Duval County marriage license records cover every license issued and every marriage filed inside Duval County, Florida. The Clerk of the Circuit Court in Jacksonville keeps these records.
This office runs the application process, stores the original paperwork, and sends copies to the state. If you want to get married in Jacksonville or any city inside Duval County, you start here. If you want to check a past record, you also start here. This page covers the full process, the fees, the documents you need, how to search old records, and how to get certified copies.
Where to Apply for a Marriage License in Duval County
The Duval County Clerk of the Circuit Court runs two locations that issue marriage licenses. Both offices follow the same Florida rules. Both can help you apply, but each has its own hours and payment rules. Pick the office that fits your schedule and where you live or work.
Downtown Jacksonville Courthouse
The main office sits inside the Duval County Courthouse in downtown Jacksonville. This location only takes walk-ins. You cannot book an appointment here. The office opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The address is 501 West Adams Street, Room 2396, Jacksonville, FL 32202. This is the largest and busiest location. Plan to arrive early if you want a short wait.
Beaches Branch in Neptune Beach
The second office sits at 1543 Atlantic Blvd, Neptune Beach, FL 32266. This office opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 4:30 PM. You can walk in or book an appointment. The Beaches Branch serves Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, and the surrounding areas. Many couples who live near the coast pick this office to skip the downtown traffic.
Phone, Hours, and Website
You can call the Duval County Clerk at (904) 255-2000. The main website is duvalclerk.com. The marriage license section sits under County Services on the menu. The Clerk also runs an online pre-application kiosk at mkiosk.duvalclerk.com. Fill out the form at home before you visit. This saves time at the counter because the clerk only needs to check your IDs and collect payment.
You can preview the official marriage license page below before you visit.
The screenshot below shows the Duval County Clerk homepage with the full list of county services.
The screenshot below shows the online pre-application kiosk where couples can start the form before their visit.
Requirements to Apply for a Marriage License
Florida law sets the basic rules for every marriage license in the state. Duval County follows these same rules under Florida Statute 741.04. Both people must appear in person. You must bring valid ID and sign the application under oath. The clerk checks your papers, takes your payment, and files the license. Below are the exact items you need.
Documents You Must Bring
Every applicant must bring a valid photo ID. A driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID all work. You also need to know your Social Security number. If you do not have one, tell the clerk. If you were married before, bring the exact date your last marriage ended. You also need to know how it ended — divorce, death, or annulment. If your last marriage ended less than 60 days ago, bring proof. A divorce decree, death certificate, or court order works as proof.
Age and Parental Consent Rules
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. Applicants under 18 need parental consent. A parent or legal guardian must appear in person at the clerk’s office. The clerk records the consent on the application. Florida does not allow marriage licenses for anyone under 17, even with parental consent. There is no upper age limit. As long as both people meet the legal age and can give real consent, the clerk will accept the application.
What If You Were Married Before
Florida does not have a waiting period after divorce or death before you can apply again. You can apply the same day your divorce is final. You only need proof if the last marriage ended within the past 60 days. This rule exists to help the clerk confirm there is no legal overlap. If you were married four times, the clerk still asks for the date and reason each one ended.
Costs, Fees, and Payment Methods
Duval County charges a set fee for each marriage license. The fee covers the clerk’s work and part of the cost goes to state trust funds. Some couples pay a lower fee if they took a premarital course. The clerk accepts different payment methods at each location, so call ahead to confirm.
Standard License Fee
The standard fee for a marriage license in Duval County is $86. Some sources list $93.50 when processing fees are added. Ask the clerk about the exact total before you pay. The fee is the same for residents and non-residents. Florida does not require you to be a state resident to apply for a license in any county.
Reduced Fee With Premarital Course
The fee drops to $61 if both applicants took a premarital preparation course. The course must run at least four hours. The provider must be registered with the local clerk. After you finish the course, the provider gives you a certificate. Bring the certificate to the clerk’s office when you apply. Under Florida Statute 741.0305, the lower fee also removes the three-day waiting period. Your license becomes valid right away.
Where the Fees Go
The state takes part of every fee. The Domestic Violence Trust Fund gets $25 from each license. The State Courts Revenue Trust Fund also gets $25. The rest pays for the clerk’s office work and the printed license. This split stays the same across Florida. Certified copies of filed records cost about $3 each.
