How to get a marriage license: what to say at the clerk's office
You and your partner want to get married, so you go to the county clerk's office. A clerk helps you at the counter. This is what to say, in simple English. Say hello and say that you want a marriage license. Say that you are both there. Show your photo ID. Fill out the form and check the names. Say honestly if you were married before. Hear the fee and say how you will pay. Ask how long the license is good for, then say thank you. Level 2 goes further: you say which way you will fill out the application, answer honestly that one of you was married before, show a copy of the divorce paper, sign the form, hear about the waiting time, say who will perform the ceremony, and ask what happens to the license after the wedding.
Level 3 is about a problem: your license expired because you changed the wedding date, so you bring the old license, apply for a new one, pay the new fee, tell the clerk about your new address, give the new ceremony date, and ask how long the new license is good for. Listen to each line, then practice with Mr. Bennett in the game. The papers, the fee and the time are a little different in every state and county, so check your county clerk's website before you go.
Useful phrases
Hello, my partner and I would like to get a marriage license.
Say hello, then say what you want: "My partner and I would like to get a marriage license." A "marriage license" is the paper that lets you get married.
Yes, we are both here today, and we came together.
In most places, both people must come to the office together. Answer the question and add one fact: "Yes, we are both here today, and we came together."
Sure, we both have our driver's licenses with us.
A photo ID has your picture and your name on it, like a driver's license or a passport. Say "we both have" and show them: "Sure, we both have our driver's licenses with us."
Of course, we will fill it out right here and check the names.
"Fill out" means write your answers on a form. The names on the license must match your ID. Say: "We will fill it out right here and check the names."
No, neither of us has been married before.
Answer with true facts only. "Neither of us" means not one of the two of us. If one of you was married before, say so, and the clerk will tell you which papers you need.
That is fine, we will pay by card.
A "fee" is money you pay for a service. The price is different in every county. Say that it is fine and how you will pay: "That is fine, we will pay by card."
Yes, how long is the license good for?
Ask your question with "how long": "How long is the license good for?" Start with "Yes" so the clerk knows that you have one more question.
Thank you, that is very helpful.
End with a clear thank you: "Thank you, that is very helpful." "Helpful" means it gave you what you needed.
We did not start it online, so we will fill it out here today.
Answer the clerk's choice with a clear fact: "We did not start it online, so we will fill it out here today." Some counties let you start the application online first, and some do not.
Yes, I was married once before, and my divorce was final two years ago.
Answer with true facts only. Say who was married and say that the marriage ended: "I was married once before, and my divorce was final two years ago." "Final" means it is completely finished.
I brought a copy of my divorce paper, and here it is.
If you were married before, many counties ask for a copy of the paper that ended the marriage, for example a divorce decree. Say that you have it and give it to the clerk: "I brought a copy of my divorce paper, and here it is." Ask your county clerk's office which paper it wants.
Everything on the form is true, so I will sign it now.
You sign to say that everything on the form is true, so read it first. Say it clearly: "Everything on the form is true, so I will sign it now."
That is fine, because we plan to get married in two weeks.
Some states and counties have a waiting time before you can marry, and some have none. In the game it is one day. Say that it works for you and give your reason: "That is fine, because we plan to get married in two weeks."
A judge will marry us, and we already have a date with her.
"Perform the ceremony" means marry the two of you. The state decides who can do it, for example a judge or a minister. Give the clear fact: "A judge will marry us, and we already have a date with her."
Yes, what happens to the license after the ceremony?
Ask what you still do not know: "What happens to the license after the ceremony?" Start with "Yes" so the clerk knows that you have a question.
Thank you, I will order a copy of the certificate after the wedding.
End with a clear thank you and say what you will do next: "Thank you, I will order a copy of the certificate after the wedding." The license lets you marry; the certificate is the paper that shows you are married.
Hello, our marriage license expired last week, because we changed our wedding date.
Say hello, then say the problem and the reason: "Hello, our marriage license expired last week, because we changed our wedding date." "Expired" means it is not good any more, because the time ended.
I brought the old license, and here it is.
Bring the old license if you can, because the clerk can find your file faster. Say it and give it to the clerk: "I brought the old license, and here it is."
I understand, so we will apply for a new license today.
In most counties, an expired license cannot be extended or fixed, and you must apply again. Accept it calmly and say what you will do: "I understand, so we will apply for a new license today." Ask your county clerk's office what its rule is.
We can pay the new fee by card today.
A new license usually means a new fee, and the price is different in every county. Say what you will do: "We can pay the new fee by card today." Do not argue with the clerk; the rule is not the clerk's choice.
