Wisconsin Marriage License Requirements
In Wisconsin, individuals seeking a marriage license must meet specific eligibility requirements. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, or between 16 and 17 with parental consent; those under 16 are not permitted to marry. A government-issued photo ID, certified birth certificate, and Social Security number are required. If either party has been divorced, proof of the divorce decree must be presented. The application must be filed in the county where at least one party has resided for 30 days or longer; non-residents may apply in the county where the ceremony will take place.
The license application process includes additional procedural requirements. Two witnesses who are at least 18 years old must be present. Wisconsin does not require a blood test. A standard waiting period of three days applies; the period extends to five days for applicants new to the county, though this wait may be waived for a $25 fee. Marriage license fees are set by individual counties and typically range from approximately $50 to $110. Applicants should contact their county clerk's office or consult Wisconsin's official statutes to confirm current eligibility rules, required documentation, and applicable fees before applying.
| Requirement | Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| License fee | varies by county (~$50-$110; County Clerk; Milwaukee ~$110) |
| Fee set by | County (varies by county) |
| Waiting period | 3 days (5-day wait if a party hasn't lived in the county ≥30 days; waivable for a $25 fee) |
| License validity | 30 days (ceremony in WI) |
| ID required | government photo ID; certified birth certificate; SSN; proof of any divorce |
| Residency required | apply in the county where either party has resided ≥30 days; non-residents apply where the ceremony occurs |
| Minimum age | 18 without consent; 16-17 with parental consent; under 16 not permitted |
| Blood test | no |
| Witnesses | 2 witnesses (18+) |
| Online option | some counties offer online application; finalized at the County Clerk |
| Where to apply | County Clerk (county-administered) |
| Governing law | Set by state statute — refer to your state’s official statutes and the issuing County Clerk for the governing rule |
Confirm locally. Requirements come from public-record state law and can change. Verify with the issuing county clerk or state .gov. Informational only — not legal advice.
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