Circuit Court issues licenses. License valid only in Virginia (not DC or MD).
Virginia Marriage License â State Rules
Virginia issues licenses through circuit court clerks. At $30, Virginia has one of the lowest fees in the mid-Atlantic region. Key rule: a Virginia marriage license is only valid for ceremonies performed within Virginia. DC-area couples planning a DC ceremony must apply in DC, not Virginia.
Requirements That Apply Statewide
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who issues the license | Circuit Court Clerk |
| Waiting period | None |
| License validity | 60 days |
| Fee range | $30â$45 (varies by county) |
| Witnesses at ceremony | 1 required |
| Residency required? | No â Virginia has no residency requirement |
| Both parties in person? | Yes â both applicants must appear together |
| Blood test required? | No â Virginia does not require premarital blood tests |
What to Bring to the Circuit Court Clerk
- Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID â driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or foreign passport. Both parties.
- Social Security Number â required on the application for both parties. Physical card typically not required. Non-U.S. citizens without an SSN write "None."
- Prior marriage information â 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 â $30â$45. Cash, card, or money order. Call your specific county to confirm accepted payment methods.
Virginia 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 Virginia 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 â Virginia
No. Virginia has no residency requirement. You and your partner can apply for a Virginia marriage license regardless of where you live. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Virginia.
The waiting period in Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia marriage license is valid only for ceremonies performed within Virginia. 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.