How to Get an Idaho Marriage License
Marriage license
A marriage license is basically a legal confirmation that you are eligible to marry each other. All 50 states require some form of a marriage license and requirements vary by state. Idaho is one of the easier states to obtain a marriage license in. The info below will get you started on your way to getting your Idaho marriage license.
Idaho Marriage License Laws
You do not have to be an Idaho resident to apply for an Idaho marriage license but the license is only valid for ceremonies performed within Idaho state lines. You can apply for a marriage license in any county in Idaho and use it anywhere within the state.
Your Idaho marriage license MUST be returned to the recorders office it was issued from. You or your officiant can return the license. It can be dropping off in-person or returned by mail.
Idaho doesn’t require a waiting period. You can use your marriage license the same day you obtain it. Your Idaho marriage license is valid for a year. If you don’t use it or have it recorded within a year, it will expire.
Idaho requires your marriage license to be signed by a legal officiant, minister, judge or governor. I am an elopement photographer and legal officiant for the state of Idaho and can sign your marriage license. Idaho doesn’t require witnesses. This is great if you are eloping alone with your photographer or officiant.
Applying for Your Marriage License
An Idaho marriage license is issued by the county Clerk/Recorder’s office.
To obtain your marriage license both parties must appear together at the Recorder’s Office. You will both need to show proof of age and identity. A valid government issued photo ID with a birth date will do the trick. You will need to provide your social security number. Some counties want to see a physical copy of your social security card. Marriage license fees vary by county but are about $30.
The process of applying for a marriage license includes filling out a license application, paying your fee, reading an AIDS information sheet, and signing a Marriage License Affidavit. The majority of counties have you do the whole process in-person, but some counties have you complete an online application and then schedule an appointment to pick up your marriage license. It’s a good idea to check with the office you intend to use beforehand, so you know what process they use.
Where To Apply for Your Marriage License
If you are eloping in Stanley:
- Boise – Ada County Recorder (If you fly into Boise you can get it in Boise before heading to Stanley).
- Horsebend Courthouse – Phone: 208-793-2262 (You can drive through Horsebend on your way to Stanley).
- Idaho City Recorder – Phone: 208-392-4431 (You can drive through Idaho City on your way to Stanley).
- Ketchum/Sun Valley – Blain County Recorder (If you are staying in Sun Valley, you can get it in Ketchum).
If you are eloping in McCall:
- Horsebend Courthouse – Phone: 208-793-2262 (You will drive through Horsebend on your way to McCall).
- Cascade – Valley County Recorder (You will drive through Cascade on your way to McCall).
- Council – Adams County Recorder (37 miles from McCall).
- Boise – Ada County Recorder (If you fly into Boise you can get it in Boise before heading to McCall).
If you are eloping in Riggins:
- Cascade – Valley County Recorder (From Boise can drive through Cascade on your way to Riggins).
- Council – Adams County Recorder (From Boise you can drive through Council on your way to Riggins).
- Boise – Ada County Recorder (If you fly into Boise you can get it in Boise before heading to Riggins).
- Grangeville – Idaho County Recorder (If you are coming from North Idaho or Montana you can get it in Grangeville before heading to Riggins).
If you are eloping in Boise:
If you are eloping in Sun Valley:
- Ketchum/Sun Valley – Blain County Recorder (You will drive through Ketchum on your way to Sun Valley).
- Boise – Ada County Recorder (If you fly into Boise you can get it in Boise before heading to Sun Valley).