Iowa
Iowa Marriage License Requirements 2026: $35 Fee, 3-Day Wait
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited October 7, 2026). · 23 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
In Iowa, the county recorder issues marriage licenses under Iowa Code chapter 595, and any recorder in the state can issue one for a wedding anywhere in Iowa. The fee is $35 in every county, set by Iowa Code 331.605, and it includes one certified copy of your marriage certificate. Iowa has a three-day wait after the license issues (counties often describe it as four days counting from application: same rule), and an issued license has no expiration date.
For the rules in other states, see our guide to marriage license requirements by state.
Information last verified on October 7, 2026. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.
Jurisdiction scope: This article covers getting a marriage license and marrying in Iowa under Iowa Code chapter 595 and the fee provision in Iowa Code 331.605, together with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services marriage instructions and the marriage pages of the Polk, Linn and Scott county recorders. It does not cover divorce, ordering older marriage records, common-law marriage, or the rules of other states.
Where to Get a Marriage License in Iowa
You apply to a county recorder, who serves as the county registrar for marriage licenses (Iowa Code 331.611). Iowa Code 595.3 requires the license before the marriage, and Iowa does not tie the wedding to the issuing county. The state's marriage instructions say: "The county of license does NOT have to be the same as the county where the marriage ceremony takes place."
Scott County puts it simply: "Yes, the license is valid in any county in the State of Iowa." The license covers ceremonies in Iowa only. You do not need to live in Iowa or be a U.S. citizen to get one; we found no residency requirement in chapter 595 or the state instructions.
How the application works
Iowa does not offer online marriage licenses. The application is a sworn document: each of you signs it before a notary, and a witness signs an affidavit about your age and eligibility. County recorders can usually notarize for you at the counter.
Polk County (Des Moines) describes the visit: "To apply for a marriage license the couple intending to marry and one witness (someone that's acquainted with the couple and is 18 or older) must come into the office and fill out the application." Linn County (Cedar Rapids) says both parties and a witness who is 18 or older and knows you both "must sign an application in the presence of a notary." If you cannot both appear, the state instructions allow the application to be mailed to you and signed before a notary.
Documents and Information You Need
Bring government-issued photo ID for each of you. Polk requires photo ID for the couple and the witness, and Scott County (Davenport) accepts a valid government-issued photo ID or passport. The state instructions say a valid U.S. government-issued ID is preferred when you sign before the notary.
Iowa Code 595.4(1) sets out what the application must contain: "The application shall include the social security number of each applicant and shall set forth at least one affidavit of some competent and disinterested person stating the facts as to age and qualification of the parties." Social Security numbers stay confidential.
The witness must be an adult who knows both of you. The state instructions allow a family member to serve. Scott County adds that the witness cannot be your officiant.
You do not have to bring a divorce decree under the sections we reviewed. The witness affidavit swears that both of you are unmarried, and a marriage is void if either party still has a living spouse (Iowa Code 595.19(2)).
What an Iowa Marriage License Costs
The fee is the same in every Iowa county because the legislature sets it. Iowa Code 331.605(1)(g) charges "For filing an application for the license to marry, thirty-five dollars, which includes payment for one certified copy of the original certificate of marriage." The state instructions say the fee is not refunded if the wedding does not take place.
| County | License fee | Extras on the county page | Source checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polk (Des Moines) | $35 | Additional certified copies $20 (raised from $15 on July 1, 2026) | October 7, 2026 |
| Linn (Cedar Rapids) | $35 | $40 total with a court waiver of the wait | October 7, 2026 |
| Scott (Davenport) | $35, includes a certified copy | Waiver form adds $5 | October 7, 2026 |
The county page is the final word on payment methods and copy prices, and those can change. Linn accepts checks and money orders payable to the Linn County Recorder, as well as cash and cards. We found no premarital-course discount in Iowa law or on these county pages.
The Three-Day Wait
Iowa Code 595.4 lets the recorder issue the license when you apply, but the license "shall not become valid until the expiration of three days after the date of issuance of the license." The day you apply does not count, and weekend days do.
In practice, a Monday application gives you a license that is valid on Friday. That is why county pages seem to disagree:
- Polk: "When the marriage license valid date is computed, the day of application is excluded. Then 4 days after that the license is valid (weekend days are included in count)."
- Linn: "The three-day waiting period begins the day after the application is processed."
- Scott calls it a 4-day waiting period.
These are the same rule counted two ways. Either way, Monday to Friday.
