District of Columbia Marriage License Fee & Waiting Period

In the District of Columbia, couples applying for a marriage license pay a flat fee of $45, set at the statewide level through the DC Marriage Bureau at the Superior Court. This fee is uniform across the district and does not vary by location. The District of Columbia has eliminated its former three-day waiting period, allowing couples to obtain and use their marriage license immediately upon issuance. Once issued, a marriage license in the District of Columbia does not expire, remaining valid indefinitely for solemnization of the marriage.

The District of Columbia offers additional flexibility in its marriage process, permitting self-uniting marriages and online applications for licenses. Prospective couples should contact the DC Marriage Bureau directly to verify current procedures and any documentation requirements before applying.

The fee is representative. confirm the exact, current amount on the issuing county clerk's own fee schedule. Informational only — not legal advice.

Where the fee is actually set

In most states the marriage-license fee is set by the county, not the legislature, so a single statewide number can be wrong for you. The license document itself is issued by the county clerk — that office’s own fee schedule is the authoritative source for the current amount and any waiting period.

Full District of Columbia license guide → · Compare fee models by state →