We have a new apartment, so I will write our new address.
The new application must have true facts, so tell the clerk about every change. Say what changed and what you will do: "We have a new apartment, so I will write our new address."
We will marry on the twentieth, in five weeks.
A license is good only for a short time, so the ceremony must happen before it ends. Give the date clearly: "We will marry on the twentieth, in five weeks." If you do not have a date yet, say so, and ask how long the license is good for.
Yes, how long is the new license good for?
Ask about the new time limit: "How long is the new license good for?" Start with "Yes" so the clerk knows that you have a question.
Thank you, I will mark that day on my calendar.
End with a clear thank you and say what you will do next: "Thank you, I will mark that day on my calendar." The last day is printed on the license, so check it.
Level 1 (A2): Get a marriage license
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“Welcome to the county clerk's office, and how can I help you?”
Good answer: “Hello, my partner and I would like to get a marriage license.”
Why: Say hello, then say what you want: "My partner and I would like to get a marriage license." A "marriage license" is the paper that lets you get married.
Avoid: “We want a marriage license, and we want it now.” (too rude) · “We need some help with a paper.” (too vague)
“Are you both here today?”
Good answer: “Yes, we are both here today, and we came together.”
Why: In most places, both people must come to the office together. Answer the question and add one fact: "Yes, we are both here today, and we came together."
Avoid: “My partner is at work, so I came alone, and I can sign for both of us.” (gives the wrong idea) · “Yes.” (too short)
“Can I see a photo ID from each of you?”
Good answer: “Sure, we both have our driver's licenses with us.”
Why: A photo ID has your picture and your name on it, like a driver's license or a passport. Say "we both have" and show them: "Sure, we both have our driver's licenses with us."
Avoid: “Maybe they are in the car, or maybe at home with our other papers.” (too vague) · “Yes, we do.” (too short)
“Please fill out this form, and write each name the way it is on your ID.”
Good answer: “Of course, we will fill it out right here and check the names.”
Why: "Fill out" means write your answers on a form. The names on the license must match your ID. Say: "We will fill it out right here and check the names."
Avoid: “Okay, sure, we will do it fast, whatever.” (too casual) · “A form? Nobody told us about a form, and now we are in a hurry.” (too negative)
“Has either of you been married before?”
Good answer: “No, neither of us has been married before.”
Why: Answer with true facts only. "Neither of us" means not one of the two of us. If one of you was married before, say so, and the clerk will tell you which papers you need.
Avoid: “I was married once, but I will say no, so it is easier.” (not safe) · “No.” (too short)
“The license costs eighty dollars, and you can pay by card.”
Good answer: “That is fine, we will pay by card.”
Why: A "fee" is money you pay for a service. The price is different in every county. Say that it is fine and how you will pay: "That is fine, we will pay by card."
Avoid: “Eighty dollars? That is a lot of money for one paper.” (too negative) · “Can we pay next week?” (gives the wrong idea)
“Is there anything else I can help you with?”
Good answer: “Yes, how long is the license good for?”
Why: Ask your question with "how long": "How long is the license good for?" Start with "Yes" so the clerk knows that you have one more question.
Avoid: “Yes, can you find a good place for our wedding?” (gives the wrong idea) · “No, that is all. Please hurry, because we are already late.” (too rude)
“Your license is good for ninety days from today.”
Good answer: “Thank you, that is very helpful.”
Why: End with a clear thank you: "Thank you, that is very helpful." "Helpful" means it gave you what you needed.
Avoid: “Only ninety days? You should have told us that at the start.” (too rude) · “Cool, thanks. We will get married sometime, I guess, when we are ready.” (too casual)
Level 2 (B1): Papers and questions
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“Did you start your application online, or will you fill it out here?”
Good answer: “We did not start it online, so we will fill it out here today.”
Why: Answer the clerk's choice with a clear fact: "We did not start it online, so we will fill it out here today." Some counties let you start the application online first, and some do not.
Avoid: “I am not sure, because my partner did most of the papers at home.” (too vague) · “Here, I guess.” (too short)
“Has either of you been married before?”
Good answer: “Yes, I was married once before, and my divorce was final two years ago.”
Why: Answer with true facts only. Say who was married and say that the marriage ended: "I was married once before, and my divorce was final two years ago." "Final" means it is completely finished.
Avoid: “No, it was a long time ago, so I think it does not count.” (gives the wrong idea) · “Yes.” (too short)
“If one of you was married before, do you have a copy of the divorce paper with you?”
