Putnam County marriage license records are official documents kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Palatka, Florida. Every couple who marries in Putnam County creates a record at this office.
The records include the license application, the signed license after the ceremony, and any certified copies you request later. This page covers how the records work, where to get them, who can request them, and what fees and rules apply in 2026.
Where Putnam County Keeps Marriage License Records
The Putnam County Clerk of the Circuit Court holds all marriage license records for the county. The office sits at 410 St. Johns Avenue in Palatka. This is the only place in Putnam County that can issue a marriage license or hand out copies of marriage records. Every city in the county, from Palatka to Interlachen, Crescent City, Welaka, and Pomona Park, uses this same office. No city hall or town office has the power to issue a license or give out copies of records.
Office Location and Contact Details
The clerk’s office sits in the Putnam County Courthouse in downtown Palatka. You can reach the office by phone at (386) 329-0361 during business hours. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office closes on weekends and state holidays. The website at putnamclerk.com lists current hours and any schedule changes.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Office | Putnam County Clerk of the Circuit Court |
| Street Address | 410 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, FL 32177 |
| Phone | (386) 329-0361 |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Website | putnamclerk.com |
| Judicial Circuit | 7th Judicial Circuit |
| County Seat | Palatka |
Records Kept at the Clerk’s Office
The clerk’s office keeps three main types of marriage records. The first type is the marriage license application, which holds the personal details of both applicants. The second type is the recorded marriage license, which has the signatures from the ceremony. The third type is the marriage certificate, which the clerk issues as a certified copy after the officiant files the signed license. All three types stay on file at the Palatka office, and most are also sent to the Florida Department of Health in Jacksonville for state-level storage.
The screenshot shows the Putnam County Clerk’s website. You can find links to recording services and other public records tools from this page.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Putnam County
Applying for a marriage license in Putnam County means going to the clerk’s office in person with your partner. Both applicants must appear at the same time. Florida law does not allow one person to apply alone or send a proxy. The visit usually takes 20 to 30 minutes when you bring all the right paperwork.
Who Can Apply
Both members of the couple must be at least 18 years old. This rule comes from Florida Statute 741.04. A 17-year-old can apply only with written consent from both parents or legal guardians. The older person must be no more than two years older than the 17-year-old. No one under 17 can marry in Florida, even with parental consent. The clerk checks your age with the photo ID you bring.
Documents You Need to Bring
You and your partner both need a valid government photo ID. A driver’s license, state-issued ID card, passport, or military ID all work. You also need your Social Security number, but you do not need the physical card. If either person was married before, bring the exact date the prior marriage ended, the state where it ended, and the county where the final divorce or annulment was granted. The clerk records this on the application to confirm you are free to marry again.
- Government photo ID for each applicant
- Social Security number for each applicant
- Date, state, and county where any prior marriage ended
- Cash, check, money order, or credit card for the fee
- Premarital course certificate if you want the lower fee or to skip the wait
Step-by-Step Application Process
The application process at the Putnam County Clerk’s office follows a simple sequence. Both applicants walk into the Palatka office together. You go to the marriage license counter and ask for an application. The clerk helps you fill out the form, which asks for full legal names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, addresses, and previous marriage history. You read the Family Law Handbook from the Florida Bar, and the clerk asks if you have reviewed it. You sign the application in front of the clerk. You pay the fee. The clerk prints your marriage license and explains when it becomes valid.
- Arrive at 410 St. Johns Avenue in Palatka with your partner during office hours
- Show your photo ID and Social Security numbers to the clerk
- Read the Family Law Handbook from the Florida Bar
- Fill out the marriage license application together
- Sign the application in front of the clerk
- Pay the $86 fee, or $61 with a valid premarital course certificate
- Receive your license and wait three days, or skip the wait with the course or for out-of-state couples
Marriage License Fees in Putnam County
The standard marriage license fee in Putnam County is $86. This fee matches every other Florida county because the state sets the price. Part of the fee funds the Domestic Violence Trust Fund, and part goes to the State Courts Revenue Trust Fund. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, and most major credit cards, though you should call ahead to confirm card acceptance.
