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State of South Carolina Marriage License, SC

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State of South Carolina
Marriage License Requirements

  • License Fee: Varies by county.

  • Minimum Age: (16).

    • Minor applicants must have parental consent and present a certified or original birth certificate.

    • The parents of minor(s) must provide Identification.

  • Waiting Period: There is a (24) twenty-four hour waiting period after the application is made before the license can be picked up and the parties can be married.

    • This waiting period varies from county to county, so please contact the appropriate county Probate Judge’s office at least a week before you plan to get married.

  • License Validity: There is no expiration date for a South Carolina marriage license.

  • Blood Test: Not Required.

  • Residency: Not Required.

  • Witnesses: South Carolina does not require a witness to the marriage.

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Marriage ID Requirement South Carolina:

To complete the application for a marriage license, a couple must:

  • Both parties must appear together and file a written application that must be signed by both contracting parties and notarized in the office of the Probate Judge in which the license is to be issued.

  • Applicants between eighteen and twenty-five years old must submit proof of identity and age.

  • Pay the necessary license fee.

  • Wait the 24 hours period after the application is made before the license can be picked up and the parties can be married.

    • This waiting period varies from county to county, so please contact the appropriate county Probate Judge’s office at least a week before you plan to get married.

Marriage ID Requirement:

  • Valid Driver’s License

  • Original Birth Certificate or a certified copy of the Birth Certificate

  • Valid State ID

  • Current Military ID

  • Valid Passport

  • Social Security Card

Marriage Waiting Period:

  • There is a twenty-four hour waiting period after the application is made before the license can be picked up and the parties can be married.

  • This waiting period varies from county to county, so please contact the appropriate county Probate Judge’s office at least a week before you plan to get married.

Marriage Residency Requirement:

There is no residency requirement in South Carolina.

Previous Marriages: ✔ Search Marriage | Divorce Records

No proof of divorce is required for marriage in South Carolina

Marriage License Fees:

  • The marriage license fees varies from South Carolina county to county, so call ahead to your county Probate Judge’s office to ensure you have the right fee and ask what form of payment is accepted. In some cases, you may need to bring cash.

  • If a couple has completed a qualifying premarital preparation course PRIOR to applying for the license and presents a certificate of completion at the time of application, they may be eligible to receive a $50 non-refundable state income tax credit pursuant to S.C. Code 20-1-230.

Proxy Marriages:

Proxy marriages are not allowed in South Carolina. Both parties must be present.

Cousin Marriages South Carolina:

Yes. First and second cousins may legally marry in South Carolina.

Common Law Marriages:

Yes. In South Carolina, common law marriages are valid for individuals who are cohabiting as husband and wife.

Marriage Blood Test:

In South Carolina, no blood test or physical is required.

Name Change:

Getting a marriage license with your new name on it does not mean your name has automatically changed. If you need to change your last name, you can use an online marriage name change kit.

Marriage Age Requirements: ✔ Get Copy Of Birth Certificate

  • With parental consent, males and females must be at least sixteen years old to be eligible for a license.

  • Any applicant under the age of eighteen years old must file an original birth certificate or a certified copy of the long form thereof, which becomes part of the permanent record of application.

  • The parent or legal guardian of the minor applicant must appear at the same time as the minor to present identification and sign a form consenting to the marriage.

Marriage Officiants South Carolina:

Any ordained or licensed clergymen, justices of the peace, and recognized Native American spiritual leaders can perform weddings in South Carolina.

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Marriage Witnesses

No witnesses are required for marriage in South Carolina

Expiration Date of Marriage License:

  • There is no expiration date for a South Carolina marriage license.

  • The license can only be used within the State of South Carolina.

Copy of Certificate of Marriage License

Office of Public Health Statistics and Information Systems
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Ph: 803.898.3630

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice. For more information regarding South Carolina marriage license laws and records please visit www.sc.gov.

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State Laws marriage requirements to obtain and file a marriage license to receive certified copy of your marriage certificate from clerk’s office upon request.

United States Marriage License Laws