Getting the wait waived
A district court judge may validate a license early "in cases of emergency or extraordinary circumstances" (Iowa Code 595.4). You request it on forms from the county recorder when you apply, and the order must come from a judge in the judicial district of the county where you applied. The order costs an extra $5 under Iowa Code 331.605(1)(g), and the court must waive that $5 if you show you cannot pay. Scott County says a judge signs waivers at the courthouse at 8:30 am and 1:30 pm.
We found no automatic waiver for military service, out-of-state couples or premarital counseling.
How Long an Iowa Marriage License Lasts
Once issued, an Iowa license has no expiration date in chapter 595. The one deadline falls before issuance. Iowa Code 595.4(2) says: "If the license has not been issued within six months from the date of the application, the application is void." Polk and the state instructions describe this as picking up the license within six months.
Age Requirements to Marry in Iowa
You must be 18 to marry without consent. Iowa Code 595.2 allows a license for a 16- or 17-year-old only if both of these apply:
- Parental consent: the parents certify their consent in writing. One parent may consent if the other is dead or incompetent, a guardian if both are, and the custodial parent if the parents are divorced.
- A judge's approval: a district court judge must approve the marriage, finding that the minor can take on the responsibilities of marriage and that the marriage serves the minor's best interest. Pregnancy alone does not establish best interest.
If a parent withholds consent, a judge decides whether it was unreasonably withheld. Iowa's marriage instructions state: "Persons aged 15 and under may not marry in Iowa." A person who falsely claims to be 18 can have the marriage voided before turning 18 (Iowa Code 595.2(3)).
For how a minor can become legally independent in Iowa, see Iowa emancipation laws.
Who Cannot Marry in Iowa
Iowa Code 595.19 voids marriages between close relatives: a parent and child, grandparent and grandchild, brother and sister, aunt or uncle and niece or nephew, and first cousins. We found no exception to the first-cousin bar.
A marriage is also void if either party has a living spouse. The statute does validate the marriage if the couple keeps living together after the former spouse dies or the earlier marriage ends in divorce (Iowa Code 595.19(2)). Iowa Code 595.3 bars a license when a party is disqualified from making any civil contract, or is under a guardianship and a court has found the person lacks the capacity to marry.
We found no waiting period in chapter 595 before you can remarry after a divorce. For divorce questions, see Iowa divorce laws.
Iowa Code 595.2(1) still reads: "Only a marriage between a male and a female is valid." That line cannot be enforced. The U.S. Supreme Court held in Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015), that "same-sex couples may exercise the fundamental right to marry." The state's own instructions refer to "two persons."
No Blood Test Required
Iowa does not require a blood test, medical exam or health pamphlet. None appears in Iowa Code chapter 595, on the state application form or in the state instructions.
Who Can Marry You in Iowa
Iowa Code 595.10 lets these people solemnize a marriage:
- justices and judges of the Iowa Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and district court, district associate judges, associate juvenile judges, judicial magistrates and senior judges;
- "A person ordained or designated as a leader of the person's religious faith."
A religious officiant can live in any state. Iowa does not register officiants: a state officiant brochure hosted by Polk County says, "There is no formal "registration" of Officiants in Iowa." The same brochure lists people who are not authorized, including federal judges, judges of other states, seminary students and riverboat captains.
We found no Iowa statute, court decision or official guidance on officiants ordained online. If yours was, ask the county recorder before the wedding.
Courthouse weddings
The recorder's office issues the license but does not perform weddings. Judges and magistrates do. Polk County says judges perform ceremonies by appointment and may charge up to $200 when they marry you at a location other than court outside working hours; under Iowa Code 595.12, a judge may charge only for ceremonies outside regular working hours. In Linn County, the Clerk of Court performs courthouse ceremonies on Mondays only, by appointment.
Witnesses at the ceremony
The state instructions say the couple, the officiant "and two witnesses must be physically present." Witnesses must be old and competent enough to enter a civil contract. They sign the certificate.
Marrying without an officiant
Iowa offers no self-uniting license, and we found no provision for a one-day officiant. Iowa Code 595.11 treats a marriage solemnized with the parties' consent "in any manner other than that prescribed in this chapter" as valid, but the parties, and anyone who helps them, must each pay $50 to the state (an officiant who makes the return within 15 days is excused). That section does not remove the license requirement: marrying without a license is a simple misdemeanor for the couple and anyone who helps them (Iowa Code 595.9). Iowa Code 595.17 exempts members of a denomination with an unusual way of entering marriage from the licensing and solemnization rules. Get your license either way, and talk to the county recorder before relying on the 595.17 exception.
