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District of Columbia marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What District of Columbia's official pages say about getting married there: the fee, the waiting period, how long the license lasts, witnesses, officiants, ID and where to apply. Each rule links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished November 12, 2026

Editorial standards

District of Columbia marriage license at a glance

Fee: $45 application fee. $35 of it is waived if an original DC Domestic Partnership Certificate is presented. Payment by cash, card, or check or money order. Waiting period: DC Courts says you can get married any time after you receive your license, including the same day you receive it. How long it is valid: A marriage license does not expire once issued.

District of Columbia marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked November 12, 2026. Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the clerk where you apply before you rely on a rule.

Fee: $45 application fee. $35 of it is waived if an original DC Domestic Partnership Certificate is presented. Payment by cash, card, or check or money order. (Source: dccourts.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Premarital education discount: None stated on the official pages we read. Check with your county clerk. Official page
Waiting period: DC Courts says you can get married any time after you receive your license, including the same day you receive it. (Source: dccourts.gov, checked November 12, 2026)
How long the license is valid: A marriage license does not expire once issued. (Source: dccourts.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: The couple and the officiant must be physically in the District of Columbia at the time of the ceremony. (Source: dccourts.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Witnesses: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Who may officiate: DC Courts officials, or religious and civil celebrants and judges from elsewhere who are authorized by the Court and registered with the Marriage Bureau. Self-officiating is allowed. (Source: dccourts.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Officiants ordained online: Not stated here. Ask the county clerk before you rely on an online ordination. Official page
Age: The minimum age for marriage in the District of Columbia is 18. (Source: dccourts.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: Proof of age for both parties: a valid US driver's license, a government-issued non-driver ID, or a passport. (Source: dccourts.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where to apply: Marriage Bureau, Moultrie Courthouse, Room JM 690, 500 Indiana Ave NW. Applications are processed remotely and in person, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Source: dccourts.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: Yes. DC Courts has an online marriage license application form; court staff contact you after it is received. (Source: dccourts.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: Submit full names, maiden names and the marriage date. The fee is $10 per copy, paid through an online portal, and the copy is mailed. (Source: dccourts.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in District of Columbia?

$45 application fee. $35 of it is waived if an original DC Domestic Partnership Certificate is presented. Payment by cash, card, or check or money order.

Is there a waiting period to get married in District of Columbia?

DC Courts says you can get married any time after you receive your license, including the same day you receive it.

How long is a District of Columbia marriage license valid?

A marriage license does not expire once issued.

Who can officiate a wedding in District of Columbia?

DC Courts officials, or religious and civil celebrants and judges from elsewhere who are authorized by the Court and registered with the Marriage Bureau. Self-officiating is allowed.

How do you get a certified copy of a District of Columbia marriage certificate?

Submit full names, maiden names and the marriage date. The fee is $10 per copy, paid through an online portal, and the copy is mailed.

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