The 60-Day Validity and Waiting Period
Florida sets two time rules for marriage licenses. The first is the validity period. The second is the waiting period. Duval County follows both. Couples often confuse the two. Read both rules before you apply so your wedding date fits the timeline.
When Your License Becomes Valid
If you live in Florida and did not take the premarital course, the license becomes valid three days after the clerk issues it. If you live outside Florida, the license becomes valid right away with no waiting period. If both applicants took the course, the license is valid the same day the clerk issues it. The waiting period does not count weekends or holidays.
Where You Can Use the License
A Duval County marriage license works anywhere in the State of Florida. You do not need to hold the ceremony inside Duval County. Many couples who live near the Georgia border or who plan a beach wedding in another county still apply in Duval because of the office hours or the appointment option. The license is good for 60 days from the issue date. If the license expires before your ceremony, you must apply again and pay the fee once more.
How to Search Existing Duval County Marriage Records
People search old marriage records for many reasons. Some need proof of name change. Some need a record for genealogy. Some need it for legal matters. Duval County offers a few ways to check old records. The state also keeps a full copy. Pick the path that matches how old the record is and how you plan to use it.
Public Access Through the Clerk
The Duval County Clerk runs an Official Records search on its website. You can check many documents online, including some marriage records. The Clerk’s office keeps records for marriages filed in Duval County. Some older records may not appear online. For those, you must visit the clerk’s office in person. The clerk charges a small fee for printed copies. You can search by name, date range, or book and page number. Visit duvalclerk.com and click on Official Records to start a search.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps every marriage record filed in the state. This office is part of the Florida Department of Health. Records filed more than 60 days ago usually reach this office. You can request a certified copy through the state. The state charges its own fee. You can order online, by mail, or in person at the office in Jacksonville. The Bureau’s website lists the exact steps and the current fees.
Florida Department of Health Records
The Florida Department of Health runs the full vital records system. This covers birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. For marriage records, the department works with the county clerks and the Bureau of Vital Statistics. You can request a certified copy through the department’s website at floridahealth.gov. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days for online orders and longer for mail orders. The state issues an official certificate with a raised seal that works for legal use.
Certified Copies of Marriage Records
A certified copy is an official copy with a raised seal or stamp. Banks, courts, immigration offices, and federal agencies ask for this kind of copy. A printed copy from a search page is not the same as a certified copy. Only a certified copy has legal power. Duval County issues certified copies through the Clerk’s office. The state also issues them through the Bureau of Vital Statistics.
How to Request a Certified Copy
You can request a certified copy in person at the Duval County Clerk’s office. Bring a valid photo ID. The clerk looks up the record, prints it on certified paper, and adds the official seal. You can also mail a request to the clerk. Include a copy of your ID, the names of both spouses, the date of the marriage, and the fee. The clerk mails the certified copy back to you.
Cost and Processing Time
The Clerk charges about $3 for each certified copy. Some fees may rise with processing costs. The office prints the copy on the spot for in-person requests. Mail orders take a few business days. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics charges its own fee, which is higher than the county fee. State orders take longer to process. For most needs, the county copy is faster and cheaper.
How to Get Married in Duval County
Once your license is active, you can hold the ceremony anywhere in Florida. The officiant must be allowed by Florida law. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the clerk. The clerk records the marriage and sends a copy to the state. This last step makes the marriage official in the state database.
Who Can Officiate the Ceremony
Under Florida Statute 741.07, the following people can officiate a marriage:
- Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other clergy
- Judicial officers, including judges and justices of the peace
- Clerks of the circuit court and their deputies
- Notaries public in the State of Florida
You must check with your chosen officiant before the ceremony. Some clergy need to register with the county first. Notaries in Florida can officiate but must follow state rules on the paperwork. The couple does not need to do anything extra for the officiant. The officiant handles the legal side.
After the Ceremony: Filing the License
The officiant signs the marriage license after the ceremony. The officiant also signs the marriage certificate. Two witnesses must sign if the couple wants witness signatures on the certificate. Florida does not require witnesses for the marriage to be valid. The officiant returns the signed license to the Duval County Clerk. The clerk records the marriage and sends a copy to the Florida Department of Health. This step takes about 60 days. The certified copy you receive from the clerk or the state is the final proof of the marriage.