Proxy and Remote Ceremonies
Iowa does not allow them. The state instructions say: "Marriage ceremonies are not valid by proxy, telephone, or other electronic means." The couple, officiant and witnesses must be together in person.
After the Ceremony
The officiant files the record. Iowa Code 595.13 requires the officiant to "return the certificate of marriage within fifteen days to the county registrar who issued the marriage license," and Iowa Code 144.36(2) sets the same 15-day deadline. If a marriage takes place without a member of the clergy or a magistrate, either spouse may make the return (Iowa Code 595.16).
Once the recorder accepts the certificate, you receive the certified copy your $35 already paid for (Iowa Code 595.16A). You can pick it up in person or have it mailed to the address you give the recorder; Linn County asks for a separate address return form. Extra copies come from the county recorder or the state vital records office; Polk charges $20 each. For ordering copies later, see Iowa marriage and divorce records.
Choosing a new name on the application
Iowa lets you choose your married name on the license application. Iowa Code 595.5(1) provides: "A party may indicate on the application for a marriage license the adoption of a name change." The state form has a block for the full legal name after marriage, and the name on the license becomes your legal name. A later change needs a court order. See Iowa name change laws and name change after marriage.
Common Myths About Iowa Marriage Licenses
"An Iowa license expires after 30 or 60 days." Chapter 595 sets no expiration on an issued license. Only the application lapses, after six months, if the license is never issued.
"You have to marry in the county that issued the license." You do not. Any Iowa recorder's license works anywhere in Iowa.
"Is it three days or four?" Both. The statute counts three days after issuance; some counties count four days from the application. Monday to Friday either way.
"A 16- or 17-year-old can marry with parental consent." Not on consent alone. A district court judge must also approve.
Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information about getting a marriage license in Iowa under Iowa Code chapter 595 and Iowa Code 331.605. It is not legal advice. The information was verified on October 7, 2026. For your specific situation, contact your county recorder or consult a lawyer licensed in Iowa.
Related
- Marriage license requirements by state
- Iowa marriage and divorce records
- Iowa common-law marriage
- Iowa name change laws
- Nebraska marriage license requirements
- Minnesota marriage license requirements
Last updated: October 7, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I get a marriage license in Iowa?
From any Iowa county recorder (Iowa Code 331.611, 595.3). The license is valid for a ceremony anywhere in Iowa.
How much is a marriage license in Iowa?
$35 in every county under Iowa Code 331.605(1)(g), including one certified copy of the marriage certificate. A court order to skip the waiting period adds $5.
How long is the waiting period for an Iowa marriage license?
The license is not valid until three days after it is issued (Iowa Code 595.4). Apply on Monday and you can marry on Friday; some counties describe this as four days from the application.
Does an Iowa marriage license expire?
Not once it is issued. Under Iowa Code 595.4(2), the application is void if the license is not issued within six months of applying.
Do we need a witness to apply for an Iowa marriage license?
Yes. An adult who knows you both signs an affidavit with the application (Iowa Code 595.4(1)), and the state instructions call for two witnesses at the ceremony.
Can a 17-year-old get married in Iowa?
Only with written parental consent and a district court judge's approval under Iowa Code 595.2. The state instructions say people 15 and under may not marry.
Can first cousins marry in Iowa?
No. Iowa Code 595.19 makes a marriage between first cousins void.
Does Iowa allow proxy or video weddings?
No. The Iowa HHS marriage instructions say ceremonies are not valid by proxy, telephone or other electronic means.
How long does the officiant have to return an Iowa marriage certificate?
15 days. Iowa Code 595.13 requires the officiant to return it to the county recorder who issued the license.