Discount With a Premarital Course
Both applicants can take a four-hour premarital course from a registered provider. When you bring the original certificate of completion to the clerk, the fee drops to $61. You save $25 on the license. The course must come from a provider registered with the Florida Department of Children and Families. Common providers include local churches, counseling centers, and online courses approved by the state. Florida Statute 741.0305 sets the rules for this discount.
What the Fee Covers
The license fee pays for several things at once. It covers the cost of processing and recording your license. It funds domestic violence prevention programs across Florida. It also helps pay for state court operations. The clerk does not charge a separate fee for the license itself. If you want certified copies of your recorded marriage certificate later, each copy costs a small extra fee.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard marriage license | $86.00 |
| License with premarital course certificate | $61.00 |
| Certified copy of marriage certificate from state | $5.00 (one year search and one copy) |
| Each extra certified copy | $4.00 |
Waiting Period and License Validity
Florida residents must wait three days after the clerk issues the marriage license before the ceremony can take place. The license stays inactive during this time. Florida Statute 741.04 sets this rule. Out-of-state couples do not have to wait. Couples who complete a premarital course also skip the wait, as long as they bring the certificate when they apply.
Three-Day Waiting Period Rules
The three-day clock starts the day after the clerk issues your license. If you apply on a Monday, the license becomes valid on Friday. Weekends and holidays count toward the three days. The clerk writes the exact date the license becomes valid on the license itself. You cannot use the license before that date, even by a single day. The officiant who performs the ceremony must check the date before starting the wedding.
How to Skip the Wait
You can skip the three-day wait in three ways. The first way is to complete the four-hour premarital course and bring the certificate. The second way is for one or both applicants to show proof of being a non-Florida resident. The third way no longer applies to most couples, but judges used to be able to waive the wait. Today, the law only allows the course and out-of-state exemptions for skipping the wait.
60-Day Validity Period
A Putnam County marriage license stays valid for 60 days after the clerk issues it. Florida Statute 741.041 sets this rule. If you do not use the license within 60 days, it expires and you must apply again and pay the fee a second time. The 60-day clock starts on the issue date, not the date the license becomes valid. So your actual window to use the license is closer to 57 days after the three-day wait ends.
Who Can Perform the Wedding in Putnam County
Florida law lets several types of people perform a wedding ceremony in Putnam County. The list comes from Florida Statute 741.07. All ordained ministers, rabbis, priests, and other clergy can officiate. All judges in Florida can officiate. Clerks of the circuit court can also perform weddings. Notaries public in Florida can officiate as well. Some religious officials from specific denominations can also qualify, as long as their governing body recognizes their ordination.
After the Ceremony
The officiant signs the marriage license after the ceremony. The officiant also signs the marriage certificate, which is the second part of the document. The witnesses, if any, also sign the certificate. The officiant sends the signed license and certificate back to the Putnam County Clerk’s office within 10 days of the ceremony. The clerk records the marriage and sends a copy to the Florida Department of Health in Jacksonville.
How to Get Copies of Putnam County Marriage Records
You can get copies of Putnam County marriage records in several ways. The fastest way is to visit the clerk’s office in Palatka. You can also order by mail through the clerk’s office. For state-level records, you can order through the Florida Department of Health or through VitalChek, the state’s contracted vendor. For online searches of older records, the MyFloridaCounty portal lets you look up recorded documents.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk’s Office
Walk into the Putnam County Clerk’s office at 410 St. Johns Avenue in Palatka. Go to the recording counter and ask for a certified copy of your marriage certificate. You need a photo ID to prove you are the person on the record or a direct family member. The clerk charges a small fee per certified copy. You usually get the copy the same day, often within minutes.
Mail Requests to the Clerk’s Office
You can send a written request by mail to the Putnam County Clerk’s office. Include your full name, your spouse’s full name, the date of the marriage, and the case number if you have it. Enclose a check or money order for the copy fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The clerk mails the certified copy back to you. Mail requests take one to two weeks to process.
