Marriage License Fees

Iowa · 2026

Iowa Marriage License: Cost and Requirements

A marriage license in Iowa costs $35, and you wait 72 hours before the ceremony. The license does not expire.

Iowa marriage license fees by county

Fees for the 4 counties we have verified, largest first. Each row links to a county page with where to apply and the official clerk link.

CountyLicenseCertified copyCourthouse ceremonyWait
Polk County$35$20—72 hours (3 days)
Linn County$35——72 hours (3 days)
Scott County$35—Not offered72 hours (3 days)
Johnson County$35—Free72 hours (3 days)

— means the figure is not in our data. Check the county's official page.

Iowa marriage license rules

License fee

$35 (Iowa Code §331.605)

State law sets the fee at $35 statewide, including one certified copy of the marriage certificate. Polk County charges $35.

Source: legis.iowa.gov

Waiting period

72 hours (3 days)

There is a 3-day wait; Polk County counts it as 3 business days. A district court judge can waive it in an emergency, for a $5 fee.

Source: legis.iowa.gov

How long the license is valid

Does not expire

Once picked up, the license does not expire. An application is void if the license is not picked up within 6 months.

Source: polkcountyiowa.gov

Minimum age and parental consent

16 with consent; 18 without

The minimum age is 18. A 16- or 17-year-old may marry with written parental consent and a judge's approval under the conditions in state law.

Source: legis.iowa.gov

What to bring

Both partners and their witness must show photo ID. The application must also include each applicant's Social Security number.

Source: polkcountyiowa.gov

Do both of you have to appear?

No

Both partners do not have to apply together: the application can be mailed and notarized, for example when one partner lives out of state.

Source: polkcountyiowa.gov

Applying online

No, apply in person

Polk County does not offer the application online. It can mail you a paper form to sign in front of a notary.

Source: polkcountyiowa.gov

Who can officiate

Judges, magistrates, clergy and other people listed in state law may perform weddings. State law also treats a marriage performed another way as valid, but the couple and anyone who helped must each pay $50.

Source: legis.iowa.gov

Witnesses

2 required

Polk County tells couples to bring two witnesses to a courthouse wedding. One adult witness who knows the couple must also sign the application.

Source: polkcountyiowa.gov

Out-of-state couples

Out-of-state partners can apply by mail with a notarized application. A license issued in any Iowa county is valid anywhere in the state.

Source: polkcountyiowa.gov

Who issues the license

County Recorder (county registrar)

Licenses are issued by the county registrar, which is the county recorder's office.

Source: legis.iowa.gov

Not in our data yet: premarital course discount, blood test, proxy marriage. Ask your county office.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a marriage license in Iowa?

$35. State law sets the fee at $35 statewide, including one certified copy of the marriage certificate. Polk County charges $35.

Is there a waiting period in Iowa?

Yes, 72 hours (3 days). There is a 3-day wait; Polk County counts it as 3 business days. A district court judge can waive it in an emergency, for a $5 fee.

How long is a Iowa marriage license valid?

Does not expire. Once picked up, the license does not expire. An application is void if the license is not picked up within 6 months.

How old do you have to be to get married in Iowa?

The minimum age is 18. A 16- or 17-year-old may marry with written parental consent and a judge's approval under the conditions in state law.

Do you need witnesses to get married in Iowa?

Polk County tells couples to bring two witnesses to a courthouse wedding. One adult witness who knows the couple must also sign the application.

Sources

Last verified . Fees and rules change; confirm with your county before you go. Spot an error? Report it.

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