How do I obtain a certified copy of my marriage license?

A certified copy of any marriage license that has been issued by the Broward County Clerk of Courts from 1922 thru the present may be obtained in person at: 515 South West Second Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, which is approximately four, blocks west of the Main Courthouse across from the railroad tracks.

Directions to assist you in locating the office are: Take Broward Boulevard to Andrews Avenue. Go south on Andrews. Turn right on South West Sixth Street, then right on South West Second Avenue. The office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

As an added convenience, a certified copy of any marriage license that was issued by the Broward Clerk of the Courts from 1998 through the present may be obtained from one of the One Stop Satellite Locations in Plantation, Hollywood or Deerfield Beach.

The information required is:

• Name of the groom
• Name of the bride at the time of the application
• Date of the marriage
• For those years prior to 1972, if you need this for Social Security as proof of age, you must also request a copy of the application.
• Costs of the copies are $5.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy.

*Acceptable forms of payment:

• Checks – Attorney Firm, Personal, Business, Cashiers and Travelers made payable to the Clerk of Courts (in person and by mail)
• Money Orders – U.S. and International(in person and by mail)
• Credit Cards – American Express, MasterCard and Visa (in person only)

* The One Stop Division locations and the Marriage Division, located at the main courthouse will accept cash, credit cards, and money orders only. CHECKS (PERSONAL OR OTHERWISE) WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AT THESE LOCATIONS.

You may obtain a copy through the mail by sending the necessary information to:
Archives Division
515 S.W. 2nd Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-2813

We request that you include a check made payable to the Clerk of Courts in the appropriate amount and a stamped self addressed business envelope. Please allow a minimum of two weeks for a response. If you need further assistance please call: (954) 712-7899 ext. 7841

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How do I obtain a marriage license?

A marriage license or a Civil Marriage ceremony by the Clerk of Courts Office, may be obtained at the following locations:

Directions to assist you in locating these offices are:

• The Main Broward County Courthouse is located on the corner of S.E. Third Avenue and S. E. Sixth Street. Take Broward Boulevard to S. E. 3rd Avenue; go south on 3rd Avenue to S.E. 6th Street. The Marriage Department is located on the 2nd floor of the Main Broward County Courthouse. Office hours are Monday - Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

• The North Regional Courthouse is located West of I-95, on Hillsboro Blvd. Office hours are Monday - Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

• The West Regional Courthouse is located on the Northeast corner of Broward Boulevard and Pine Island Road. Office hours are Monday - Friday, from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

• The South Regional Courthouse is located on Hollywood Boulevard, West of I-95 on the South side of the road. Office hours are Monday - Friday, from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

• The One Stop Division - Rick Case Honda is located off of I-75 and Griffin Road in the Used Car Building.  Office hours are Monday thru Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Both parties must apply in person at the same time.

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What are the marriage license fees and waiting period?

The standard marriage license fee is $93.50 and includes a 3-day waiting period before a marriage ceremony can be performed.

The only exceptions to the 3-day waiting period are:

• If the applicants reside out-of-state and are able to present valid proof of photo identification at the time of filing the marriage license application.



• If the applicants present an original pre-marital course completion certificate at the time of filing the marriage license application.

NOTE:  If the couple elects the option to attend a State of Florida pre-marital course from a registered provider, the marriage license fee is lowered to $61.00 and the waiting period is waived upon providing a certificate of completion at the time of filing the application.

Prior to obtaining a marriage license, both parties must sign an affidavit indicating they have read the Family Law Handbook.

NOTE:Adobe Acrobat Reader Software is required to view the Family Law Handbook.

Click here to download a free copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. This is a one-time process. Installation and browser configuration instructions are provided by Adobe Acrobat.

A Civil Marriage ceremony can be performed in the Marriage Division after the license is effective for an additional cost of thirty ($30.00) dollars. No witnesses are required for a Civil Marriage ceremony, however they are recommended.

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What is the Pre-Marital Course Provider Option?

A couple has the option to take a premarital course from a registered course provider. When a pre-marital course certificate is presented at the time of the marriage license application, the fee is reduced to $61.00 and the license is effective the same day as issued.

The optional premarital course may be obtained from a course provider who is registered with the Broward Clerk of Courts.

The Pre-Marital Course Provider Registry is in a PDF (Portable Document Format).

NOTE: Adobe Acrobat Reader Software is required to view the Pre-Marital Course Provider Registry.

Click here to download a free copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. This is a one-time process that is needed before you can download, view or print the Online Pre-Marital Course Provider Registry. Installation and browser configuration instructions are provided by Adobe Acrobat.

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What types of payment methods are accepted?

Fees are payable by cash, cashier’s check, or money order. Make payable to the Clerk of Courts. No business or personal checks will be accepted. Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards are also accepted at all locations.

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What types of required proof of identification are accepted?

There are two (2) forms of identification that may be required.

1. The first form of identification required is a valid photo identification issued by the federal or state government. The photo identification must have the correct legal name, date of birth and signature of the applicant.

2. The following valid proofs of photo identifications are accepted:

• Driver's License (U.S. State or Government)

• Passport

• U.S. Military identification

• State Identification Card (U.S. State or Government)

• Alien Registration Card

3. A second form of identification is required if the applicant has been issued a U.S. Social Security number. In accordance with Florida State Statute, any person who has been issued a Social Security number shall provide that number. Any person who is not a citizen of the U.S. may provide either a Social Security number or an Alien Registration number, if one has been issued. If neither has been issued, another form of ID may be required.

Applicants will be required to provide one stamped, self-addressed business size envelope for the return of their certified copy after the certificate has been recorded. This may be purchased at the marriage counter for $1.00.

There are no blood tests required.

You do not need to be a resident of this county or the State of Florida to obtain a Marriage license. Marriage licenses are for use within the State for sixty-60 days from the date of issue.

If previously married, the exact date of death, divorce or annulment of the last marriage is required.

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What are the requirements for under-aged marriage license applicants?

Any applicant under the age of eighteen (18) must have the consent of both parents, regardless of the fact that the parents may be divorced. You may obtain consent forms from this office. If one parent is deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate is required. Proof of age and parents identity is required. This may be done with a certified copy of the person’s birth certificate.

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What are the requirements for a civil marriage ceremony?

A Civil Marriage ceremony can be performed in the Marriage Division after the license is effective for an additional cost of $30.00.

Witnesses are not required for a civil marriage ceremony.

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Can we renew our vows?

A legally married couple may renew their wedding vows in the Marriage Division or at a One Stop Division location. An original, certified copy of your marriage license is required. The cost for a civil ceremony is $30.00.

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Click here to view information on how to obtain a certified copy of a marriage license.

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How do I view the pre-marital course provider registry?

The Pre-Marital Course Provider Registry is in a PDF (Portable Document Format).

NOTE: Adobe Acrobat Reader Software is required to view the Pre-Marital Course Provider Registry.

Click here to download a free copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. This is a one-time process that is needed before you can download, view or print the Online Pre-Marital Course Provider Registry. Installation and browser configuration instructions are provided by Adobe Acrobat.

Back to the Frequently Asked Questions list