Probate court issues licenses (not county clerk). $2 certified copies — lowest in the US.
Ohio Marriage License — State Rules
Ohio issues marriage licenses through probate courts — not county clerks. This surprises many applicants who arrive at the wrong courthouse window. Ohio's 5-day waiting period is waivable by the probate judge, often on the same day as the application. Ohio's certified copy fee of $2 is the lowest in the country.
Requirements That Apply Statewide
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who issues the license | County Probate Court |
| Waiting period | 5 days (waivable by probate judge) |
| License validity | 60 days |
| Fee range | $40–$75 (varies by county) |
| Witnesses at ceremony | 2 required |
| Residency required? | No — Ohio has no residency requirement |
| Both parties in person? | Yes — both applicants must appear together |
| Blood test required? | No — Ohio does not require premarital blood tests |
What to Bring to the County Probate 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 — $40–$75. Cash, card, or money order. Call your specific county to confirm accepted payment methods.
Ohio County Guides
Select your county for the exact office address, hours, fee, appointment requirements, and county-specific procedural detail.
Fee: $55
Fee: $50
Fee: $55
County-by-county guides for all Ohio 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 — Ohio
No. Ohio has no residency requirement. You and your partner can apply for a Ohio marriage license regardless of where you live. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Ohio.
The waiting period in Ohio is 5 days (waivable by probate judge). 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 Ohio marriage license is valid for 60 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 Ohio marriage license is valid only for ceremonies performed within Ohio. 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.