Good answer: “I brought a copy of my divorce paper, and here it is.”
Why: If you were married before, many counties ask for a copy of the paper that ended the marriage, for example a divorce decree. Say that you have it and give it to the clerk: "I brought a copy of my divorce paper, and here it is." Ask your county clerk's office which paper it wants.
Avoid: “I think I have it somewhere, maybe in a box at my mother's house.” (too vague) · “No, but I can tell you the date, and that should be enough.” (gives the wrong idea)
“Please read the form, and sign it if everything is true.”
Good answer: “Everything on the form is true, so I will sign it now.”
Why: You sign to say that everything on the form is true, so read it first. Say it clearly: "Everything on the form is true, so I will sign it now."
Avoid: “Yeah, yeah, it looks fine, so give me the pen.” (too casual) · “I did not read all of it, but I think it is fine, so I will sign.” (not safe)
“There is a one-day waiting time, so you can marry the day after you get the license.”
Good answer: “That is fine, because we plan to get married in two weeks.”
Why: Some states and counties have a waiting time before you can marry, and some have none. In the game it is one day. Say that it works for you and give your reason: "That is fine, because we plan to get married in two weeks."
Avoid: “One day? That is a silly rule, and it costs us a lot of time.” (too negative) · “Good, then we can get married this afternoon.” (gives the wrong idea)
“Do you know who will perform the ceremony?”
Good answer: “A judge will marry us, and we already have a date with her.”
Why: "Perform the ceremony" means marry the two of you. The state decides who can do it, for example a judge or a minister. Give the clear fact: "A judge will marry us, and we already have a date with her."
Avoid: “Maybe a friend, or maybe a judge, we will decide that later.” (too vague) · “We do not need anyone, because we will just say the words to each other.” (gives the wrong idea)
“Is there anything else you want to ask me?”
Good answer: “Yes, what happens to the license after the ceremony?”
Why: Ask what you still do not know: "What happens to the license after the ceremony?" Start with "Yes" so the clerk knows that you have a question.
Avoid: “Yes, can you tell us where to have the wedding party?” (gives the wrong idea) · “No. Please hurry, because my partner is waiting outside.” (too rude)
“The person who marries you signs the license and sends it back to us. Then you can order a copy of your marriage certificate.”
Good answer: “Thank you, I will order a copy of the certificate after the wedding.”
Why: End with a clear thank you and say what you will do next: "Thank you, I will order a copy of the certificate after the wedding." The license lets you marry; the certificate is the paper that shows you are married.
Avoid: “That is a lot of steps for one paper, and I do not like it.” (too rude) · “Okay, cool, I will think about it sometime, I guess, maybe.” (too casual)
Level 3 (B2): Fix a problem with your license
8 lines in the order you hear them. Each game picks 5 of them, so every game is a little different.
“Welcome back to the county clerk's office. What can I do for you today?”
Good answer: “Hello, our marriage license expired last week, because we changed our wedding date.”
Why: Say hello, then say the problem and the reason: "Hello, our marriage license expired last week, because we changed our wedding date." "Expired" means it is not good any more, because the time ended.
Avoid: “Our license is no good now, and I think that is your fault.” (too rude) · “We have a problem with our paper, and I do not know what to do.” (too vague)
“Let me look at your file. Do you still have the old license with you?”
Good answer: “I brought the old license, and here it is.”
Why: Bring the old license if you can, because the clerk can find your file faster. Say it and give it to the clerk: "I brought the old license, and here it is."
Avoid: “No, I threw it away, because it is no good now.” (gives the wrong idea) · “Yes, here.” (too short)
“An expired license cannot be used, so you need to apply for a new one.”
Good answer: “I understand, so we will apply for a new license today.”
Why: In most counties, an expired license cannot be extended or fixed, and you must apply again. Accept it calmly and say what you will do: "I understand, so we will apply for a new license today." Ask your county clerk's office what its rule is.
Avoid: “Just change the date on the old one, and we will go home.” (too blunt) · “Again? That is not fair.” (too negative)
“The fee for a new license is eighty dollars, and you can pay by card.”
Good answer: “We can pay the new fee by card today.”
Why: A new license usually means a new fee, and the price is different in every county. Say what you will do: "We can pay the new fee by card today." Do not argue with the clerk; the rule is not the clerk's choice.
Avoid: “Eighty dollars again? We already paid, and now we pay twice.” (too negative) · “Okay, fine.” (too short)
“Did anything change since your first application, such as a name or an address?”
Good answer: “We have a new apartment, so I will write our new address.”
