Kentucky Marriage License FAQ

Where can I get a marriage license?

You can get a marriage license at any county clerk’s office in Kentucky if both parties are 18 or older. The license can be used in any Kentucky county but is only valid within the state. If your marriage doesn’t occur within 30 days of getting the license, you must apply for a new one. Both of you must be present to apply.

Who issues marriage licenses?

The county clerk’s office handles marriage licenses, valid for 30 days from the issue date. You'll need to reapply if you don’t get married within that time.

Can I get a marriage license in one county and marry in another?

Yes, you can.

Is there a waiting period or blood test requirement?

No, Kentucky doesn’t require a waiting period or a blood test for a marriage license.

The application process.

To apply, both of you must go to your local County Clerk’s Office in person with acceptable identification, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport. Both parties must be 18 or older.

The license fee is $50, and the office accepts cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.

Do I need to bring my birth certificate?

No, unless you’re under 18.

Do I need to bring my divorce decree?

No, it’s not necessary.

Do I need to bring my social security card?

No, it’s not required.

Prohibited and restricted marriages.

In Kentucky, marriages are not allowed between:

  • Relatives closer than second cousins

  • First cousins

  • Anyone mentally incompetent to consent to marriage

  • Anyone still legally married to another person

  • People whose marriages weren’t solemnized by an authorized person or society

  • Common-law marriages

  • Proxy marriages

Marriage for those under 18.

If one person is 17, they need to present a District Court order before applying for a marriage license. No one under 17 is permitted to marry in Kentucky.

Who can officiate the ceremony?

In Kentucky, marriages can be officiated by clergy, justices, judges, retired judges (except those removed or convicted of a felony), county judges/executives, authorized justices of the peace, fiscal court commissioners, and certain religious societies. In addition to the officiant, at least two witnesses must be present. No residency or licensing requirement exists for ministers or priests who wish to officiate.

Getting a certified copy of a marriage license (Jefferson County)

To get a certified copy of a marriage license by mail, send a written request to:

Jefferson County Clerk’s Office
Professional License Department
527 W. Jefferson St., Room 100A
Louisville, KY 40202

Include the maiden name of one partner and the date of marriage (if before June 26, 2015, provide the bride and groom’s names). Certified copies are $6 by mail or $5 in person at the Professional License Department in Jefferson County. The office accepts cash, certified checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, personal checks, Visa, Discover, AMEX, or MasterCard.