Nearby Counties and Alternative Options
Duval County sits in northeast Florida. If you live near the county border, another clerk’s office may be closer. You can apply for a marriage license in any Florida county. The license works the same way across the state. Below are the counties that border Duval and their main clerk offices.
Nassau County
Nassau County sits just north of Duval. The Nassau County Clerk of Courts handles marriage licenses. The office sits in Fernandina Beach. Nassau County is popular for couples who want a beach wedding on Amelia Island. The office has its own fee schedule and hours. Check the Nassau County Clerk website for current details before you visit.
St. Johns County
St. Johns County sits south of Duval. The Clerk of the Circuit Court runs the marriage license office in St. Augustine. St. Johns County is a popular spot for destination weddings because of the historic district. The county follows the same Florida rules on fees, waiting periods, and validity. The clerk’s office in St. Johns County can help with the application and the filing of the signed license after the ceremony.
Clay and Baker Counties
Clay County sits west of Duval. The Clay County Clerk of Court issues marriage licenses in Green Cove Springs. Baker County sits west of Duval as well. The Baker County Clerk’s office in Macclenny handles licenses. Both counties follow Florida law. Their fees may differ from Duval County. Call the office before you go to confirm costs, hours, and payment methods.
Official Contact and Location
Use the contact details below to reach the Duval County Clerk before your visit. Hours and phone numbers may change, so call ahead if you have a tight schedule.
Duval County Clerk of the Circuit Court
501 West Adams Street, Room 2396
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Phone: (904) 255-2000
Website: duvalclerk.com
Marriage License Kiosk: mkiosk.duvalclerk.com
Downtown Office Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday (Walk-ins Only)
Beaches Branch Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday (Walk-ins and Appointments)
Beaches Branch Address: 1543 Atlantic Blvd, Neptune Beach, FL 32266
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ covers the most common questions about Duval County marriage license records. The answers below come straight from Florida law, the Duval County Clerk’s public rules, and the Florida Department of Health. Read each answer carefully before you apply or request a copy. These answers cover the rules in 2026 and may change in future years.
How long does it take to get a marriage license in Duval County?
The in-person process takes about 30 to 45 minutes if you pre-applied online. Without the pre-application, the visit can run 60 to 90 minutes depending on the line. The license is valid right away for non-residents. Florida residents must wait three days unless they bring a premarital course certificate. Once active, the license is good for 60 days. Couples often apply one to two weeks before the wedding date to leave room for any delay.
Can I search for a marriage record by name in Duval County?
Yes. The Duval County Clerk runs an Official Records search on its website where you can look up documents by name. Some older marriage records may not appear online. For those, you must visit the clerk’s office in person or contact the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. The state keeps every marriage record filed in Florida and offers a name-based search through its website for a fee.
What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?
A marriage license is the application you sign before the wedding. It gives legal permission to hold the ceremony. A marriage certificate is the final document filed after the ceremony. The officiant returns the signed license to the clerk, and the clerk records it. The certified copy you receive after the recording is the marriage certificate. Banks and courts need the certificate, not the original license.
How much does a certified copy of a marriage record cost?
The Duval County Clerk charges about $3 per certified copy when you order in person. Mail orders may have a small extra fee. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics charges more for state-issued copies. The state fee changes over time, so check the Florida Department of Health website for the current total. A certified copy has a raised seal and counts as legal proof for name changes, immigration, and other official matters.
Do both people need to be present to apply for a marriage license?
Yes. Florida law requires both applicants to appear in person at the clerk’s office. You both sign the application under oath. You both show valid photo ID. The clerk checks your papers face to face. There is no way to apply by mail or by proxy in Florida. If one person cannot travel, the couple must apply in person at a Florida clerk’s office before the wedding day.
Can I use a Duval County marriage license outside of Florida?
No. A Florida marriage license is only valid inside the State of Florida. If you plan to marry in Georgia, Alabama, or any other state, you must apply for a license in that state. Each state has its own rules on fees, waiting periods, and validity. Some states do not accept out-of-state licenses at all. Plan ahead if your wedding is outside Florida.
What happens if I lose my marriage certificate?
You can request a new certified copy from the Duval County Clerk if the marriage was filed in Duval County. You can also order one from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics if you want a state-issued copy. Both offices need valid ID and the date of the marriage. There is no limit on how many certified copies you can order. Keep at least one certified copy in a safe place, like a fireproof box or a bank vault.