Updates
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Iowa Code, Chapter 595: MARRIAGE
§ 595.3License.In force
Previous to the solemnization of any marriage, a license for that purpose must be obtained from the county registrar. The license must not be granted in any case: 1. Where either party is under the age necessary to render the marriage valid. 2. Where either party is under eighteen years of age, unless the marriage is approved by a judge of the district court as provided by section 595.2. 3. Where either party is disqualified from making any civil contract. 4. Where the parties are within the degrees of consanguinity or affinity in which marriages are prohibited by law. 5. Where either party is a protected person under a guardianship and the court has made a finding that the protected person lacks the capacity to contract a valid marriage.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
§ 595.4Age and qualification — verified application — waiting period — exception.In force
1. Previous to the issuance of any license to marry, the parties desiring the license shall sign and file a verified application with the county registrar which application either may be mailed to the parties at their request or may be signed by them at the office of the county registrar in the county in which the license is to be issued. The application shall include the social security number of each applicant and shall set forth at least one affidavit of some competent and disinterested person stating the facts as to age and qualification of the parties. Upon the filing of the application for a license to marry, the county registrar shall file the application in a record kept for that purpose and shall take all necessary steps to ensure the confidentiality of the social security number of each applicant. All information included on an application may be provided as mutually agreed upon by the state registrar of vital statistics and child support services, including by automated exchange. 2. Upon receipt of a verified application, the county registrar may issue the license which shall not become valid until the expiration of three days after the date of issuance of the license.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
§ 595.2Gender — age.In forcecited in 3 of our articles
1. Only a marriage between a male and a female is valid. 2. Additionally, a marriage between a male and a female is valid only if each is eighteen years of age or older. However, if either or both of the parties have not attained that age, the marriage may be valid under the circumstances prescribed in this section. 3. If either party to a marriage falsely represents the party’s self to be eighteen years of age or older at or before the time the marriage is solemnized, the marriage is valid unless the person who falsely represented their age chooses to void the marriage by making their true age known and verified by a birth certificate or other legal evidence of age in an annulment proceeding initiated at any time before the person reaches their eighteenth birthday. A child born of a marriage voided under this subsection is legitimate. 4. A marriage license may be issued to a male and a female either or both of whom are sixteen or seventeen years of age if both of the following apply: a. The parents of the underage party or parties certify in writing that they consent to the marriage.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
Cited in 10 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2021
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Varnum v. Brien (Supreme Court of Iowa 2009, 763 N.W.2d 862)“…couples. 9 E. Classification Undertaken in Iowa Code Section 595.2. Plaintiffs believe Iowa Code section 5…”
- Katherine Varnum, Patricia Hyde, Dawn Barbouroske, Jennifer Barbouroske, Jason Morgan, Charles Swaggerty, David Twombley, Lawrence Hoch, William M. Musser, Otter Dreaming, Ingrid Olson, And Reva Evans Vs. Timothy J. Brien, In His Official Capacities As The Polk County Recorder And Polk County Registrar (Supreme Court of Iowa 2009)“…ive process and presume 6Plaintiffs’ challenge to Iowa Code section 595.2 is based on the equal protection guara…”
- Alons v. Iowa District Court for Woodbury County (Supreme Court of Iowa 2005, 698 N.W.2d 858)“…in the Iowa Legislature since or prior to April 1998, when Iowa Code section 595.2(1) was amended to define marriage as va…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Iowa Emancipation Laws: How to Get Emancipated in Iowa (2026), Common Law Marriage in Iowa: Is It Recognized? (2026)
§ 595.10Who may solemnize.In force
Marriages may be solemnized by: 1. A judge of the supreme court, court of appeals, or district court, including a district associate judge, associate juvenile judge, or a judicial magistrate, and including a senior judge as defined in section 602.9202, subsection 3. 2. A person ordained or designated as a leader of the person’s religious faith.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
§ 595.13Certificate — return.In force
After the marriage has been solemnized, the officiating minister or magistrate shall attest to the marriage on the blank provided for that purpose and return the certificate of marriage within fifteen days to the county registrar who issued the marriage license.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
§ 595.19Void marriages.In forcecited in 2 of our articles
1. Marriages between the following persons who are related by blood are void: a. Between a man and his father’s sister, mother’s sister, daughter, sister, son’s daughter, daughter’s daughter, brother’s daughter, or sister’s daughter. b. Between a woman and her father’s brother, mother’s brother, son, brother, son’s son, daughter’s son, brother’s son, or sister’s son. c. Between first cousins. 2. Marriages between persons either of whom has a husband or wife living are void, but, if the parties live and cohabit together after the death or divorce of the former husband or wife, such marriage shall be valid.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
Cited in 2 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2015
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State of Iowa v. Steve Thomas Schneider (Court of Appeals of Iowa 2015)“…h they were separated and in the process of divorcing. See Iowa Code § 595.19(2) (providing a marriage is void when…”
