Marriages - Frequently Asked Questions

What_is_needed_to_get_a_marriage_license
How_much_is_the_fee_for_a_marriage_license
When_should_I_apply
How_long_is_the_marriage_license_valid
We_are_out_of_state_residents;_can_I_apply_in_Ozaukee_County_for_a_license
Can_there_be_exceptions_to_the_waiting_period_requirement
Do_both_parties_have_to_be_present_at_the_clerk’s_office_to_apply_for_a_license
Are_we_required_to_have_a_blood_test
How_long_does_it_take_to_get_the_license
Do_we_need_an_appointment
Can_we_get_an_application_ahead_of_time
How_do_I_get_information_on_being_married_by_a_judge
Do_one_or_both_of_the_marriage_license_applicants_have_to_be_American_citizens
My_spouse_and_I_would_like_to_renew_our_marriage_vows._Do_we_need_to_get_a_license_for_this
Can_I_get_married_by_a_Judge_and_then_later_married_in_a_church
Do_I_need_to_have_my_divorce_papers_or_spouse’s_death_certificate_in_order_to_apply_for_a_marriage_license
Can_I_legally_marry_my_cousin
Can_people_obtain_licenses_to_marry_partners_of_their_own_gender
Can_I_get_a_refund_on_the_license_if_it_is_not_used

What is needed to get a marriage license?

(Any documents not in English must be translated and notarized)

*Current Photo Identification: This is a valid driver’s license or State ID showing photo for identification and reflecting your current address.

*Proof of Residency: At least one party must prove residency in Ozaukee County for more than 30 days. A valid Wisconsin Driver’s license with current address is the best proof.

*Social Security Card: Both parties must have their SS card or something with their name and number on the same document…Ex. Health insurance card, paycheck stub, W-2

*Certified Birth Certificates: All applicants must bring in CERTIFIED birth certificates. This is available at the County in which you were born or the State Office of Vital Records. Hospital copies, photocopies or registration forms are NOT acceptable.

*Divorce Papers or Death Certificates-see clarification below.

*Date of Ceremony- wedding date must be set before applying for license.

*Officiate-You will need to know the name, address and telephone number of the person performing your wedding ceremony. Letter of sponsorship if out of state officiate.

How much is the fee for a marriage license?

$100.00 payable by check or cash. NO credit or debit cards accepted.

When should I apply?

Application should be at least 8 days before the wedding (due to the 6 day waiting period) but not more than 35 days.

How long is the marriage license valid?

30 days – counting starts the day after issuance and ends on day 30.

We are out of state residents; can I apply in Ozaukee County for a license?

Out of state residents can apply in Ozaukee County ONLY if they are getting married in Ozaukee County.

Can there be exceptions to the waiting period requirement?

Please contact our office to discuss your situation.

Do both parties have to be present at the clerk’s office to apply for a license?

Yes, both the bride and groom must apply together.

Are we required to have a blood test?

No, Wisconsin does not require blood tests in order to get married.

How long does it take to get the license?

The approximate time is 15-20 minutes if you have all the correct paperwork that is required.

Do we need an appointment?

No, it is first come first served during the hours of 8:30-4:30pm Monday thru Friday.

Can we get an application ahead of time?

No, we process the application on a computer at the time of entry.

How do I get information on being married by a judge?

Contact Clerk of Courts office at 262-284-8409 or 262-238-8409

Do one or both of the marriage license applicants have to be American citizens?

No, but one of the applicants must be a resident of Ozaukee County, or be out-of –state residents getting married in Ozaukee County.

My spouse and I would like to renew our marriage vows. Do we need to get a license for this?

No, a license cannot be granted to persons who are still legally married. If a couple wishes to "reaffirm" their vows, they may do so, but a license cannot be issued for that purpose.

Can I get married by a Judge and then later married in a church?

Yes, you will need the license for the Judge and that day will be your wedding date. Getting married in a church would be like renewing your vows (see question above).

Do I need to have my divorce papers or spouse’s death certificate in order to apply for a marriage license?

If either of the applicants has been married before, they must bring a file stamped "copy" of the Divorce Judgment, Annulment papers or Certified Death Certificate from their last marriage. The divorce must be final for at least 6 months.

Can I legally marry my cousin?

Persons closer in relationship than second cousins may not marry. First cousins may marry if the female has attained the age of 55 years or where either party at the time of application for marriage license, submits an affidavit signed by a physician stating that either party is permanently sterile.

Can people obtain licenses to marry partners of their own gender?

Persons of the same sex MAY NOT marry in Wisconsin. They may however, apply for a Declaration of Domestic Partnership. Ask Clerk for more information.

Can I get a refund on the license if it is not used?

NO, once the license is created (which is the day of application) there is no refund.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

121 W Main St P.O. Box 994 - Room 128 - Port Washington WI 53074 - Phone 262-284-9411 - Email Us