Marriage License – Frequently Asked Questions

• Any two people 18 years of age or older.
• A person age 17 with parental or guardian consent, provided the other party is no more than two years older.

Both parties must be present when applying for a marriage license.

By law, couples must read a handbook supplied by the Clerk and sign a statement acknowledging that you both have read the handbook before applying for the license. You both can do this the same day as applying for the license, or the handbook can be downloaded and read before arriving.

To expedite the licensing process, the Marriage License Information Sheet (PDF) may be printed, filled out, and brought to the Marriage License office. Another way to expedite the marriage license application process would be to complete an application online through the eMarriage Online Application Portal.

Additionally, depending on which category applies to you, you will need to bring the following information:

All applicants 18 years of age or older:

• Must show a valid driver license or state ID, a passport or military identification.
• Must provide their Social Security numbers.
• If you have been married previously, you must provide the day, month, and year that your last marriage ended.

All applicants 17 years of age:

• Must show a valid driver license or state ID, a passport or military identification
• Must provide your Social Security number.
• Must provide a certified copy of your birth certificate showing both parents’ names.
• Must provide notarized written consent by both parents or legal guardian. If one or both of your parents are deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate is required. If a parent has sole legal custody, the parent must present a certified copy of the court document granting sole custody.

There is no waiting period for Florida residents who certify that they both have completed a premarital preparation course from a registered provider within the past 12 months. For Florida residents who have not taken the course, there is a three-day waiting period between issuance of the license and the time it becomes valid for use. For non-Florida residents, there is no waiting period.

The date the license is issued counts as the first day of the waiting period. You would then need to wait two additional full days, but can then be married on the following day. For example, if a marriage license is obtained on Friday, the couple can marry on Monday.

Many local churches and counseling services offer the course. The Lake County Clerk’s Office provides a roster of Premarital Preparation Course Providers (PDF) as a convenience.

No, the law requiring a blood test was abolished October 1, 1986.

No, a marriage license can be applied for, and used, in any Florida county.

No, there is no citizenship requirement.

The license is valid for 60 days after issuance. The effective date and expiration date are noted on the license. The ceremony can be performed anywhere in the State of Florida. The marriage license form must be returned to the Clerk’s Office for recording within ten days after the marriage is performed.

No.

One certified copy is included with the purchase of the marriage license. Extra certified copies may be obtained for a nominal fee, using the following options:

1. Order Online
   Online ordering of certified copies is available using eCertify.

2. In person
   Certified copies can be purchased at all three Clerk’s office marriage license locations.

3. Order by mail
   Complete the Official Records Order Form. Mail the form, along with your check or money order, payable to Gary J. Cooney, Clerk of Court & Comptroller, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the address below. NOTE: We do not accept cashier’s checks more than two (2) months from the issue date.
   1. For regular mail:
      Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
      ATTN: RECORDING
      P.O. Box 7800
      Tavares, FL 32778

   2. For delivery/courier services (FedEx/UPS):
      Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
      ATTN: RECORDING
      313 S. Bloxham Ave.
      Tavares, FL 32778

Yes, if you have a valid Florida marriage license, you may have your ceremony performed at any of our three locations for the applicable fee. No appointment is necessary for ceremonies at the Tavares or Clermont locations. For the location in The Villages, please call ahead at (352) 253-4575 to ensure availability.

The Lake County Courthouse in Tavares has a marriage ceremony room that accommodates up to 10 guests. The Villages’ location has a marriage ceremony room that accommodates up to 6 guests. Ceremonies in Clermont are performed directly at the marriage license clerk’s workstation.