Requirements for a Miami Dade County Florida Marriage License
Obtaining a marriage license in Miami-Dade County involves meeting specific criteria and providing necessary documentation. Here’s what you need to know about the requirements:
Age and Identification
To apply for a marriage license in Miami-Dade County, both parties must be at least 18 years old. If you’re 17, you’ll need a signed parental consent form, and both parents or your legal guardian must be present with valid photo ID. Anyone under 17 isn’t eligible for a marriage license. You’ll need to present valid photo identification, such as a driver’s license, state ID card, passport, or I-94 card.
Residency and Citizenship
There’s no residency or citizenship requirement for a Florida marriage license. You can apply in any Florida county and get married anywhere in the state. This flexibility makes Miami-Dade County an attractive option for both residents and non-residents planning their nuptials.
Previous Marriages
If you’ve been married before, you’ll need to provide the exact date of your last divorce, death of a spouse, or annulment. This information is crucial for completing your marriage license application accurately.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts at (305) 275-1155. Their main office is located at 111 NW 1st Street, Miami, FL 33128.
Application Process for a Miami Dade County Marriage License
The application process for a Miami-Dade County marriage license involves two main steps: an online pre-application and an in-person visit to the clerk’s office. I’ll guide you through each step to ensure a smooth experience.
Online Pre-Application
The first step in obtaining a marriage license in Miami-Dade County is completing the online pre-application. This process:
- Expedites your in-person visit
- Reduces wait times at the clerk’s office
- Can be accessed through the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts website
I recommend completing this form before your visit to streamline the process and save time.
In-Person Visit to the Clerk’s Office
After completing the online pre-application, both parties must visit the clerk’s office together. Here’s what you need to know:
- Bring valid photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport, or alien registration card)
- Provide your Social Security number (card not required)
- If previously married, bring the exact date of last divorce, death, or annulment
- Both applicants must be present simultaneously
The main office of the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts is located at:
73 W. Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33130
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (305) 275-1155.
Remember, completing these steps accurately ensures a smooth process for obtaining your marriage license in Miami-Dade County.
Fees and Payment Options for Miami Marriage Licenses
In Miami-Dade County, the cost of a marriage license varies depending on certain factors. The standard fee is $86, which is lower than the typical Florida marriage license fee of $93.50. Couples who complete an approved premarital course can reduce this fee to $61.00, providing a significant saving.
For those opting for a civil ceremony at the clerk’s office, there’s an additional $30 fee. Other fees include:
- Duplicate, correction, or amended license: $30
- Deluxe marriage certificate: $10
- Certified copy of marriage record: $9 for the first copy, $7 for each additional copy
- Search fee (per year prior to 1972): $2
When it comes to payment options, Miami-Dade County offers several convenient methods:
For in-person transactions at the clerk’s office, accepted forms of payment include:
- Cash
- Visa
- Discover
- MasterCard
- American Express
- Cashier’s check
- Money orders
For online transactions, American Express is the only accepted form of payment.
I recommend contacting the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts for the most up-to-date information on fees and payment options:
Address: 73 W. Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130
Phone: (305) 275-1155
Website: www.miamidadeclerk.com
By understanding these fees and payment options, couples can better prepare for obtaining their marriage license in Miami-Dade County.
Waiting Periods and Expiration of Miami Dade Marriage Licenses
Miami-Dade County enforces specific waiting periods and expiration timelines for marriage licenses. I’ve gathered the essential information to help couples navigate these requirements:
Waiting Period
- A 3-day waiting period applies after the license is issued
- Non-Florida residents are exempt from this waiting period
- Couples who complete an approved premarital course can waive the waiting period
Expiration of Marriage License
- Marriage licenses in Florida remain valid for 60 days from the issue date
- Couples must marry within this 60-day window
- After the ceremony, the officiant must return the completed license to the clerk’s office within 10 days
For more information or assistance, contact the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts:
- Main Office: 73 W. Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130
- Phone: (305) 275-1155
- Email: clkcct@miamidade.gov
Couples planning their wedding should factor these timelines into their preparations to ensure a smooth and legally compliant process.
Special Circumstances for Miami Dade County Marriages
Miami-Dade County has specific regulations for marriages under special circumstances. These rules cover age requirements, previous marriages, and minor applicants.
Age Requirements
Applicants must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent in Miami-Dade County. For 17-year-old applicants, parental consent is mandatory, and the age gap between partners can’t exceed two years. The county doesn’t issue marriage licenses to individuals under 17.
Previous Marriages
Couples with previous marriages must provide the exact date of their last divorce, death, or annulment. For divorces in Miami-Dade County, applicants can find the final judgment date through the Family Online Case Search system.
Minor Applicants
For 17-year-old applicants, both parents or the legal guardian must accompany them to the clerk’s office. Valid photo identification is required for all parties involved.
Proxy Marriages
Miami-Dade County doesn’t recognize proxy marriages. Both parties must be physically present to apply for and obtain a marriage license.
Out-of-State Residents
Out-of-state residents can obtain a marriage license in Miami-Dade County without additional requirements. They’re exempt from the 3-day waiting period that applies to Florida residents.
