Cost of License

What is the cost of a marriage license?
The marriage license fee is $30.00 dollars. Accepted forms of payment are cash. Marriage license fees may vary from county to county.

Residency Requirements

What are the residency requirements for Iowa?
None, you do not have to be a previous or current resident of Iowa to obtain a marriage license that is valid statewide.

Waiting Period

Is there a waiting period from the application date to the date the license is issued?
Yes, there is a mandatory 3 day waiting period. In most states, the waiting period does not include Saturdays, Sundays or holidays. In some instances, the day the application is filed is not included within the waiting period.

Is there a waiting period from the date the license is issued to the date I am allowed to marry?
No, you can marry immediately after receiving your license.

Age Requirement

What is the minimum age a man or woman may marry?
You must be 18 years old or older to marry without parental consent. A birth certificate may be necessary to show proof of age.

What if one or both of us is younger than 18?
If either partner is under 18, parents or legal guardians must be present. If a parent can not be present, due to death, separation, divorce or other circumstances, proper evidence must be presented for verification. You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate.

Blood Tests and Physical Exams

Are blood tests and physical exams required?
No blood test or physical exam is required.

License Expires

How long does a marriage license remain valid once it's been issued?
Your marriage license will never expire once it's been issued.

Divorced and Widowed Applicants

What if one or both partners have been divorced or have had a spouse die?
If previously married, the date of divorce or date of spouse's death must be provided.

Obtain Vital Records

Where can I obtain a certified copy of a marriage, divorce, or death certificate?
Certified copies of marriage, divorce, or death records can be ordered online.

Miscellaneous Questions

Are proxy marriages legal?
No, marriage by proxy is not allowed.

Are cousin marriages legal?
No, cousin marriages are not allowed.

Are common law marriages legal?
Yes, common-law marriages are allowed.

Are same sex marriages legal?
Yes, as of April 2009 the state of Iowa has lifted the ban on same sex marriages.