How to Get a Marriage License in Las Vegas: Step-by-Step Guide

If you are planning to get married in Las Vegas, getting the marriage license is the first legal step. The process is simple when you know what to prepare, where to go, and what happens after the license is issued. This guide explains how to get a marriage license in Las Vegas from preparation through receiving your license and moving on to your ceremony.

If you want a broader overview of the entire topic, our Las Vegas marriage certificate guide covers the main points couples should know before getting married in Nevada.

How to Get a Marriage License in Las Vegas

The process can be broken into a few simple steps:

1. Check that you meet the eligibility rulesAge, marital status and family relationship rules.
2. Prepare your original government-issued photo IDA photocopy is not accepted.
3. Have your Social Security number readyRequired for U.S. citizens.
4. Go to the Marriage License Bureau201 E. Clark Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89101.
5. Pay the $102 license feeCash or card. No personal checks.
6. Receive your marriage licenseIssued on the spot once requirements are met.
7. Proceed with your marriage ceremonyA licence is permission to marry, not the ceremony itself.

There is no waiting period after the license is issued, so you can marry as soon as you have the license.

If you want to review the requirements before starting, our Las Vegas marriage license requirements guide explains the eligibility and identification rules in more detail.

Step 1: Check If You Are Eligible

Before starting the application, make sure both people meet the basic legal requirements. You must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be currently unmarried.
• Not be related more closely than second cousins.

Nevada law has a narrow, court-supervised exception for 17-year-olds — contact the Clark County Clerk’s Office before making any plans.

Checking these points before you go can help prevent problems when you apply. You do not need to complete a blood test before getting the license. There is also no waiting period after the license is issued.

Step 2: Prepare Your Identification

Having the correct identification is one of the most important parts of the application. Each applicant needs a valid, original government-issued photo ID. A photocopy is not accepted as the required original identification.

Examples include:

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

Bring the original document with you. A copy, even if it clearly shows the same information, does not replace the required original ID.

Step 3: Have Your Social Security Number Ready

U.S. citizens must provide a Social Security number during the marriage license process. This requirement is separate from your photo ID. You still need valid original government-issued identification even if you have your Social Security number available.

If you are coming from outside the United States, make sure you understand the requirements that apply to your situation before applying.

Step 4: Go to the Marriage License Bureau

The Marriage License Bureau is where you obtain your license.

Where to get a marriage license in Las Vegas

The address is:

201 E. Clark Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89101

The bureau is open 8 a.m. to midnight, 7 days a week, including holidays. The wide opening hours can make it easier for couples to fit the license process into their Las Vegas plans.

Before leaving for the bureau, check that you have your original identification and the information needed for the application.

Step 5: Complete the Application

The application collects the information needed for the marriage license. When completing it, use your legal information and check the details carefully.

The goal is simple: provide the required information, confirm that you meet the eligibility rules, and complete the licensing process with the county.

If you are researching how to apply for a marriage license in Las Vegas, preparing your identification and personal information before going to the bureau can make the process easier. Take a moment to check the spelling of names and other personal details before completing the process. Correct information matters because the marriage record will be based on the information provided.

Step 6: Pay the Marriage License Fee

The marriage license fee is $102 flat. Payment can be made by:

• Cash
• Card

Card payments carry a small processing fee. Personal checks are not accepted.

The $102 license fee is the county marriage license fee. Any ceremony or other service you choose is separate from this fee.

Step 7: Receive Your Marriage License

Once the application is completed and the requirements are met, your marriage license is issued. This is an important point in the process because you are then ready to move forward with your ceremony.

There is no waiting period after the license is issued. You can marry the moment the license is issued. This is useful for couples who want a simple and fast Las Vegas marriage without adding extra waiting time between getting the license and having the ceremony.

Step 8: Plan Your Ceremony

Getting a marriage license does not replace the ceremony. Once you have the license, you still need to have your marriage ceremony.

Couples who want a private, simple ceremony can work with a licensed officiant service such as Just Vows. Just Vows is a licensed, private-studio, non-religious wedding officiant service. 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. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Can You Get Married Immediately After Getting the License?

Yes. Nevada does not require a waiting period after the marriage license has been issued. That means your license can be issued and you can proceed with your ceremony without waiting for another day.

This is one reason couples may choose Las Vegas when they want a straightforward marriage process.

How Long Is the License Valid?

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

This gives you flexibility when planning the ceremony after receiving the license. You do not need to have the ceremony immediately just because the license has been issued, although you should keep its validity period in mind.

What Should You Bring With You?

Before going to the Marriage License Bureau, use this simple checklist:

Identification

• Original government-issued photo ID
• Valid driver’s license, passport, military ID, Permanent Resident Card, or another qualifying government-issued photo ID

Personal information

• Social Security number if you are a U.S. citizen
• Information needed to complete the application
• Current marital status

Payment

• $102 license fee
• Cash or card

Remember that personal checks are not accepted, and card payments carry a small processing fee. Being prepared can make your visit easier and help you avoid delays caused by missing identification or payment.

What If You Are a Tourist?

Many couples travel to Las Vegas specifically to get married. If you are visiting Las Vegas, you still need to meet the same applicable licensing requirements. You should prepare your original government-issued photo ID and the information required for your application before visiting the Marriage License Bureau.

The main point is to prepare before your trip rather than waiting until you arrive to figure out what you need.

What If You Are From Another Country?

International couples should pay close attention to their documents and identification before applying. If you are coming to Nevada from another country, make sure you have the original government-issued photo identification required for the application.

You should also think about what you will need after the marriage if your marriage record will be used outside the United States. A marriage license cannot be apostilled — only a certified copy of the marriage certificate can be, which is why the certificate has to exist first.

What Happens After the License Is Issued?

After receiving the license, your next step is the marriage ceremony. You can choose a simple private ceremony with a licensed officiant service. Just Vows offers ceremonies from $75, with a witness included.

If you need 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. The service is separate from the county’s $102 marriage license fee.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The licensing process is simple, but a few preparation mistakes can create problems.

Bringing a photocopy instead of original ID

Your required identification must be original. A photocopy does not meet the stated requirement.

Forgetting the Social Security number

U.S. citizens must provide a Social Security number.

Bringing a personal check

Personal checks are not accepted for the license fee. Bring cash or use a card.

Assuming there is a waiting period

There is no waiting period after the license is issued. You can marry once you receive it.

Forgetting that the license has a validity period

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

A Simple Marriage License Day Checklist

Before leaving for the Marriage License Bureau, check:

• Both applicants meet the eligibility rules.
• Both applicants have original government-issued photo IDs.
• U.S. citizens have their Social Security numbers.
• You have the $102 fee.
• You have cash or a card for payment.
• You know the bureau address.
• You have your ceremony plans ready.

This simple checklist can help you arrive prepared and move through the process with less stress.

Conclusion

Learning how to get a marriage license in Las Vegas does not have to be complicated. Check your eligibility, prepare your original government-issued photo ID, have the required Social Security information if you are a U.S. citizen, visit the Marriage License Bureau, and pay the $102 fee.

Once your license is issued, there is no waiting period before your ceremony. If you are ready for the next step, book your Las Vegas ceremony with Just Vows for a simple private ceremony with a licensed officiant.

Frequently Asked Questions