- United States v. Windsor (Supreme Court of the United States 2013, 570 U.S. 744)“…s to marry, but a handful— such as Iowa and Washington, see Iowa Code §595.19 (2009); Wash. Rev. Code §26.04.020 (201…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
§ 595.5Name change adopted.In forcecited in 3 of our articles
1. A party may indicate on the application for a marriage license the adoption of a name change. The names used on the marriage license shall become the legal names of the parties to the marriage. The marriage license shall contain a statement that when a name change is requested and affixed to the marriage license, the new name is the legal name of the requesting party. 2. An individual shall have only one legal name at any one time.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
Cited in 4 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2022
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Braunschweig v. Fahrenkrog (Supreme Court of Iowa 2009, 773 N.W.2d 888)“…well as the child’s legal name. See generally Iowa Code § 595.5 (2) (“An individual shall have only one…”
- In re the Marriage of Heide (Court of Appeals of Iowa 2022)“…she and Jeffrey had applied for a marriage license in Iowa, Iowa Code section 595.5 would allow her to change her name as p…”
- Joshua Richard Braunschweig Vs. Summer Rae Fahrenkrog, F/k/a Summer Rae Frank (Supreme Court of Iowa 2009)“…added). 8 generally Iowa Code § 595.5(2) (“An individual shall have only one…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Iowa Name Change Laws: How to Legally Change Your Name, Name Change After Marriage
§ 595.11Nonstatutory solemnization — forfeiture.In force
Marriages solemnized, with the consent of parties, in any manner other than that prescribed in this chapter, are valid; but the parties, and all persons aiding or abetting them, shall pay to the treasurer of state for deposit in the general fund of the state the sum of fifty dollars each; but this shall not apply to the person conducting the marriage ceremony, if within fifteen days after the ceremony is conducted, the person makes the required return to the county registrar.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
Iowa Code, Chapter 331: COUNTY HOME RULE IMPLEMENTATION
§ 331.605Other fees.In force
1. The recorder shall collect: a. For the issuance of a registration or transfer for a vessel or boat: (1) A registration fee as provided in section 462A.5. (2) A writing fee as provided in section 462A.53. (3) A transfer and writing fee as provided in section 462A.44. b. For issuance of hunting, fishing, and fur harvester licenses: (1) The fees specified in rules adopted pursuant to section 483A.1. (2) The writing fee as provided in section 483A.12. c. A state migratory game bird fee as provided in rules adopted pursuant to section 483A.1. d. For the issuance of snowmobile registrations and nonresident user permits, the fees specified in sections 321G.4 and 321G.4B. e. For the issuance of all-terrain vehicle registrations and user permits, the fees specified in sections 321I.4 and 321I.5. f. A county fee of four dollars for a certified copy of a birth record, death record, or marriage certificate. g.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
Iowa Code, Chapter 144: VITAL STATISTICS
§ 144.36Marriage certificate filed — prohibited information.In force
1. A certificate recording each marriage performed in this state shall be filed with the state registrar. The county registrar shall prepare the certificate on the form furnished by the state registrar upon the basis of information obtained from the parties to be married, who shall attest to the information by their signatures. The county registrar in each county shall keep a record of marriage certificates as required by the state registrar. 2. Every person who performs a marriage shall certify the fact of marriage and return the certificate to the county registrar within fifteen days after the ceremony. The certificate shall be signed by the witnesses to the ceremony and the person performing the ceremony. 3. The certificate of marriage shall not contain information concerning the race of the married persons, previous marriages of the married persons, or the educational level of the married persons. 4.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at legis.iowa.gov
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Sources and References
- Iowa Code 595.3, License(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code 331.611, Vital statistics(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, State of Iowa Marriage Instructions (updated June 2025, county-hosted copy)(lucascounty.iowa.gov).gov
- Scott County Recorder, Marriage FAQ(scottcountyiowa.gov).gov
- Polk County Recorder, Marriage Records(polkcountyiowa.gov).gov
- Linn County Recorder, Marriage License: Applying to Get Married(linncountyiowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code 595.4, Age and qualification; verified application; waiting period; exception(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code 595.19, Void marriages(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code 331.605, Other fees(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code 595.2, Gender; age(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Obergefell v. Hodges, 576 U.S. 644 (2015)(govinfo.gov).gov
- Iowa Code chapter 595, Marriage (full chapter)(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code 595.10, Who may solemnize(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa marriage officiant brochure (Polk County-hosted copy, updated July 1, 2017)(polkcountyiowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code 595.12, Fee and expenses(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code 595.11, Nonstatutory solemnization; forfeiture(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code 595.17, Exceptions(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code 595.13, Certificate; return(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code 144.36, Marriage certificate filed; prohibited information(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code 595.16, Spouse responsible for return(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code 595.16A, Issuance of certified copy of certificate of marriage(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code 595.5, Name change adopted(legis.iowa.gov).gov
- Iowa Code 595.9, Violations(legis.iowa.gov).gov