How Marriages Work in Douglas County, Nevada!

1. No blood test.

2. No waiting period.

3. Marriage License Fee is $60.00.  Fee does not include a certified copy of the marriage certificate which is available for an additional $15.00.   Fee is payable by cash, cashiers check, money order, Visa or Mastercard. Applications are good for one year.

4. Both parties must present themselves at one of the Douglas County Clerk's Offices.  Appointments are not necessary during regular hours; see above for weekends, holidays or special arrangements.

5. Hours: See table below.

6. Adults 18 and older; parental consent not needed but proof of age is required.

7. l6-17 years old; either parent must be present or a notarized affidavit giving permission is necessary (see additional information below).

8. If you lose the license prior to the ceremony, you will be charged $60.00 to reissue another license.

9. Witness other than minister required at marriage ceremony.

10. Previously divorced, divorce must be final where granted. Date, city and state where divorce occurred required, but it's not necessary to furnish divorce papers.

11. Out-of-country, the same rules apply to you, nothing additional is required to marry. You do not need a marriage license from your country.  Driver's license, passport, acceptable for identification.
    
    

     
CLICK TO OPEN A MARRIAGE LICENSE APPLICATION AND FILL IT 
OUT BEFORE ARRIVING AT THE CLERK'S OFFICE            

Most Frequently Asked Questions

Who may apply for a Marriage License?
Any person who is at least 18 years old may apply for a Marriage License.

Any minor who is 16 or 17 years old may apply for a Marriage License with parental or guardian consent.

Others, please call 782-9014 for information.

If either party is a minor, is the consent of both parents required?
If either party is a minor applicant, ages 16 or 17 (not yet age 18):  The party must have consent of at least one parent or legal guardian.  Minors will need an original or certified copy of the birth certificate which lists the name of the consenting parent. (No photocopies of documents may be accepted.)  Legal guardians are required to present a certified copy of the court ordered guardianship papers. (No photocopies may be accepted.)  A parent or guardian is required to have acceptable identification to prove they are the parent on the birth certificate or the legal guardian on the guardianship order.

If it is not possible for the parent or guardian to be present, an original, notarized statement in English must be presented with the certified copy of the birth certificate or a certified copy of the guardianship order at the time of the issuance of the marriage license. The notarized statement should contain the parent or legal guardian's full name, relationship to the minor, minor's full name, birth date and the statement that the parent or legal guardian gives consent for the minor to marry. All documents must be in English or translated into English by a notary.

I was previously married, what do I need in order to have a Marriage License issued?
If either or both of you were previously married, you will be required to provide the date, city and state of the divorce.

Is there a waiting period for the issuance of a Marriage License?
There is no waiting period for the issuance of a Marriage License.

Are any medical exams required in order to apply for a Marriage License?
No. There are no medical exams or blood tests required in order to apply for a Marriage License.

Can I have a marriage ceremony without a Marriage License?
No, the marriage ceremony requires a properly issued license.

Where can I apply for a Marriage License in Douglas County?
You can apply for a Marriage License in Douglas County at the County Clerk's Office in Minden and at the Tahoe General Services Office. See above for hours and addresses. 

What is the Fee for a Marriage License?
The fee for a Marriage License is $60.00.  Fee does not include a certified copy of the marriage certificate which can be obtained for an additional $15.00.  Fee payable in cash, by cashier's check, money order, Visa or MasterCard. Personal checks are not accepted.

Once I have a Marriage License issued, how long is it valid for?
A Marriage License is valid for 1 year from the date it is issued. The marriage must be solemnized within that time.

Who may perform my marriage ceremony?
Your marriage ceremony may be performed by any of the following:

• A regularly ordained minister, priest, rabbi or other authorized individuals per NRS 122;

• All judicial officers (Judges) of the State of Nevada.

• Chaplains of the Armed Forces.

After my marriage ceremony, when and who should return the Marriage License to the Recorder's Office?
A Marriage License must be returned to the Recorder's Office within 10 days after the wedding, since a marriage cannot be officially recorded until it is returned to the Recorder's Office. The party who performed the wedding is responsible for returning the completed license.

I do not have a marriage ceremony planned, can I be married at the Clerk's Office?
If you would like, a Douglas County Justice of the Peace can perform your marriage ceremony. (Justice of the Peace available at Lake Tahoe office only.)   A brief civil ceremony can be performed.  The fee for this service is $50.00 payable in cash, by cashier's check, money order, Visa or MasterCard.

Can I make an appointment for my marriage ceremony?
In South Lake Tahoe a Justice of the Peace can perform the ceremony on Saturday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.   Please call 48 hours in advance to check on availibility.  The Justice of the Peace in Carson Valley (Minden) is not available for marriage ceremonies.

How can I get a certified copy of my Marriage License(Certificate)?
You can obtain a certified copy of a Marriage License(Certificate) by requesting in writing, in person or by phone.

To request a certified copy of your Marriage License(Certificate) in writing you must send a letter with the groom's name, the bride's name and the date of the marriage along with a money order or certified check payable to: Douglas County Recorder in the amount of $15.00 along with a self- addressed stamped envelope to: Douglas County Recorder, PO Box 218, Minden, NV., 89423, OR you may phone 775-782-9024.

To request a certified copy of your Marriage License(Certificate) in person you must go to the Douglas County Recorder's Office at 1616 8th Street (2nd Floor) in Minden. You must provide them with the information indicated above and the appropriate fees.

Click here for a direct link to the Recorders Office and information on their 24 hour a day request line:  RECORDER'S OFFICE

If you need any further information please call (775) 782-9014.