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Marriage License

HOW TO APPLY

Both parties must appear in person at the Recorder's office with photo identification. (For parties under the age of 18, see below).

Marriage licenses will not be issued after 4:00 PM.

WHEN TO APPLY

Monday-Friday 8 AM to 4:00 PM (except holidays), no licenses will be issued after 4:00 PM. The license fee of $51 cash, credit, or debit card must be paid at the time of Application. No checks accepted for a marriage license.  No refunds. Missouri law has eliminated the 3-day waiting period to obtain a marriage license. If you are getting married within 30 days from application, you may take your license the same day you apply.
It is a misdemeanor for anyone to perform a marriage ceremony if a license is not presented prior to the ceremony (451.120 RSMO). The marriage is invalid if the ceremony takes place before the license is picked up.  You must return the Marriage License within 15 days after your marriage date (451.130 RSMO). 

WHEN TO PICK UP LICENSE

License must be picked up before ceremony can be performed (see above note).
The marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance and may be used anywhere within the State of Missouri.

WHAT TO DO WITH THE LICENSE

You are responsible for delivering the license to the person who solemnizes your marriage. The person performing the ceremony must complete both portions of the license, have two witnesses sign it, and return it to the Recorder's office within 15 days after the wedding. The license becomes a permanent record. 

PROOF OF AGE IDENTIFICATION

Identification and proof of age is required of ALL persons. The following proof of age documents will be accepted:
A U.S. government issued photo ID, a Passport, or a Military ID
AGES 16 THROUGH 17: Birth Certificate (legal, certified) AND Parental Consent
AGE 18 AND OVER: Valid Driver's License
No recorder shall issue a license authorizing the marriage of any male or female under sixteen year of age nor shall a license be issued authorizing the marriage of any male or female twenty one years of age or older to a male or female under eighteen years of age.

QUALIFICATIONS

Blood relatives, down to and including first cousins, MAY NOT marry under the laws of the State of Missouri. No distinction is made between resident and non-resident individuals.
Applicants must be 18 years of age to marry without parental consent. Persons between the ages of 16 and 17 may obtain a license with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. Parents or legal guardians must give consent in person (at the time of application) and have proper identification and proof of custody if divorced or never married. If legal guardian is giving consent, a certified copy of guardianship papers must be presented. Also, guardian must bring in Photo ID.
Previously married applicants must give the date their last marriage ended. Persons divorced less than 30 days may apply for a marriage license if they acknowledge that they understand the divorce can be appealed or set aside within 30 days by the court of jurisdiction.

MARRIAGE LICENSE CHECKLIST

To Apply:

    • $51 cash, credit, or debit card
    • Photo ID
    • Must know social security number
    • Proof of Age (if under 18)
    • Parent or guardian for consent (Age 16-17)

 

AFTER YOUR MARRIAGE

Name Change and Marital Status
A certified copy of your marriage license is required by Social Security to change your name. You can obtain a certified copy of your license in the following ways:

Send a written request to:
Recorder of Deeds:
100 East Newton Room 22
Versailles, Missouri 65084
Phone: 573-378-4029
Certified statements of your marriage license can be received after the marriage license if returned to us. Costs of certified statements are $5.00 each. The license must have been issued in Morgan County.

You should contact the following agencies to change your name and notify them of your marital status:
Morgan County License Bureau:
108 N. Monroe
Versailles, MO 65084
573-378-7434

Voter Registration - Morgan County Clerk's Office:
100 East Newton - Rm. 23
Versailles, MO 65084
573-378-5436

Social Security Administration:
3320 West Tenth Street
Sedalia, MO 65301
​660-827-4709 or 800-772-1213

Marriage License Fee Distribution:

  • Children's Trust Fund of Missouri $15.00
  • Shelter Fund for Abused Women $10.00
  • Morgan County General Revenue $15.00
  • State & County User Fee $4.00
  • County Employees
  • Retirement System $7.00