Recorder of Deeds issues licenses. 30-day validity — apply close to ceremony. St. Louis City ≠ St. Louis County.
Missouri Marriage License — State Rules
Missouri issues licenses through the Recorder of Deeds (not county clerk) and has no waiting period. However, the 30-day validity window is short — apply no more than 3 weeks before the ceremony. St. Louis City and St. Louis County are separate jurisdictions — a common source of confusion for applicants in the St. Louis metro area.
Requirements That Apply Statewide
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who issues the license | Recorder of Deeds |
| Waiting period | None |
| License validity | 30 days |
| Fee range | $45–$60 (varies by county) |
| Witnesses at ceremony | None required |
| Residency required? | No — Missouri has no residency requirement |
| Both parties in person? | Yes — both applicants must appear together |
| Blood test required? | No — Missouri does not require premarital blood tests |
What to Bring to the Recorder of Deeds
- 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 — $45–$60. Cash, card, or money order. Call your specific county to confirm accepted payment methods.
Missouri 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 Missouri 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 — Missouri
No. Missouri has no residency requirement. You and your partner can apply for a Missouri marriage license regardless of where you live. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Missouri.
The waiting period in Missouri 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 Missouri marriage license is valid for 30 days 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 Missouri marriage license is valid only for ceremonies performed within Missouri. 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.