Marriage Records Search

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Marriage License Application

Where To Apply

Jackson County has two locations where you may apply for a marriage license.

Jackson County Courthouse
Recorder of Deeds
415 East 12th Street, Room 104
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
(816) 881-1577

Jackson County Courthouse Annex
Recorder of Deeds
308 West Kansas Avenue, Suite 104
Independence, Missouri 64050
(816) 881-4608

When To Apply

Our office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, Monday through Friday, except legal holidays. Applications are taken until 5:00 p.m. each day but you are asked to apply prior to 4:30 p.m. in order to allow enough time to process the application. All marriage license applicants must pay the $48.00 application fee (cash only) at the time of application. If the bride chooses to have her name changed after the wedding ceremony, a certified copy of the marriage license must be purchased for an additional $10.00. This certified copy is then presented by her to the Social Security Administration in order to effect a name change.

Picking up the License

The license may be picked up by either the bride or groom with a valid photo id.  Alternatively, the license may be picked up by anyone presenting the receipt for the requested license.

The license is valid for thirty (30) days from the issue date.

Beyond thirty (30) days from the issue date, the license is no longer valid and may not be used.

The license must be returned to our office.

The license, used or unused, must be returned to the county of issuance. If used, the minister, priest or judge must return the Marriage License to the office of the Recorder of Deeds. Please note: Your marriage ceremony must be held in the State of Missouri. After the ceremony, the officiator will sign and give the couple a "keepsake" called a Marriage Certificate. A Marriage Certificate is not considered legal proof of a marriage ceremony. Missouri law requires that the officiator complete the bottom portion of the license, have two witnesses sign it, and return it to the office of the Recorder of Deeds in the envelope provided within ten days after the wedding. The license is preserved in the office of the Recorder of Deeds as a public record. You do not automatically receive a copy of your Marriage License after your wedding ceremony. A certified copy of the Marriage License is generally the format accepted by government agencies, insurers, etc. as legal proof that a marriage ceremony occurred.

Who may preside over a marriage ceremony?

The official presiding over your marriage ceremony must be:

• An ordained or licensed minister in good standing with a Missouri congregation;
• A judge of a "court of record" in the State of Missouri; or
• A member of a religious society practicing in Missouri according to its rules.

How do I obtain a certified copy of my marriage license?

Proof of your marriage is available upon request in person or by mail after it has been returned by the officiator. Please include the following with your request:

• The names of the bride and groom at the time of application;
• The date of the marriage;
• $10.00 fee for each certified copy;
• The marriage license number, if known;
• Please make checks payable to Recorder of Deeds.

Application Requirements

Both parties must appear together at the office of the Recorder of Deeds at the time of application. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age (male or female) to marry without parental consent, and provide their social security number.

Persons between the ages of 15 and 18 may obtain a marriage license with the consent of their custodial parent. Parents must be present to give consent at the time of application and must have proper identification. A valid driver's license is considered proper identification, as is a birth certificate of the child, showing the parent's name.

For applicants who are between the ages of 15 and 18, the following documents are acceptable forms of identification:

• Certified copy of the birth certificate;
• Valid Driver's License.

Marrying After Divorce

Previously married applicants must give the date that their last marriage ended. There is no waiting period after a divorce before an individual may apply for a marriage license.

Required Documents

The office of the Recorder of Deeds is required by law to verify each applicant's identity and age. Verification is done in person at the Recorder of Deeds Department with the following documents:

• Valid Driver's License,
• Missouri ID,
• U.S. passport,
• foreign passport with Visa or U.S. entry stamp,
• military ID
• certified copy of U.S. Birth Certificate
• government ID card with government issued ID number.

For individuals who are not U.S. citizens, valid U.S. government documentation must be provided.