The Alabama marriage license is a legal document that grants permission for two individuals to get married in the state of Alabama. The license indicates that the individuals meet the legal requirements for marriage, such as age, identity, and eligibility, and is obtained from the County Probate Court where the marriage ceremony will occur. Once the marriage ceremony is performed, the license is signed by the officiant and returned to the probate court to be filed and recorded.
Requirements for the Alabama Marriage License
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Identification
You and your partner must provide valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport, to prove your identity and age.
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Age
Both parties must be at least 18 to marry in Alabama. If you are under 18, you will need parental consent and a court order.
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Waiting Period
There is no waiting period to obtain an Alabama Marriage License, meaning you can typically get the license on the same day you apply.
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Validity
The license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance, meaning you must get married within that time frame.
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Residency
There are no residency requirements to obtain an Alabama Marriage License. You do not need to be a resident of Alabama to get married in the state.
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Fees
There is a fee for the marriage license, which varies by county. You can typically pay with cash, credit card, or check.
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Blood Test
Alabama does not require a blood test to obtain a marriage license.
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Waiting Period for Remarriage
There is no waiting period to remarry in Alabama if you have been divorced or widowed. However, you will need to provide documentation of the divorce or death.
How to Apply for the Alabama Marriage License
- Find the Right County Probate Court. The first step is to find the County Probate Court in the county where you plan to get married. You can typically find this information online or by calling the court.
- Gather Required Documentation. Both parties must bring valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport, to prove their identity and age. You may also need proof of divorce or death if you have been married.
- Fill Out the Application. The next step is to fill out the marriage license application form. You can typically find this form online or at the probate court. Both parties must be present to sign the application.
- Pay the Fee. There is a fee for the marriage license, which varies by county. You can typically pay with cash, credit card, or cheque.
- Wait for the License to be Issued. Once the application is complete and the fee is paid, the probate court will issue the marriage license. There is typically no waiting period, meaning you can get the license the same day you apply.
- Get Married. The marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance, meaning you must get married within that time frame. After the marriage ceremony, the officiant will sign the license, which must be returned to the probate court for filing and recording.
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Key Details and Considerations for Alabama Marriage License
When obtaining an Alabama marriage license, several important details and considerations must be remembered. Here are a few:
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Age Requirement
In Alabama, the legal age for marriage is 18. However, individuals aged 16 or 17 can get married with parental consent. Individuals under 16 can only get married with a court order.
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Identification Requirements
Both parties must present valid government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license or passport, to prove their identity and age.
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Waiting Period
There is typically no waiting period to obtain an Alabama marriage license. You can typically get the license on the same day you apply.
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Expiration Date
The marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance, meaning you must get married within that time frame.
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Fees
There is a fee for the marriage license, which varies by county. You can typically pay with cash, credit card, or check.
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Blood Tests
Alabama no longer requires blood tests for marriage license applications.
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Same-Sex Marriage
Same-sex marriage is legal in Alabama, and the process for obtaining a marriage license is the same for all couples.
Key Terms for Alabama Marriage License
- Probate Court: The County Probate Court is responsible for issuing marriage licenses in Alabama.
- Marriage License Application: Both parties must fill out the application form to obtain an Alabama marriage license.
- Waiting Period: There is typically no waiting period to obtain an Alabama marriage license.
- Expiration Date: The marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.
- Blood Tests: Alabama no longer requires blood tests for marriage license applications.
Final Thoughts on Alabama Marriage License
In conclusion, obtaining an Alabama marriage license is an important step for couples who wish to get married in the state. The process involves filling out an application, providing the necessary documentation, and paying a fee. The license is valid for 30 days and allows couples to marry legally in Alabama.
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