Marriage License Information
You are encouraged to discuss the legal changes that result from your marriage. The following information is provided for your review. |
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MARRIAGE LICENSE COSTS $50.00 (CASH ONLY) |
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23rd Floor |
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Court Hours |
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8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday - Friday |
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| Definition of Marriage | |
Ohio Constitution Article XV § 11 "Only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this state and its political subdivisions. This state and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance or effect of marriage." Adopted November 2, 2004. |
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| Who may apply? | |
Male persons of the age of eighteen years, and female persons of the age of sixteen years, not nearer of kin than second cousins, and not having a husband or wife living, may be joined in marriage. A minor must first obtain the consent of the minor's parents, surviving parent, parent who is designated the residential parent and legal custodian of the child by a court of competent jurisdiction, guardian, or any one of the following who has been awarded permanent custody of the minor by a court exercising juvenile jurisdiction: (A) An adult person; (B) The Department of Job and Family Services or any child welfare organization certified by such department; (C) A public children services agency. A minor shall not be required to obtain the consent of a parent who resides in a foreign country, has neglected or abandoned such minor for a period of one year or longer immediately preceding the application for a marriage license, has been adjudged incompetent, is an inmate of a state of mental or correctional institution, has been permanently deprived of parental rights and responsibilities for the care of the child and the right to have the child live with the parent and to be the legal custodian of the child by a court exercising juvenile jurisdiction, or has been deprived of parental rights and responsibilities for the care of the child and the right to have the child live with the parent and to be the legal custodian of the child by the appointment of a guardian of the person of the minor by the probate court or by any other court of competent jurisdiction. (See Ohio Revised Code §3101.01 - Persons who may be joined in marriage; minor to obtain consent.) A minor who desires to obtain a marriage license must have marital counseling prior to the issuance of the marriage license. The counseling must be provided by a licensed counselor, ordained member of the clergy, a psychologist, or psychiatrist. A letter from the person who provided the counseling must be provided to the Court along with the application for the marriage license. |
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| How do we apply? | |
Both marriage applicants must apply in person, together. The license may be obtained in this county if one of the applicants is a resident of Franklin County. A valid picture I.D. with social security number* and date of birth is required. If the applicant's address on the I.D. does not reflect they live in Franklin County, then they need to bring proof that they actually do reside in the county (i.e. utility bill, lease, pay stub, auto registration, etc.) In lieu of a picture I.D., the Court will accept a certified copy of the applicant's birth certificate and a social security card* or verification of the social security number (i.e. driver's license, print out from the Social Security Administration. The license may be used anywhere in the State of Ohio. This Court will also issue the license if neither of the applicants is a resident of the State of Ohio, but the marriage ceremony must take place in Franklin County. The minimum age for applying for a license in Ohio, without parental consent, is eighteen (18) years of age. No blood tests or physical examinations are required in Ohio. You may begin your license application on-line. |
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* All social security numbers are held in confidence. |
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| How much does a marriage license cost? | |
The cost of the license is $50.00 CASH ONLY, and must be paid upon completion of the application. |
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| Must I show proof of divorce or death of a previous spouse? | |
If either applicant has been married before, in the United States or any other location in the world, they must bring all prior divorce information and a certified copy of the final decree of their last divorce. In the event of the death of a former spouse, a certified copy of the death certificate is required. |
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| Is there a waiting period? | |
After the application is accepted, there is no waiting period to receive the license. The license is valid for sixty (60) days from the date of issuance. |
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| How do I get a certified copy of my marriage license? | |
When proof of the marriage is needed, a certified copy of the marriage abstract can be obtained by writing to the Courts' Marriage Department or by appearing at the Marriage Department on the 23rd floor of 373 South High Street between the hours of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. The cost of a marriage abstract is $2.00, cash or money order only. If you obtained your marriage license in Franklin County, Ohio please provide the following information: husband's full name, wife's full maiden name, date of the marriage (include year) and a self addressed stamped envelope if the request for a certified marriage abstract is made through the mail. |
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| What are the hours and location of the Marriage License Department? | |
Hours Closed Saturdays, Sundays and all legal Holidays |
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Location |
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| Who may solemnize a marriage? | |
Only a duly ordained or licensed minister who is registered with the Secretary of the State of Ohio, a Judge, a Mayor, or the Superintendent of the State School for the Deaf may solemnize a marriage To register with the Secretary of State or find out if your minister is registered, call (614) 466-2585. For an application for a license to solemnize marriages, provide your name and address at the above number. |
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| Civil Ceremony Information | |
Franklin County Municipal Court (614) 645-3889 |
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| How do I change my name after I'm married and who do I notify? | |
