To obtain a marriage license, BOTH PARTIES MUST APPEAR TOGETHER.
In order to receive a marriage license, applicants will need to bring the following information with them:
Social security number
If you do not have a social security number, you must go to the Social Security Office and obtain a letter explaining why you do not have a number. Bring the letter and a valid passport with you when applying for your marriage license.
The Social Security Office is located at 1249 S Vinnell Way, Suite 101 in Boise.
State or military-issued photo ID or valid passport
City and state of birth
$30 in cash (price includes mailing of a certified copy)
To receive a marriage license, Idaho Code 32-412A requires both parties read an AIDS information sheet and sign the Marriage License Affidavit.
Do you accept a credit/debit card?
No, we only accept cash. There is an ATM inside the building.
Do I need to be a resident of Idaho to obtain a marriage license?
No; however, with an Idaho State Marriage License, you must get married in Idaho.
Is there a waiting period before using the license?
No, you may get married the same day.
When we receive the Marriage License, are we married?
No, an authorized clergy member, judge, or other designated official, like a mayor or the governor, must perform the ceremony.
Are marriage ceremonies performed in the clerk’s office?
No, you may contact a judge to make an appointment for the same day you pick up your marriage license or for a future date. A list of judges is available at our office.
Who is authorized to perform a marriage ceremony in Idaho?
In Idaho, a wedding officiant must be authorized under Idaho Code Section 32-303. Authorized individuals include:
Is my last name automatically changed after the ceremony?
No, you must present a certified copy of your Marriage License to both the Social Security Office and the Department of Motor Vehicles. A certified copy of your marriage license will be mailed to your current address after the Recorder’s Office receives the bottom section from your officiant.
When will the Marriage License expire?
There is no expiration date on your marriage license. If a certified copy of your marriage license is not returned to our office within a year of your date of marriage, please contact Vital Statistics at (208) 334-5980.
What if an applicant is not 18 years old?
Applicants who are 16 or 17 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (legal guardians must supply a certified copy of their appointment of guardianship). The applicant must present one of the following four items:
A parent or legal guardian must complete the following:
Parents or legal guardian will need to bring in a State or Federally issued picture ID for notarizing the affidavit when signing it.
Anyone who is younger than 16 years old will need a court order approving the marriage prior to applying for a marriage license.
What is required if one party is incarcerated?
If one of the individuals applying for a marriage license is currently incarcerated, obtaining a license becomes a multi-day, two-step process. You will not leave with a marriage license after your first visit.
The first step is obtaining all the needed information for the license from the person who is incarcerated, including birth date, city and state of birth, full legal name, and social security number. Once you have that information, the marriage application can be started.
After all, information is entered for both parties, an affidavit will be printed. The available party will sign the document but it then must be taken to the person who is incarcerated to be signed and notarized. In addition, an HIV/AIDS pamphlet will be given to them and the signature page must be returned with the affidavit.
The completed forms (HIV/AIDS signature page, affidavit and notary jurat) must be returned by the non-incarcerated applicant to the Recorders Office to finish the marriage license.
At this time, the $30.00 cash fee will be collected and the license will be issued.
Can a marriage license be issued to a dual incarcerated or dual military (not in Idaho) applicants?
Yes. A marriage license may be issued to dual incarcerated or dual military (not in Idaho) applicants. This process will be similar to the format outlined for a single party incarcerated or military applicant but requires a third party to bring the needed information to both applicants to be signed and notarized. The third party will need to be 18 years of age or older and provide state or federally issued photo identification. The identification for the third party will be verified both times so that we can confirm who is being given all documents. The third party will be responsible for paying the $30.00 cash fee for the marriage license and will be responsible to bring the marriage license to one of the applicants.
Although a marriage license is issued, State law does not recognize telephonic or video marriage as a valid marriage ceremony. Additionally, if the applicants are not married in the State of Idaho (with both applicants in State), an Idaho marriage license is not valid.
What is the process if English is not the applicant’s primary language?
If either applicant requires the assistance of a translator, please contact the Recorder’s Office prior to coming in for the marriage license. A court-approved translator will be provided through scheduled appointments only. We will not be able to move forward with a marriage license without a proper translator due to applicants being required to provide specific information and sign a legal affidavit.
In the event that required documentation (such as a birth certificate for any applicant under the age of 18) is written in a language other than English, a translator will be required. The court-appointed translator will provide the Recorder’s Office the parent(s) name(s), applicant name, and date of birth. An original birth certificate or certified copy is required for the translator to read over.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Recorder’s Office at (208) 287-6840.
Our Online Marriage Application site is now available. Please see the site for requirements and fees. Once you fill out the online application, come into the Ada County Clerk’s Office to prove your identity and pay for the license. Please remember that payments are only accepted in cash.