How to Get a Marriage License in Washington DC: Step by Step

If you want your nikah to be a legal marriage in District of Columbia as well, you need a marriage license first. Here is how it works in Washington DC, from applying to collecting the license, in plain steps.

At a glance

Where

DC Superior Court Marriage Bureau (Family Court Operations Division), Moultrie Courthouse, Room JM-690, 500 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001

Booking

Applications processed remotely and in person 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. only. Walk-in/appointment rules are not stated on the page.

Fee

$45 $35 of the fee is waived if the original DC Domestic Partnership Certificate is presented at application. The downloadable PDF application form was reported to still show $35; the web page says $45.

Payment

Cash, credit card, check or money order (payable to 'Clerk, DC Superior Court').

Who attends

Both parties and the officiant must be physically present in DC at the time of the ceremony. If the couple self-officiate, both parties must be present to pick up the licence.

Valid for

Once issued, a DC marriage licence does not expire (per the Marriage Bureau page).

Step by step

1. Apply. Apply for a marriage licence online through the Marriage Bureau's application form; a court staff member contacts you after the application is received. The Bureau processes applications remotely and in person.
2. Book or plan your visit. Applications processed remotely and in person 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. only. Walk-in/appointment rules are not stated on the page.
3. Gather your ID and documents. See the list below. Bring originals.
4. Attend and pay. Both parties and the officiant must be physically present in DC at the time of the ceremony. If the couple self-officiate, both parties must be present to pick up the licence. Cash, credit card, check or money order (payable to 'Clerk, DC Superior Court').
5. Give the license to your officiant. Your imam needs it at the ceremony, and must be authorized to solemnize marriages in District of Columbia. Once issued, a DC marriage licence does not expire (per the Marriage Bureau page).

What to bring

• Proof of age for both parties: valid US driver's licence, government-issued non-driver's ID, or passport.
• Minimum age for marriage in DC is 18.
• The full name of the intended celebrant must be given at the time of application.

Good to know

• Court officiant: the Bureau performs onsite and virtual civil ceremonies; allow at least ten business days after the licence is issued for a requested date.
• Religious celebrants and judges other than DC Courts judges must be authorized by the Court and registered by the Marriage Bureau (DC Code 46-406). Minister, priest, rabbi or authorized person of a religious denomination or society: $35 fee and application; temporary officiant: $25 fee and application.
• Self-officiating: one of the parties performs the ceremony and both must attest to the information on the application.
• Officiant applications are emailed to the Marriage Bureau; a clerk sends a payment link within five business days.
• Certified copy of a marriage record: $10 per copy; requests need full names, maiden names and marriage date; copy is mailed after payment.
• DC marriage records held from 1811 to present.
• SSN, prior-marriage/divorce, residency and waiting-period rules are not stated on the pages read.

Your nikah and the license

The license is what makes your marriage legal. Your nikah is the religious ceremony. If your imam is authorized to solemnize marriages in District of Columbia, one ceremony can be both. See imams serving Washington DC.

A few common questions

Details come from the DC Superior Court Marriage Bureau (Family Court Operations Division) website, checked in October 2026. Fees, hours and booking rules change, so confirm before you go. DC Superior Court Marriage Bureau (Family Court Operations Division): marriage license page. Contact: MarriageBureau@dcsc.gov. This guide is general information, not legal advice.