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This is the standard license issued to couples intending to marry. Both parties must appear in person at a county clerk's office to apply. The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.
Tennessee law does not provide for an "Absent Applicant License." However, if an individual is incarcerated or has a disability preventing in-person appearance, they may submit a notarized statement in lieu of appearing personally.
To apply for a marriage license in Tennessee, both applicants must appear in person at any county clerk’s office within the state. Each must present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. There is no waiting period or blood test requirement, and the license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.
Non-residents can obtain a marriage license by appearing together at any Tennessee county clerk’s office with valid photo identification. The application process is the same for residents and non-residents, and the license is valid statewide.
Applicants must apply in person at a Tennessee county clerk’s office; remote applications are not permitted. Both parties need valid identification, such as a passport. The license is valid for 30 days and can be used immediately after issuance.
Marriage licenses in most states expire within 30–90 days. Make sure to check your state’s rules to avoid last-minute stress.
Processing times can vary. Applying early helps you avoid delays, especially if your wedding is on a weekend or during peak season.
Some states allow same-day issuance, while others require a waiting period. Plan ahead to meet your wedding timeline.
Most offices issue licenses immediately, though some may take a few days. Confirm whether you’ll need to pick it up or if a digital copy is available.
If your license expires before your wedding, you’ll need to reapply—and repay the fees again. Stay on top of the deadline to avoid extra hassle.
Both applicants must present a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state-issued ID, passport, or military ID. Applicants must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent.
Applicants are required to provide their Social Security numbers. If an applicant does not have a Social Security number, they may need to sign an affidavit stating this fact.
If either applicant has been previously married, they must provide the exact date of divorce or date of the former spouse’s death.
Both applicants must appear together in person at the county clerk’s office to sign the permanent record book. Some counties offer an online pre-application to expedite the process.
The marriage license fee varies by county, typically ranging from $97.50 to $101.00. Couples who complete a premarital preparation course may receive a reduced fee. Accepted payment methods vary, so it’s advisable to check with the specific county clerk’s office beforehand.
Tennessee does not impose a waiting period; the license is valid immediately upon issuance. The marriage license must be used within 30 days from the date of issuance.
Certain cases need more paperwork
Make sure your IDs, forms, and application details are accurate to avoid delays.
Some states offer fee reductions for completing a course—check if it applies to you.
Avoid last-minute stress by applying in advance and consulting a specialist if needed.
Detailed step by step application process
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