Alabama marriage license
Planning your dream wedding in the Heart of Dixie starts with one crucial step: obtaining an Alabama marriage license. While this might seem like a daunting legal hurdle, the process has been streamlined to make your journey to the altar as smooth as possible.
In Alabama, the way couples legally formalize their union has evolved. Understanding the current legal requirements ensures that your big day is recognized in the eyes of the law. Here’s what you need to know.
What is an Alabama marriage license?
In Alabama, the traditional marriage license has been replaced by a marriage certificate process. This significant change simplifies the way couples legally validate their union. Instead of obtaining a license before the ceremony, couples now submit a notarized marriage certificate form to the probate court.
Despite the terminology shift, the essence remains the same – it’s the legal documentation that recognizes a marriage. The Alabama Department of Public Health has been filing these certificates since 1936, but the current process has been in place since August 29, 2019.
Now, you no longer need to apply for a traditional ‘license.’ Once the marriage certificate form is completed and submitted, your marriage becomes legal without any ceremony required by the state.
How to apply for an Alabama marriage license?
Applying for a marriage “license” in Alabama is unique compared to other states. The couple must fill out the Alabama marriage certificate form, which is available online or at your local probate office, such as the Baldwin County Probate Court.
Once filled, both parties must sign the form before a notary and submit it to any probate court in the state. This can be done via mail or in person. The form has to be submitted within 30 days from signature to be valid.
After the probate court records the completed form, the marriage is legal. It’s that simple. There’s no need for a ceremony or further legal steps within the state of Alabama.
What are the requirements for an Alabama marriage license?
The requirements for obtaining a marriage certificate in Alabama are straightforward. Both parties must be 18 years or older, or have parental consent if they are minors. The form must be properly filled out, notarized, and submitted within the 30-day window.
Identification such as driver’s licenses, birth certificates, or passports will be required to verify age and identity. Unlike many other states, Alabama does not require a blood test or a waiting period after the certificate is submitted.
No ceremony is required, and there’s no obligation to change your name, although the option is available through the Jefferson County Probate Court if you choose to do so.
What is the cost of an Alabama marriage license?
The cost of the marriage certificate process in Alabama is typically $73, which includes one certified copy of the recorded marriage certificate. However, fees may vary slightly by county.
Additional copies can be obtained for a small fee, and it is recommended that you secure several certified copies for personal records and legal changes post-marriage.
- Initial marriage certificate processing fee: $73
- Additional certified copies: Usually under $10 each
It’s advisable to check with your local probate court for the exact fees and acceptable payment methods.
How to obtain a marriage certificate in Alabama?
After submitting the marriage certificate form to the probate court, obtaining a certified copy is simple. You’ll receive one copy as part of your initial fee, but you can order more from the Alabama Center for Health Statistics or through the local probate offices where you submitted your form.
These documents are vital for legal changes such as updating your driver’s license, social security information, and other personal records. Having multiple copies ensures that you can manage these updates efficiently.
What are the corrections for Alabama marriage certificates?
If you discover an error on your marriage certificate, the correction process involves submitting a request to the county probate court where your marriage was recorded. A fee may be associated with this process, and additional documentation may be required to prove the correct information.
The specific requirements for corrections can vary, so it’s best to contact the relevant probate court directly for guidance on how to proceed.
What is the process for apostille and exemplified copies?
For those requiring their marriage certificate for international use, Alabama offers Apostille and Exemplified copies of the marriage certificate. These documents are essentially international notarizations, recognized by countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
To obtain these copies, you must submit a request to the Alabama Secretary of State. There is a fee for this service, and it may take several weeks to process, so plan accordingly if you need these documents for international travel or legal matters.
Alabama Marriage Certificate Procedures
In Alabama, the process for legalizing a marriage was updated in 2019. Instead of obtaining a traditional marriage license, couples now complete and submit a marriage certificate form. Below is a comprehensive guide to assist you in navigating this process.
Application Process
- Obtain the Marriage Certificate Form:
- Access the Alabama Marriage Certificate form online through the Alabama Department of Public Health’s website.
- Complete the Form:
- Both parties must fill out their respective sections of the form.
- Ensure all information is accurate and legible.
- Notarize the Form:
- Both parties must sign the form in the presence of a notary public authorized under Alabama law.
- Notary services are available at various locations, including banks, public libraries, and UPS stores.
- Submit the Form to Probate Court:
- Deliver the completed and notarized form to any Alabama county probate court for recording.
- This must be done within 30 days of the last signature date on the form.
- Fees for recording vary by county; contact the specific probate court for exact amounts.
- Obtain Certified Copies:
- After recording, certified copies of the marriage certificate can be requested from the Alabama Department of Public Health. Alabama Public Health
County Probate Courts and Contact Information
Below are some county probate courts in Alabama, including their contact information:
Jefferson County Probate Court
- Address: 716 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Birmingham, AL 35203
- Phone: (205) 325-5420
Mobile County Probate Court
- Address: 151 Government St., Mobile, AL 36602
- Phone: (251) 574-6000
Madison County Probate Court
- Address: 100 Northside Square, Huntsville, AL 35801
- Phone: (256) 532-3330
Additional Considerations
- Ceremony: A wedding ceremony is optional and not required for a recognized marriage in Alabama.
- Waiting Period: There is no waiting period; the marriage is considered legal once the certificate is properly completed, notarized, and recorded.
- Validity: The marriage is valid upon recording the certificate with the probate court.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, contact the probate court where you plan to submit your marriage certificate.
Related questions about Alabama marriage licensing
What do you need to get a marriage license in Alabama?
Since Alabama has shifted from a traditional marriage license to a marriage certificate model, you need to fill out the appropriate form, sign it before a notary, and submit it to a probate court. No ceremony or officiant is required by the state.
Identification and proof of age are necessary, and if one or both parties are minors, parental consent must be documented. The form must be used within 30 days of being notarized.
What is the new marriage law in Alabama?
The new marriage law in Alabama, effective since August 29, 2019, eliminated the need for a traditional marriage license. Couples are now required to submit a notarized marriage certificate form directly to the probate court.
This change simplifies the legal process of marriage in Alabama and eliminates the need for a waiting period or ceremony.
What is the waiting period for a marriage license in Alabama?
Alabama does not have a waiting period for marriages. Once you submit your notarized marriage certificate form to the probate court, your marriage is legally recognized immediately upon recording.
This allows for a more expeditious and efficient process for couples wishing to marry in Alabama.
How much does a marriage license cost in the state of Alabama?
The process that replaced the traditional marriage license in Alabama typically costs $73. This includes the processing fee and one certified copy of your marriage certificate.
Keep in mind that costs can vary by county, and additional copies are available for a fee.
Understanding the details of the Alabama marriage license process ensures that your union is legally recognized, allowing you to focus on the joys of marriage. Remember, this information is a helpful guide, but it’s always best to check with local authorities in case of any county-specific requirements or changes.
John Peterson is a U.S. immigration and citizenship expert with over 15 years of experience. He has dedicated his career to helping immigrants and citizens understand and navigate the legal and administrative processes related to visas and passports. John has worked in various organizations, providing personalized guidance and assistance to thousands of people. His passion for community service and deep knowledge of immigration laws make John a key figure at USHelp.info.