Who Issues Marriage Licenses in Pima County?
Marriage licenses in Pima County are issued by the Pima County Superior Court Clerk at 110 W. Congress Street, Tucson, AZ 85701. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
In Arizona, marriage licenses are issued by the Superior Court clerk rather than a county clerk — an important distinction when navigating the courthouse. In Pima County, the Superior Court clerk's office is in the Pima County Courthouse in downtown Tucson.
The $83 Fee
Pima County's marriage license fee is $83.00. Certified copies of the marriage certificate cost $20.00 each and are available from the Arizona Department of Health Services after the certificate is recorded.
Required Documents — What to Bring
Both applicants must appear together and each bring:
- Valid government-issued photo ID: Driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID. Must not be expired. Foreign passports accepted.
- Social Security Number: Required on the application. Physical card generally not required — just know your number.
- Prior marriage documentation: If either party has been divorced, provide the exact date and state of the divorce. For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
Waiting Period
Arizona has no waiting period (ARS §25-125). Your Pima County license is valid immediately and remains valid for one year. Arizona's 1-year window is one of the most flexible in the country.
Pima County borders Mexico and has experience with international applicants, including non-U.S. citizens and couples where one party holds a foreign passport. Foreign passports are accepted as ID. If either party has a visa, bring it along — the clerk may ask. The license is valid regardless of citizenship status.
License Validity — 1 year
Your Pima County marriage license is valid for 1 year from the date of issue, for ceremonies performed anywhere in Arizona. Plan your application date carefully. Use our expiration calculator and Wedding Date Planner to find your exact window.
After the Ceremony
Your officiant must complete and return the signed marriage license to the Pima County issuing office within the timeframe required by Arizona law (typically 10–30 days). After recording, certified copies of the marriage certificate are available for $20 each. Order at least 4–6 copies — you'll need them for Social Security, driver's license, passport, and bank account name changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. There is no citizenship requirement to obtain a marriage license in Arizona. Both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens may apply. A valid foreign passport is accepted as photo ID. Bring any supporting identification you have. The marriage will be legally performed under Arizona law.
The Superior Court does not routinely provide ceremony services through the clerk's office. For a civil ceremony in Tucson, contact the Pima County Superior Court or ask about available court commissioners. Many couples use professional officiants in the Tucson area.
Yes. Any Arizona county marriage license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Arizona, including Sedona (Yavapai County) and Grand Canyon National Park (Coconino County). You can apply in Tucson and get married anywhere in the state.
Government offices change hours, fees, and appointment policies without always updating their websites. Call the Pima County office directly the day before your visit to confirm current hours, fees, and whether you need an appointment.
Planning Your Visit to the Superior Court Clerk
The Superior Court Clerk handles marriage license applications for Pima County. Arizona's 1-year validity window gives couples maximum planning flexibility — you can apply up to a year before your ceremony.
Arizona issues licenses through superior court clerks, not county clerks. No waiting period, 1-year validity, $83 fee. Foreign passports accepted.
Step-by-Step: Application to Certified Copies
Here is the complete sequence for a Pima County marriage license, from the day you apply through receiving certified copies for name changes:
- Gather documents: Both parties need valid, unexpired photo IDs and their Social Security numbers. If either party has been previously married, have the divorce date and state ready (bring a certified decree if divorced within the past 6 months).
- Visit the office: Both parties appear together at the Superior Court Clerk. The application takes 15–25 minutes. Pay the $83 fee.
- License issued: You receive a physical paper marriage license. Keep it safe — it is the document your officiant will sign after the ceremony.
- Waiting period: None from the moment of issuance. Plan your ceremony date accordingly.
- Ceremony anywhere in Arizona: Your license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Arizona within the 1 year validity window. Your officiant signs immediately after the ceremony.
- Return the license: The signed license must be returned to the issuing office within the timeframe required by Arizona law (typically 10–30 days). Confirm responsibility — you or your officiant.
- Order certified copies: After the marriage is recorded (2–4 weeks post-ceremony), order certified copies from the Superior Court Clerk or through VitalChek. Order at least 4–6 copies at once.
- Name changes: Use certified copies for Social Security, DMV, passport, and financial accounts. Start with Social Security first — other agencies verify against SSA records. See our name change guide for the complete sequence.
Use our Wedding Date Planner to calculate the exact window for applying in Arizona. Download the Day-Of Checklist PDF to bring to your appointment. Use the Cost Calculator to estimate your total expenses including certified copies and name change fees.