Residents: no wait. Non-residents: 48-hour wait. Circuit Court issues licenses.
Maryland Marriage License — State Rules
Maryland uniquely reverses the typical waiting period pattern: the 48-hour wait applies to non-Maryland residents, while Maryland residents can marry immediately. One-year validity and proximity to DC and Virginia make it a practical choice for the mid-Atlantic region.
Requirements That Apply Statewide
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who issues the license | Circuit Court |
| Waiting period | 48 hrs for non-residents; none for residents |
| License validity | 1 year |
| Fee range | $55–$95 (varies by county) |
| Witnesses at ceremony | 1 required |
| Residency required? | No — Maryland has no residency requirement |
| Both parties in person? | Yes — both applicants must appear together |
| Blood test required? | No — Maryland does not require premarital blood tests |
What to Bring to the Circuit Court
- 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 — $55–$95. Cash, card, or money order. Call your specific county to confirm accepted payment methods.
Maryland 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 Maryland 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 — Maryland
No. Maryland has no residency requirement. You and your partner can apply for a Maryland marriage license regardless of where you live. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Maryland.
The waiting period in Maryland is 48 hrs for non-residents; none for residents. 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 Maryland 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 Maryland marriage license is valid only for ceremonies performed within Maryland. 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.