-23, 20-25, 20-26).
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
- Code of Virginia, Title 20, ch. 2 (§§ 20-13, 20-14, 20-14.1, 20-15, 20-23, 20-25) (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
- Fairfax County Circuit Court (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.