$35.50 fee, no wait, 1-year validity. Popular for Cincinnati-area Ohio couples.
Kentucky Marriage License — State Rules
Kentucky has the lowest fee in the mid-Atlantic/Southeast region at $35.50, no waiting period, and a 1-year validity window. Boone County (Greater Cincinnati area) and Jefferson County (Louisville) attract couples from Ohio and Indiana respectively — both offer lower fees and no wait compared to neighboring Ohio's 5-day wait.
Requirements That Apply Statewide
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who issues the license | County Clerk |
| Waiting period | None |
| License validity | 1 year |
| Fee range | $35.50 (varies by county) |
| Witnesses at ceremony | None required |
| Residency required? | No — Kentucky has no residency requirement |
| Both parties in person? | Yes — both applicants must appear together |
| Blood test required? | No — Kentucky does not require premarital blood tests |
What to Bring to the County Clerk
- Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID — driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or foreign passport. Both parties.
- Social Security Number — required on the application for both parties. Physical card typically not required. Non-U.S. citizens without an SSN write "None."
- Prior marriage information — date and state the prior marriage ended (divorce or death). For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
- Fee payment — $35.50. Cash, card, or money order. Call your specific county to confirm accepted payment methods.
Kentucky County Guides
Select your county for the exact office address, hours, fee, appointment requirements, and county-specific procedural detail.
County-by-county guides for all Kentucky counties are being expanded continuously. Use our checklist tool for a personalized document list based on your state while additional county pages are added.
Frequently Asked Questions — Kentucky
No. Kentucky has no residency requirement. You and your partner can apply for a Kentucky marriage license regardless of where you live. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Kentucky.
The waiting period in Kentucky is None. This means you must wait this long after receiving the license before holding the ceremony. See our waiting periods guide for the complete statewide comparison and waiver procedures.
A Kentucky marriage license is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. If the ceremony does not occur within this window, the license expires and you must reapply and pay the fee again. Use our expiration calculator to find your exact deadline.
No. A Kentucky marriage license is valid only for ceremonies performed within Kentucky. If your ceremony is in a different state, you must apply for a license in that state. Your home state will recognize any legally performed marriage from another state.