Las Vegas Marriage License Requirements: Everything You Need to Know

Getting married in Las Vegas can be simple when you know what you need before applying for your license. Understanding the Las Vegas marriage license requirements can help you avoid problems with identification, eligibility, and the application process.

This guide covers the key rules for couples planning to marry in Las Vegas, including age, marital status, identification, Social Security information, family relationship rules, fees, license validity, and where to obtain the license. If you want the complete process from start to finish, our Las Vegas marriage certificate guide is a useful next step.

What Are the Las Vegas Marriage License Requirements?

The basic rules are straightforward. Both people must meet the legal requirements before a marriage license can be issued.

The main requirements include:

• You must be 18 or older.
• You must currently be unmarried.
• You cannot be related more closely than second cousins.
• You need a valid, original government-issued photo ID.
• U.S. citizens must provide a Social Security number.
• The marriage license fee is $102.
• There is no blood test requirement.
• There is no waiting period after the license is issued.

For couples who want a ceremony quickly, the lack of a waiting period means you can marry once the license has been issued.

Who Is Eligible to Get Married in Las Vegas?

Understanding the eligibility rules is a good place to start before making plans.

Age requirement

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. You must be at least 18. Nevada law has a narrow, court-supervised exception for 17-year-olds — contact the Clark County Clerk’s Office before making any plans. If both people are 18 or older, the age requirement does not create an additional step.

Current marital status

You must currently be unmarried when applying for the license. This means you should not apply while you are already legally married. If your previous marriage has ended, make sure your current marital status is accurate when completing the application.

Family relationship

The couple cannot be related more closely than second cousins. This is part of the legal eligibility rules and applies to the relationship between the two applicants.

These rules form the basic Las Vegas marriage requirements that couples should check before going to the Marriage License Bureau.

What ID Do You Need?

One of the most important parts of the application is having the correct identification. You need a valid, original government-issued photo ID. A photocopy is not accepted as the required original identification.

Examples of acceptable identification include:

• Driver’s license
• Passport
• Military ID
• Permanent Resident Card

Check that your identification is valid and that you have the original document with you. A common mistake is arriving with a photocopy or another document that does not meet the identification requirement. Preparing your original ID before leaving for the Marriage License Bureau can make the process easier.

Do U.S. Citizens Need a Social Security Number?

Yes. U.S. citizens must provide a Social Security number as part of the marriage license process.

This is separate from the photo identification requirement. You still need valid original government-issued photo identification even when you provide your Social Security number.

If you are an international applicant, the rules can be different from those that apply to U.S. citizens. Couples coming from outside the United States should review the information that applies to their situation before applying.

Do You Need a Blood Test?

No. A blood test is not required to obtain a marriage license. This means couples do not need to arrange a blood test before applying.

Is There a Waiting Period?

No. There is no waiting period after the marriage license is issued.

Once you have your license, you can marry immediately. This can be helpful for couples who want a simple Las Vegas ceremony without adding extra days between obtaining the license and getting married.

Where Do You Get a Marriage License in Las Vegas?

The Marriage License Bureau is located at:

201 E. Clark Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89101

The bureau is open 8 a.m. to midnight, 7 days a week, including holidays. This gives couples a wide window to handle the licensing part of their marriage plans.

Before leaving, make sure you have your original government-issued photo ID and any information required for your application.

How Much Is the Marriage License?

The marriage license fee is $102 flat.

Payment can be made by cash or card. Card payments carry a small processing fee, and personal checks are not accepted. The license fee is separate from any ceremony or other services you may choose.

How Long Is the Marriage License Valid?

The license is valid for 1 year from the issue date. It can be used once and is valid anywhere in Nevada.

This gives couples flexibility when planning the ceremony after receiving the license. However, the license does not remain available for repeated use. Once it has been used for the marriage, it has served its purpose.

Can Tourists Get Married in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas attracts couples from outside the local area who want a simple marriage ceremony. If you are travelling to Las Vegas specifically to get married, the licensing requirements still apply. You need to meet the eligibility rules and provide the required original government-issued photo identification.

For couples travelling from another state or country, it is helpful to prepare your documents before arriving.

What Happens After You Meet the Requirements?

Once you meet the requirements and receive your marriage license, you can move on to the ceremony. There is no waiting period, so you can marry once the license has been issued.

For couples who want a simple ceremony without a chapel setting, Just Vows is a licensed, private-studio, non-religious wedding officiant service in Las Vegas. It is not a chapel and is not affiliated with any chapel or church.

The ceremony starts at $75, takes about 15 minutes, and includes a witness. Just Vows welcomes walk-ins Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What Should You Check Before Going to the Bureau?

A simple preparation checklist can help you avoid an unnecessary trip. Before leaving, check that:

• You are currently unmarried.
• You meet the age requirement.
• Your relationship does not fall within the restricted family relationship.
• You have your original government-issued photo ID.
• U.S. citizens have their Social Security number available.
• You have the $102 license fee ready.
• You know where the Marriage License Bureau is located.

You should also make sure the information you provide during the application is accurate. Small preparation steps can make the licensing process much easier.

Can You Get Married Right After Receiving the License?

Yes. There is no waiting period. Once the license has been issued, you can proceed with your ceremony.

This is one reason Las Vegas can work well for couples who want a simple civil ceremony without adding extra waiting time between the license and ceremony. If you are planning a same-day ceremony, make sure you understand the timing of your chosen ceremony service as well as the license process.

For couples who want filing help after the ceremony, Just Vows offers Rush Filing for $75, with the certificate delivered to the Clerk’s Office the next business day.

What If You Are Coming From Outside Las Vegas?

You do not need to make the licensing process more complicated than necessary. Plan your identification and application information before arriving. If you are travelling to Las Vegas, give yourself enough time to visit the Marriage License Bureau and then attend your ceremony.

International couples should also pay close attention to document needs if they plan to use their marriage record outside the United States. The marriage license requirements are the starting point. What you need after the ceremony can depend on how and where you plan to use your marriage record.

A Simple Las Vegas Marriage License Checklist

Here is a quick checklist you can save before applying:

Eligibility

• 18 or older
• Currently unmarried
• Not related more closely than second cousins

Identification

• Original government-issued photo ID
• Valid driver’s license, passport, military ID, Permanent Resident Card, or another qualifying ID
• Social Security number for U.S. citizens

Payment

• $102 marriage license fee
• Cash or card
• No personal check

Before the ceremony

• Marriage license issued
• No waiting period needed
• Ceremony plans ready

This checklist gives you the main requirements in one place without mixing them with unrelated wedding-planning tasks.

What Does Just Vows Offer After You Get Your License?

Once your license is ready, you can arrange a ceremony with a licensed officiant service such as Just Vows. The service is designed for couples who want a private, simple, non-religious ceremony rather than a chapel experience.

The ceremony starts at $75 and includes a witness. It takes about 15 minutes. Just Vows also offers Rush Filing for $75 and Same-Day Filing for $135. For Same-Day Filing, the ceremony must be performed by 2:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, so the certificate reaches the Clerk that business day; the county then files the record within 1–2 business days.

These services are separate from the county’s marriage license fee.

Conclusion

Knowing the Las Vegas marriage license requirements before you apply can make the process much easier. Make sure you meet the age and marital status rules, bring an original government-issued photo ID, provide a Social Security number if you are a U.S. citizen, and have the $102 license fee ready.

There is no blood test or waiting period, and the license is valid for 1 year from its issue date.

Once your license is issued, you can move forward with your ceremony. If you are ready to complete the final step, book your ceremony with Just Vows for a simple private ceremony in Las Vegas.

Frequently Asked Questions