Obtaining a marriage license in Greene County, Missouri

WHERE TO APPLY

Office of Linda S. Montgomery, Recorder of Deeds

940 Boonville, Room 102

Springfield, Missouri 65802

(417) 868-4068

HOW TO APPLY

Both parties must appear in person at the Recorder's office with proper identification and proof of social security number.

WHEN TO APPLY

Monday through Friday (except legal holidays) 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The license fee of $51 must be paid in CASH at the time of Application. No refunds. Missouri law has eliminated the 3-day waiting period to obtain a marriage license. If you are getting married within 30 days from application, you may take your license the same day you apply. You can apply up to three months in advance and pick up your license at the appropriate time.

It is a misdemeanor for anyone to perform a marriage ceremony if a license is not presented prior to the ceremony (451.120 RSMo.). The marriage is invalid if the ceremony takes place before the license is picked up.

WHEN TO PICK UP LICENSE

License must be picked up before ceremony can be performed (see above note). Anyone previously designated may pick up the license after the waiting period. The marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance and may be used anywhere within the State of Missouri.

WHAT TO DO WITH THE LICENSE

You are responsible for delivering the license to the person who solemnizes your marriage. The person performing the ceremony must complete the left portion of the license, have two witnesses sign it, and return it to the Recorder's office within 15 days after the wedding. The license becomes a permanent record. (The right portion is the Marriage Certificate that is filled out by the minister and retained by the parties as evidence of the marriage)

PROOF OF AGE IDENTIFICATION

Identification and proof of age is required of ALL persons. The following proof of age documents will be accepted, along with a photo ID.

AGES 15 THROUGH 17: Birth Certificate (legal, certified) AND Parental Consent

AGE 18: Birth Certificate (legal, certified)

AGE 19 AND OVER: Valid Drivers License

QUALIFICATIONS

Blood relatives, down to and including first cousins, MAY NOT marry under the laws of the State of Missouri. No distinction is made between resident and non-resident individuals.

Applicants (a male and a female) must be 18 years of age to marry without parental consent. Persons between the ages of 15 and 17 may obtain a license with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. Parents or legal guardians must give consent in person (at the time of application) and have proper identification and proof of custody if divorced or never married. If legal guardian is giving consent, a certified copy of guardianship papers must be presented.

Previously married applicants must give the date their last marriage ended. Persons divorced less than 30 days may apply for a marriage license if they acknowledge, in writing, they understand the divorce can be appealed or set aside within 30 days by the court of jurisdiction.

MARRIAGE LICENSE CHECKLIST

To Apply:

• $51 Cash
• Proper identification
• Proof of Social Security Number
• Proof of Age
• Parent or guardian for consent (Age 15-17)

AFTER YOUR MARRIAGE

Name Change and Marital Status (Female)

You should contact the following agencies to change your name and notify them of your marital status:

Any Department of Revenue Driver's License Section Springfield, MO:

1534 S. Glenstone, (417) 890-8333

149 Park Central Square & 3601 S Fremont, (417) 869-5100

(417) 869-5100

Voter Registration - County Clerk

940 N. Boonville

Springfield, Mo 65802

(417) 868-4055

Social Security Administration

1570 W Battlefield

Springfield, MO 65807

(417) 866-7210

Obtaining a Certified Copy of your Marriage License: (Used for name change and marital status change).

After the marriage license is returned to the Recorder's Office, a certified copy of the license can be obtained for $9.00. Social Security requires a certified copy of license for name change.

Marriage License Fee Distribution:

Children’s Trust Fund of Missouri $15.00

Shelter Fund for Abused Women $10.00

Greene County General Revenue $15.00

User Fee $4.00

County Employees Retirement System $7.00