Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
Gary J. Cooney, Clerk

Frequently Asked Questions

Marriage Licenses

• Who may apply for a marriage license?
  
  • Any two people 18 years of age or older.
  • A person age 17 with parental or guardian consent, provided the other party is no more than two years older.
• What do I need to apply for a marriage license?
  
  • Both parties must be present when applying for a marriage license.
  • Couples are required by law to read a handbook supplied by the Clerk and sign a statement acknowledging that they have read the handbook before applying for the license. This can be done the same day as applying for the license or you may download the booklet by following the link on this page, and read it before your arrival.
  • To expedite the licensing process, you may download the Marriage License Information Sheet by following the link on this page, complete it, and bring it with you to the Marriage License Division or you can complete eMarriage.
  • Additionally, depending on which category applies to you, you will need to bring the following information:
    
    • Applicants 18 years of age or older:
      • Each party must show a valid driver's license or state ID, a passport or military identification.
      • Both parties must provide their Social Security numbers.
      • If either party has been previously married, the party must provide the day, month and year his or her last marriage ended.
         
    • Applicants 17 years of age must present EACH of the following:
      • Each party must show a valid driver's license or state ID, a passport or military identification.
      • Both parties must provide their Social Security numbers.
      • Certified copy of your birth certificate showing both parents' names.
      • Notarized written consent of both parents or legal guardian. If one or both parents of a minor are deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate is required. If a parent has sole legal custody, the parent must present a certified copy of the court document granting sole custody.
• Is there a waiting period after issuance of the license?
  

  There is no waiting period for Florida residents who file certification that they both have completed a premarital preparation course from a registered provider within the past 12 months. For Florida residents who have not taken the course, there is a three day waiting period between issuance of the license and the time it becomes valid for use. For non-Florida residents there is no waiting period.

• How is the waiting period counted?
  

  The date the license is issued does count as the first day. You will need to wait two additional full days. You may then be married on the following day. For example, if you obtain your marriage license on Friday, you can marry on Monday.  

• Where can I take the premarital preparation course?
  

  Many local churches and counseling services offer the course. You may download the Roster of Premarital Preparation Course Providers.

• Are blood tests required?
  

  No, the law requiring a blood test was abolished October 1, 1986. 

• Must I apply for a marriage license in the county where I live?
  

  No, a marriage license may be applied for and used in any Florida county. 

• Do one or both of the marriage license applicants have to be American citizens?
  

  No, there is no citizenship requirement. 

• How long is a marriage license valid once it is issued?
  

  The license is valid for 60 days after issuance. The effective date and expiration date are noted on the license. The ceremony can be performed anywhere in the State of Florida. The marriage license form must be returned to the Clerk’s Office for recording within 10 days after the marriage is performed. 

• How do we go about renewing our vows?
  

   Talk to your clergyman, chaplain, other religious adviser, or personal counselor.

• Do we need to obtain a license to renew our vows?
  

   No.

• Where can I write for a certified copy of my marriage license?
  

  One certified copy is provided as part of the marriage license fee. Extra certified copies are $3.00 and can be obtained by writing to:

  Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller
  Attention: Recording Division
  P. O. Box 7800
  Tavares, FL 32778

  If your license was issued in any other Florida county, contact the clerk’s office in the county where it was issued, or write to:

  Florida Department of Health
  Division of Vital Statistics
  P. O. Box 210
  Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
  Phone (904) 359-6900

  To order copies online and search other Florida Counties' Official Records, visit MyFloridaCounty.com

• Can I get married at the Courthouse?
  

  Yes, if you have a valid Florida marriage license, you may have your ceremony performed at any of our three locations for the applicable fee. No appointment is necessary for ceremonies at the Tavares or Clermont locations. For the location in The Villages, please call ahead at (352) 253-4575 to ensure availability.

  The Lake County Courthouse in Tavares has a marriage ceremony room that accommodates up to 10 guests. The Villages' location has a marriage ceremony room that accommodates up to 6 guests. Ceremonies in Clermont are performed directly at the marriage license clerk’s workstation.

 

NOTICE: Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. If you do not want your email address released in response to public records requests, do not send electronic mail to the Clerk’s Office; instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.