By custom, a wife who chooses to take her husband's name as a result of a marriage does not need to go through a court proceeding to change her name. This may be accomplished by notifying the appropriate agencies. By way of example, a wife should record her new name with Social Security, her employer, the IRS, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the Board of Elections, the school she attends or has children attending, and all financial institutions in which she transacts business. The husband may adopt the wife's name and the parties may hyphenate their name. However, since these changes are not common, they may be more difficult to accomplish. The parties may need to file an application for a legal name change in the Probate Court of the county of residence for the past year. Employers should be notified of the change in marital status. If appropriate, the married couple should adjust their federal and state income tax withholdings and the beneficiaries of any retirement plans. Some contracts, divorce decrees, and domestic court rules require notice of the change in marital status. Such documents should be reviewed to determine if notice is necessary. If either party changes their residence address, the Board of Elections in the county of the new residence should be contacted. Individuals should be aware of the existence of nongovernmental agencies claiming to change social security and/or credit card information for a nominal fee. This Court does not endorse such services. This can be accomplished at no charge by directly contacting Social Security and the other entities previously mentioned. |
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| Update Your Insurance Coverage | |
It is important to notify your insurance agent of your change in marital status and to review your policies. The amount of coverage should be reviewed as a result of combining possessions and financial obligations, as well as increased health care needs. You should reevaluate your needs with respect to the following types of insurance: |
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Homeowners/Renters: Additional coverage may be desired by both homeowners and renters to cover replacement value of possessions and/or actual structure. |
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Automobile: An inquiry should be made to determine if the premium payments for insurance can be reduced as a result of your marriage. |
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Health: This type of insurance should be reviewed to determine which spouse has better coverage, when the new spouse can be added, the cost of adding additional family members, and if maternity coverage is included. |
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Disability: Due to additional responsibilities, you may wish to review your coverage with your employer or insurance agent. |
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Life: Ownership, amount, and the designation of the beneficiaries should be reviewed to determine if changes are necessary. You may contact your agent and/or attorney to obtain suggestions or changes for estate planning purposes. |
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| Consider Your Legal Status | |
In Ohio, individual ownership of real estate or personal property by each partner does not automatically change into joint or co-ownership after marriage. However, the husband and wife, after marriage, automatically acquire certain interests in the property of the other: |
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By way of example:
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As a newly married couple, you should consider how your property is titled. The is an important issue and should be discussed with your attorney. |
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| Estate Planning | |
A husband and wife should review their estate plans, including wills, with legal counsel. Prenuptial agreements, if used, must be completed prior to marriage. Consideration should be given to the ownership of existing bank accounts, safe deposit boxes, and other investments. |
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A properly drawn will assures that:
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There are legal requirements in making a will which must be followed. The proper signatures and the method of execution are critical. It is important that you secure legal advice in making your will. If you do not make a will, your property will be distributed according to the Statute of Descent and Distribution. (Ohio Revised Code § 2105.06) |
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Ohio law recognizes living wills and durable powers of attorney for health care. A living will is your directive regarding the use of life sustaining treatment should you be in a terminal condition or in a permanently unconscious state. A durable power of attorney for health care allows you to select another person to make medical decisions for you should you become incompetent. Forms are available from this Court, the Ohio State Bar Association, your attorney, and other sources. |
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| Retention of Records | |
For efficiency and security, it is prudent to retain all pertinent documents, receipts, warranties, contracts, leases, cancelled checks, letters, etc. Discuss with your spouse the location of your important documents, which may include: wills, birth certificates, deeds, insurance policies, business agreements, court decrees, stocks, bonds, bank records, recent tax returns, military service papers, funeral instructions, cemetery plot deeds, directions for human organ donations, powers of attorney and living wills. You may also wish to advise other family members where your important documents are located for safe keeping and storage. |
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| Helpful Telephone Numbers | |
| Board of Elections | (614) 462-3100 |
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| Bureau of Motor Vehicles | (614) 752-7500 |
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| Clerk of Court - Auto Title Dept. | (614) 462-3090 |
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| Columbus Bar Association | (614) 221-4112 |
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| CBA Lawyer Referral Service | (614) 221-0754 |
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(614) 645-8162 |
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1-800-375-5283 |
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Social Security Administration |
(614) 469-6850 |
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| Ohio State Bar Association | (614) 487-2050 |
| Marriage License Statistics for Franklin County, Ohio | |
Approximately 9,000 marriage licenses are issued annually by the Franklin County Probate Court. |
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| Legal Practice in the Probate Court | |
Legal practice in the Probate Court is restricted by law to attorneys who are licensed by the Supreme Court of Ohio. Due to the complexity of the law and desire to avoid costly errors, most individuals who have filings before the Court are represented by an attorney. Court employees are prohibited by statute from practicing law and cannot give legal advice. |
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