State-Level Records Through the Florida Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health keeps marriage records for the whole state. You can order certified copies through their office in Jacksonville. The state charges $5 for one year of search and one certified copy. Each extra copy costs $4. The department accepts orders online, by mail, and in person. They keep records going back to 1927 for marriages across Florida, including Putnam County.
Online Search Through MyFloridaCounty
The MyFloridaCounty portal at myfloridacounty.com lets you search official records online. You can search by name, date, and document type for recorded documents across all Florida counties, including Putnam County. The portal shows recorded marriage licenses and certificates once the clerk files them. Some records date back several decades. The portal charges a small fee for downloading and printing copies.
VitalChek for Fast Online Orders
VitalChek is the only contracted vendor for the Florida Department of Health. You can order certified copies of marriage certificates online at vitalchek.com. The site lets you enter your details, pay by credit card, and request delivery by mail. VitalChek charges a service fee on top of the state’s $5 base fee. Processing takes about 5 to 10 business days plus mail time.
What Records Are Available for Genealogy Research
Putnam County marriage records go back to the 1800s for genealogy research. The county was created in 1849, and early marriage records start soon after. Older records may be on microfilm at the clerk’s office or the Putnam County Public Library in Palatka. Some early records are also available through the Florida State Archives in Tallahassee. Online genealogy sites like Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org have indexed many Putnam County marriage records.
Public Access to Older Records
Marriage records more than 50 years old are open to the public in Florida. You can request copies without showing your relationship to the people on the record. The clerk charges the same fee for older records as for new ones. You can search by full name, year range, and county. Some records show the parents’ names, which helps with family history research.
Records Restricted by Age
Marriage records less than 50 years old are restricted. Only the people on the record, their immediate family, or someone with a court order can request copies. You must show proof of your relationship with a photo ID and a document like a birth certificate. This rule protects the privacy of living people. The restriction applies to both Putnam County clerk records and state-level records at the Department of Health.
Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate
Many people use “marriage license” and “marriage certificate” as if they mean the same thing, but they are different documents. The marriage license is the document that gives you legal permission to get married. You get this from the clerk before the wedding. The marriage certificate is the document that proves you are already married. The clerk creates this after the officiant files the signed license. You need the certificate for legal name changes, insurance, and other official purposes.
When You Need Each Document
You need the marriage license before the ceremony to get married. You need the marriage certificate after the wedding for legal proof. The certificate has the signatures from the officiant and witnesses. Banks, insurance companies, and government agencies ask for the certificate, not the license. If you need a certified copy, request the certificate, not the license.
Common Reasons a Marriage License Application Gets Rejected
The Putnam County Clerk rejects marriage license applications for a few common reasons. Missing or expired photo ID is the top reason. A name mismatch between your ID and your application can also cause a rejection. If your prior divorce is not yet final, the clerk cannot issue the license. Outstanding child support issues can also block the application. Coming without your partner is another reason for rejection, since both must appear together.
How to Avoid Problems at the Clerk’s Office
Call the clerk’s office before your visit to confirm what to bring. Make sure both photo IDs are current. If either person was married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate. If you have a premarital course certificate, bring the original, not a copy. Show up at least 30 minutes before the office closes so you have time to fill out forms.
Name Change Process After Marriage in Putnam County
Your marriage certificate serves as the legal proof you need to change your name after the wedding. The Putnam County Clerk does not handle name changes directly. You take your certified marriage certificate to the Social Security office first. Update your Social Security card, then take the new card to the DMV to update your driver’s license. After that, update your bank, passport, and other accounts with your new name.
Where to Update Your Name
Start with the Social Security Administration office in Palatka or the nearest branch. Bring your certified marriage certificate, photo ID, and the Social Security name change form. After you get your new card, visit the Florida DMV to update your driver’s license or state ID. You can also update your voter registration at the same time. Banks, insurance, and other accounts usually need a copy of the new Social Security card and the marriage certificate.