For more information or assistance, contact the Miami-Dade County Clerk’s Office:
Ceremony and Officiant Requirements in Miami Dade County
Miami-Dade County has specific requirements for marriage ceremonies and officiants. I’ve gathered the essential information to help couples navigate this aspect of their wedding planning.
Ceremony Requirements
- Marriage licenses in Miami-Dade County are valid for 60 days from the issue date.
- Couples must return the completed license to the clerk’s office within 10 days after the ceremony.
- A 3-day waiting period applies before the ceremony can take place after license issuance.
- Non-Florida residents are exempt from the 3-day waiting period.
- Couples who complete an approved premarital course can waive the waiting period.
Officiant Requirements
Miami-Dade County recognizes several types of officiants who can legally perform marriage ceremonies:
- Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, or other ordained clergy
- Judicial officers (judges) of the state of Florida
- Clerks of the Circuit Court and their deputies
For couples seeking more information about officiants or ceremony requirements, they can contact the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts:
- Address: 73 W. Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130
- Phone: (305) 275-1155
- Email: clkcct@miamidade.gov
It’s important to verify the officiant’s credentials and ensure they’re authorized to perform marriages in Miami-Dade County. Couples should also confirm that their chosen officiant is aware of the requirement to return the completed license within 10 days of the ceremony.
After the Wedding: Obtaining Your Official Marriage Certificate
After your wedding ceremony in Miami-Dade County, there are important steps to take to ensure your marriage is officially recorded and to obtain your marriage certificate. Here’s what you need to know:
Returning the Marriage License
I can’t stress enough how crucial it’s to return your marriage license promptly after your wedding. Here are the key points:
- Return the license to the Miami-Dade County Clerk’s office within 10 days of your ceremony.
- This step is mandatory for official recording of your marriage.
- The officiant who performed your ceremony is responsible for returning the license.
Obtaining the Marriage Certificate
Once your returned license is processed, you can obtain your official marriage certificate. Here’s what to expect:
- Processing time varies, but the certificate becomes available after the returned license is processed.
- You can get a certified copy of your marriage certificate from the Miami-Dade County Clerk’s office.
- Options for obtaining the certificate include in-person requests and mail orders.
- There’s a fee for obtaining a certified copy, though the exact amount isn’t specified in my current information.
Contact Information
For more information or to obtain your marriage certificate, contact:
Miami-Dade County Clerk’s Office
73 W. Flagler Street
Miami, FL 33130
Phone: (305) 275-1155
You can also visit their website at www.miamidadeclerk.com for additional details and online services.
Conclusion
Obtaining a marriage license in Miami-Dade County is a crucial step for couples embarking on their journey together. While the process may seem daunting it’s actually quite straightforward with proper preparation. By following the outlined steps and requirements you’ll ensure a smooth experience.
Remember to gather all necessary documents complete the online pre-application and visit the clerk’s office together. With attention to detail and timely action you’ll have your marriage license in hand ready to start your new chapter. I hope this guide has been helpful in navigating this important process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the age requirements for obtaining a marriage license in Miami-Dade County?
Both parties must be at least 18 years old, or 17 with parental consent. There’s a maximum age gap of two years between partners for 17-year-olds. The county does not issue marriage licenses to individuals under 17. Both parents or a legal guardian must accompany 17-year-old applicants to the clerk’s office.
Is there a residency requirement for getting married in Miami-Dade County?
No, there are no residency or citizenship requirements for obtaining a marriage license in Miami-Dade County. Anyone can apply in any Florida county, regardless of where they live or their citizenship status.
What documents are needed to apply for a marriage license?
Both parties must bring valid photo ID and their Social Security numbers. If previously married, you’ll need to provide the date of your last divorce, death of spouse, or annulment. For 17-year-olds, parents or guardians must also bring valid photo ID.
How much does a marriage license cost in Miami-Dade County?
The standard fee is $86, which is lower than the typical Florida marriage license fee. Couples who complete an approved premarital course can reduce this fee to $61. Additional fees apply for duplicate licenses, civil ceremonies, and certified copies of marriage records.
Is there a waiting period after obtaining a marriage license?
Yes, there’s a 3-day waiting period after the license is issued. However, non-Florida residents are exempt from this waiting period. Couples who complete an approved premarital course can also waive this waiting period.
How long is a marriage license valid in Miami-Dade County?
Marriage licenses in Miami-Dade County remain valid for 60 days from the issue date. Couples must marry within this timeframe, or they will need to reapply for a new license.
Can we have a proxy marriage in Miami-Dade County?
No, Miami-Dade County does not recognize proxy marriages. Both parties must be physically present to apply for and obtain a marriage license.
Who can officiate our wedding in Miami-Dade County?
Authorized officiants include ordained ministers, judicial officers, and clerks of the Circuit Court. It’s important to verify your officiant’s credentials and ensure they’re aware of the requirement to return the completed license within 10 days of the ceremony.
How do we obtain our official marriage certificate after the wedding?
Ensure your officiant returns the completed marriage license to the Miami-Dade County Clerk’s office within 10 days of the ceremony. Once processed, you can request your marriage certificate in person or by mail. Fees apply for certified copies.
Can we complete any part of the application process online?
Yes, you can complete an online pre-application, which expedites the in-person visit and reduces wait times. However, both parties must still visit the clerk’s office together to finalize the application process.