Marriage License

A marriage license is valid for 30 days, based on time of application. It must be used in that time period. It is only valid in the State of Delaware. The waiting period is 24 hours (based on time of application) for all applicants, online and in-person.

A marriage license may be obtained during the hours 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday (By Appointment Only).

Sussex County Administrative Building, Room 226, Second floor, 2 The Circle,  in Georgetown, Del.

Applying for a Marriage License

In Person:

• Both applicants must appear together when applying for a marriage license.
• Marriage licenses are being issued by appointment only. Please be sure to contact the office within the 30-day window of your wedding to schedule an appointment. Currently times are limited due to COVID-19.
• Each applicant is required to show valid photo identification. The identification may be a driver’s license, a State-issued identification card, a passport or a military identification. Proof of residence is required if requesting the Delaware Resident Fee.
• In order to apply for a marriage license an applicant must be at least eighteen years of age.
• Applicants may not be related to each other.
• Applicants must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• No blood test is required.
• If a female applicant is divorced and has legally reclaimed her maiden name, we require the original, true copy or a certified copy of the name change court papers. Photocopies will not be accepted.
• If either applicant has been married and the marriage was terminated by divorce or annulment, the last divorce or annulment decree is required. It must be signed by a judge and bear a seal indicating that it is the original, true copy or a certified copy. Photocopies will not be accepted.
• If either applicant has been married and the marriage was terminated by death, we require the original, true copy or a certified copy of the death certificate. Photocopies will not be accepted. You will need to know all prior wedding dates.
• If either applicant is on probation or parole, written permission to marry is required from their probation or parole officer.
• If either applicant requires an interpreter, they must provide their own. The interpreter must be at least eighteen years of age. There is a part-time Spanish-speaking interpreter working in the office, please call (302) 853-1717 to find out their availability.
• Birth certificates are not required but helpful in the process. If you don't have one handy, please know the following information when you come in for an application:

1. Father's first, middle and last name
2. Mother's first, middle and last name
3. State or County of birth for both parents
4. State or County of residence for both parents

Online:

Once the online application is filled in completely, your online license application will be processed. Note: you will not receive anything in the mail regarding this transaction.

• Are you currently on Probation or Parole? If yes, you must have the Department of Corrections authorization to apply for a marriage license.
• Are you in a prohibited degree of relationship or party to a previous civil union or legal domestic partnership?
• Related in anyway to one another or still married to someone else? If yes, you cannot apply for a marriage license. Please call our office for further information at (302) 853-1717.

In filling out an online application, the applicant is ordering a marriage license from the Sussex County Marriage Bureau. It must be picked up by both applicants at the Sussex County Marriage Bureau and can be used anywhere in the State of Delaware.

When you pick up your license, you cannot be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

In addition to the purchase price, the credit card provided will be charged $19.95 by Go Certificates for processing your order. All transactions are final and no refunds will be given.