Kansas Marriage License Guide (2026)
A Kansas marriage license costs $85.50 in every county: K.S.A. 23-2510(a) sets the fee at $59, and the Kansas Supreme Court adds a $26.50 Judicial Branch surcharge from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030 (Administrative Order 2026-FN-071, under 2026 HB 2393). Licenses are issued by the District Court Clerk under K.S.A. 23-2505 - not the County Clerk. There is no statewide pre-download form, so apply in person.
The one thing to knowMarriage licenses are issued by the District Court Clerk, not the County Clerk.
The process
- Go to the District Court Clerk
Marriage licenses are issued by the District Court Clerk under K.S.A. 23-2505.
- Apply in person
There is no statewide pre-download form; apply in person.
- Pay the fee
$85.50 — $59.00 under K.S.A. 23-2510(a) plus the $26.50 Judicial Branch surcharge (Order 2026-FN-071). The same in every Kansas county; a court may waive the surcharge on motion for undue hardship.
Marriage license fees by county — all 105 Kansas counties
Kansas-specific details
In Kansas, marriage licenses come from the District Court Clerk under K.S.A. 23-2505. The County Clerk does not issue them.
K.S.A. 23-2510 is headed "Marriage license fee; authorized only by legislative enactment" - a Kansas county cannot set its own marriage license fee. The statute sets $59 and lets the Supreme Court add up to $26.50; 2026 HB 2393 renewed that authority through June 30, 2030, and Administrative Order 2026-FN-071 imposes the full $26.50 from July 1, 2026, so the license costs $85.50.
What to bring
- Both applicants, present in person (no statewide online application)
- Payment of the $85.50 fee ($59.00 statutory + $26.50 surcharge)
- Confirmation from the District Court Clerk of any required identification or documents
Frequently asked questions
Who issues a marriage license in Kansas?
The District Court Clerk, under K.S.A. 23-2505 - not the County Clerk.
How much does it cost?
$85.50: $59.00 under K.S.A. 23-2510(a) plus the $26.50 Judicial Branch surcharge the Supreme Court imposed from July 1, 2026. It does not vary by county.
Can I download a form in advance?
No. There is no statewide pre-download form; apply in person.
Does the County Clerk issue marriage licenses?
No. Marriage licenses are handled by the District Court Clerk under K.S.A. 23-2505.
Why is it $85.50 and not $59.00?
K.S.A. 23-2510 sets $59 and allows the Supreme Court to add up to $26.50. 2026 HB 2393 renewed that authority through June 30, 2030, and Administrative Order 2026-FN-071 imposes the $26.50 from July 1, 2026. A court may waive the surcharge on motion for undue hardship.