How to Verify a Marriage License in Putnam County
You can verify a Putnam County marriage license through the clerk’s office or the MyFloridaCounty portal. Call the clerk at (386) 329-0361 and provide the names and date of the marriage. The clerk can confirm if the record exists and is on file. The online portal also lets you search recorded documents by name and date. Verification is free if you only need a yes-or-no answer. Copies of the record cost a small fee.
Apostille and Out-of-State Use of Records
If you need your Putnam County marriage certificate for use in another country, you may need an apostille. An apostille is a stamp from the Florida Secretary of State that proves the document is real. You get the apostille after you have the certified marriage certificate from the clerk. Send the certified copy to the Secretary of State’s office in Tallahassee with the apostille request form and fee. Most countries accept apostilled documents for immigration and other legal matters.
Contact the Putnam County Clerk
Putnam County Clerk of the Circuit Court, 410 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, FL 32177. Phone: (386) 329-0361. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Website: putnamclerk.com
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common details people ask about Putnam County marriage license records. Each answer gives clear, direct facts about how the records work, who can request them, and what the rules are in 2026. These answers help with both new applications and old record lookups.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a Putnam County marriage certificate?
A walk-in request at the Putnam County Clerk’s office in Palatka gives you the certified copy the same day, often within minutes. Mail requests through the clerk’s office take one to two weeks, depending on mail times. State-level orders through the Florida Department of Health take about 5 to 10 business days for processing, plus mailing time. VitalChek orders take about 7 to 14 days total, including the service fee processing window. For urgent needs, the in-person visit to the Palatka office is the fastest option.
Can I get a Putnam County marriage license if I am not a Florida resident?
Yes, non-Florida residents can apply for a Putnam County marriage license. Both applicants must appear together at the Palatka clerk’s office with valid photo IDs. You do not need to show proof of Florida residency. One advantage of being an out-of-state couple is that you skip the three-day waiting period. The license is good for 60 days from the issue date. You can use the license anywhere in Florida, not just in Putnam County.
What if I lost my marriage certificate from a marriage in Putnam County?
You can order a certified copy of your marriage certificate through the Putnam County Clerk’s office, the Florida Department of Health, or VitalChek. Each certified copy costs $5 from the state, plus any service fees. The clerk can also issue certified copies at the Palatka office for a small fee. You need a photo ID to request the copy. If you are not one of the people on the record and the marriage is less than 50 years old, you need proof of your relationship or a court order.
Are Putnam County marriage records public?
Marriage records more than 50 years old are open to the public in Florida. Anyone can request a copy of an older record. Records less than 50 years old are restricted. Only the people named on the record, their immediate family members, or someone with a court order can request a copy. You must show a photo ID and proof of relationship. This rule applies to both county and state records. The restriction protects the privacy of living individuals.
Can I use a Putnam County marriage license in another Florida county?
Yes. A Florida marriage license works in any Florida county. You can apply for the license in Putnam County and have the ceremony in Miami-Dade, Orange, Hillsborough, Duval, Broward, Palm Beach, or any other county. The officiant files the signed license with the clerk of the county where the ceremony took place. That county clerk then sends a copy to the Florida Department of Health. The original license and certificate are filed where the ceremony happened.
Do I need an appointment to apply for a marriage license in Putnam County?
The Putnam County Clerk’s office does not require an appointment for marriage licenses. Walk-ins are accepted during office hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You and your partner both need to be there in person. If you want to save time, call the office at (386) 329-0361 to confirm what documents to bring and to ask about current wait times. The office is smaller than urban county offices, so wait times are usually short.
How far back do Putnam County marriage records go?
Putnam County marriage records go back to the 1850s, shortly after the county was created in 1849. Early records may be on microfilm at the clerk’s office or the Putnam County Public Library. The Florida State Archives in Tallahassee also holds older marriage records from across the state. Genealogy sites like Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org have indexed many of these older records. You can search these records by name, year, and county to trace family history back several generations.