Michigan Marriage License Guide (2026)
Michigan marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk. MCL 551.103(2) sets the fee at $20.00 statewide, and adds $10.00 - $30.00 in total - only when BOTH parties named in the application are nonresidents of Michigan; if either party is a Michigan resident the fee is $20.00. The one exception is Wayne County, which sets its own amount by ordinance under MCL 551.103(3): $30.00 if one or both of you is a Wayne County resident, $40.00 if both are out of state. Wayne is the only Michigan county eligible - it is the only one above the statute 1,500,000 population threshold. A 3-day waiting period applies: MCL 551.103a bars delivery of a license within 3 days including the date of application. The county clerk issuing the license, not a judge, may waive that wait for good and sufficient cause shown, and the applicant then pays a waiver fee set by the county board of commissioners, so the amount differs from county to county: Manistee publishes $50.00. A separate waiver covers the fee itself, which a probate court may waive under MCL 551.103(2) where paying it would result in undue hardship. Michigan law does not require photo identification to apply; chapter 551 asks for a sworn affidavit, a Social Security number, and proof of age only if the clerk requests it.
The one thing to knowThe extra $10.00 applies only if BOTH of you are nonresidents - if either of you lives in Michigan it is $20.00. Wayne County is the one county that sets its own fee, at $30.00 or $40.00. A 3-day waiting period also applies unless a judge waives it.
The process
- Both applicants appear in person
Both parties must go to the County Clerk together with valid photo ID.
- Pay the fee
The fee is $20.00 under MCL 551.103(2), or $30.00 if both parties are nonresidents. In Wayne County it is $30.00 or $40.00.
- Observe the waiting period
Wait the required 3 days before the license is issued, unless a judge waives it.
Marriage license fees by county — all 83 Michigan counties
What to bring
- Valid photo ID for both applicants
- Both applicants present in person
- $20.00 license fee ($30.00 only if both of you are nonresidents)
- Judicial waiver if skipping the 3-day wait
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Michigan marriage license?
MCL 551.103(2) sets it at $20.00 statewide, rising to $30.00 only when both parties are nonresidents of Michigan. Wayne County sets its own under MCL 551.103(3): $30.00, or $40.00 if both of you are out of state.
Who issues the license?
The County Clerk issues Michigan marriage licenses.
Is there a waiting period?
Yes. MCL 551.103a bars delivery of the license within 3 days including the date of application. The county clerk who issues it, not a judge, may waive the wait for good and sufficient cause, on payment of a fee set by the county board of commissioners; Manistee publishes $50.00.
Do both applicants have to appear?
Yes. Both applicants must appear in person with valid photo ID.
Is there a form to download first?
No statewide pre-download form is provided; the license is obtained at the county clerk.
Does the fee change if we live out of state?
Only if BOTH parties are nonresidents - then MCL 551.103(2) adds $10.00, making it $30.00. If either of you is a Michigan resident the fee is $20.00.