Planning a wedding can be a lot of work and a lot of fun. Still, there are aspects of the process that can seem less thrilling. Obtaining your marriage license, for example, is something that many couples don’t think about when first getting into the details of planning out their big day. If you and your partner are slightly bewildered when it comes to all matters legal, then it stands to reason you could use a little bit of insight. This simple guide should be able to bring you through each step so you don’t have any lingering questions.
Requirements
Before you can start the application process, you need to do a bit of ruminating. First, you need to consider the marriage requirements in your specific state of residence. Age is an important requirement to all states in America. Even though you and your partner might be well past the legal age for applying for a license, the state still needs you to prove your exact age. This means you’ll need to have your birth certificate handy, or at least a copy of it that is recognized by the state.
Outside of proving your age with your certificate, you’re also going to need to prove your identity. This requirement is very similar to what you may be familiar with from a trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles, only a little less aggravating to your patience. Government-issued identification papers and cards with photos are the best choice. Make sure you have your driver’s license or passport handy and you’ll be ready to go. If you were previously married, you also need to make sure your former union has been legally terminated before moving forward.
Name Game
Next, you and your partner need to discuss surnames. In the past, wives took the last names of their husbands. Attitudes have changed a lot over recent years and now there are all sorts of combinations to consider. You can leave your name the same as it is, which is a popular choice for a lot of couples these days. A hyphenated combination of both names is also a staple that many women and men have found useful. No matter what you pick, however, you need to remember that the names don’t magically change once you tie the knot.
To have your name legally changed, you’ll need to contact the Social Security Administration. This will get the ball rolling and help you make your new surname a reality. Certain states have particular restrictions and regulations when it comes to changing names, so be sure to look into the details in advance.
Applying
After you have all your preliminary work finished, you can start the application process. Check online and see if your county offers an application you can complete on the internet. A number of states are adopting this technique and it can easily speed things along. Once you’ve done this, you and your partner are going need to go to the County Clerk’s office to finish the process. Pay the fee, obtain the license, and get married! After the ceremony, have your officiant fill out the license paperwork with your witnesses and file the license.
Knowing how and when to apply for your marriage license can be tricky. On the surface, it can seem like a somewhat straightforward process. Once you get into it, you may realize that you’re a bit more confused than you’d anticipated. Be sure to take the time you need to do preliminary work like obtaining the correct documentation and figuring out your surnames. With a little time and preparation, you and your partner will have no trouble getting the license you need to make your union official in the eyes of the law.
Add Your Comment