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Nebraska marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What Nebraska'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 October 30, 2026

Editorial standards

Nebraska marriage license at a glance

Fee: $50 for the license, set in state law, effective July 18, 2026. Waiting period: None. Dodge County says licenses are issued the same day when requirements are met. How long it is valid: The license must be used within one year of issuance.

Nebraska marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked October 30, 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: $50 for the license, set in state law, effective July 18, 2026. (Source: nebraskalegislature.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: None. Dodge County says licenses are issued the same day when requirements are met. (Source: dodgecounty.nebraska.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
How long the license is valid: The license must be used within one year of issuance. (Source: nebraskalegislature.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: A Nebraska license can be used in any Nebraska county. (Source: dodgecounty.nebraska.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Witnesses: At least two witnesses besides the officiant must be present. (Source: nebraskalegislature.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Who may officiate: Judges, retired judges, clerk magistrates and retired clerk magistrates, and preachers authorized by their church's usages. (Source: nebraskalegislature.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: 19 without parental consent; 17 or 18 need parental consent; no one under 17 can marry in Nebraska. (Source: dakotacounty.ne.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: One form of ID, such as a U.S. driver's license or passport; a birth certificate counts only with another government photo ID. (Source: dakotacounty.ne.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where to apply: A county clerk in Nebraska; you can apply in any county. (Source: nebraskalegislature.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: Check with your county clerk. Official page
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: The county clerk charges $16 per certified copy of a marriage record on file in that office. (Source: nebraskalegislature.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in Nebraska?

$50 for the license, set in state law, effective July 18, 2026.

Is there a waiting period to get married in Nebraska?

None. Dodge County says licenses are issued the same day when requirements are met.

How long is a Nebraska marriage license valid?

The license must be used within one year of issuance.

Do you need witnesses to get married in Nebraska?

At least two witnesses besides the officiant must be present.

Who can officiate a wedding in Nebraska?

Judges, retired judges, clerk magistrates and retired clerk magistrates, and preachers authorized by their church's usages.

How do you get a certified copy of a Nebraska marriage certificate?

The county clerk charges $16 per certified copy of a marriage record on file in that office.

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