Why: The new application must have true facts, so tell the clerk about every change. Say what changed and what you will do: "We have a new apartment, so I will write our new address."
Avoid: “No, nothing changed, but I will write our old address, so it is easier.” (not safe) · “No, nothing.” (too short)
“Do you know the new date of your ceremony?”
Good answer: “We will marry on the twentieth, in five weeks.”
Why: A license is good only for a short time, so the ceremony must happen before it ends. Give the date clearly: "We will marry on the twentieth, in five weeks." If you do not have a date yet, say so, and ask how long the license is good for.
Avoid: “Yes, in six months, and I think the new license will wait for us.” (gives the wrong idea) · “Not yet.” (too short)
“Do you have any more questions?”
Good answer: “Yes, how long is the new license good for?”
Why: Ask about the new time limit: "How long is the new license good for?" Start with "Yes" so the clerk knows that you have a question.
Avoid: “Yes, can you tell us where to buy a good wedding cake?” (off topic) · “No, that is all. Please hurry, because we are already late.” (too rude)
“The new license is good for ninety days, and the last day is on the paper.”
Good answer: “Thank you, I will mark that day on my calendar.”
Why: End with a clear thank you and say what you will do next: "Thank you, I will mark that day on my calendar." The last day is printed on the license, so check it.
Avoid: “Ninety days again? That is not much time for a big wedding.” (too negative) · “Okay, cool, I will try to remember it, I guess, maybe sometime.” (too casual)
Questions and answers
How do you get a marriage license in the US?
You go to a county clerk's office, or the office your county uses, together with your partner. You bring photo ID, fill out an application and pay a fee. The rules depend on the state and the county, so check your county clerk's website before you go. This game teaches the words for the counter with Mr. Bennett: say what you want, show your ID, fill out the form, pay and ask one more question.
What do you say when you apply for a marriage license?
Say hello, then say what you want: "Hello, my partner and I would like to get a marriage license." Then answer short questions about your ID and your form. Show your ID and say: "Sure, we both have our driver's licenses with us."
What do I need to get a marriage license?
Most counties ask for a photo ID for each person, such as a driver's license or a passport, and a filled-out application. Some also ask for papers if one of you was married before. The list is different in every county, so check your county clerk's website first.
Do we both have to go to the clerk's office?
In most places, yes: both people come in person. Some counties let you start the form online first. In the game the clerk asks: "Are you both here today?" and you answer: "Yes, we are both here today, and we came together."
How much does a marriage license cost?
The fee is different in every county, and many counties charge between about fifty and one hundred dollars. Ask the clerk how you can pay. In the game the clerk says: "The license costs eighty dollars, and you can pay by card." and you answer: "That is fine, we will pay by card."
How long is a marriage license good for?
It depends on the state and county. Many licenses are good for thirty days up to one year, and in this game it is ninety days. Ask the clerk when you get the license. In the game you ask: "How long is the license good for?"
What does "fill out a form" mean?
"Fill out" means write your answers on a form: your full name, your date of birth and your address. The names must be the same as on your ID. In the game the clerk says: "Please fill out this form, and write each name the way it is on your ID."
What if one of us was married before?
Say so. Be honest, and the clerk will tell you which papers you need, for example papers about a divorce. In the game, the clerk asks: "Has either of you been married before?" and you answer with true facts: "No, neither of us has been married before."
What does "marriage license" mean?
A marriage license is the official paper from the county that gives you the right to get married. It is not the same as a marriage certificate, which is the paper you receive after the wedding.
Is the marriage license the same in every state?
No. Every state, and often every county, has its own rules for the fee, the papers, a waiting time and how long the license is good for. This game teaches the English words for the counter. Check the website of your county clerk before you go.
What do I need if I was married before?
Many counties ask for a copy of the paper that ended the earlier marriage, such as a divorce decree, or for the date and place of the divorce. The list is different in every county, so ask the clerk's office before you go. In the game the clerk says: "If one of you was married before, do you have a copy of the divorce paper with you?" and you answer: "I brought a copy of my divorce paper, and here it is."
Is there a waiting time for a marriage license?
It depends on the state and the county. Some places have no waiting time, and some ask you to wait a day or a few days before you can marry. In the game it is one day, and you answer: "That is fine, because we plan to get married in two weeks."
Who can perform a wedding ceremony?
The state decides. Often a judge, a court officer or a religious leader can do it, and some places have other rules. Ask your county clerk. In the game the clerk asks: "Do you know who will perform the ceremony?" and you answer: "A judge will marry us, and we already have a date with her."
What happens to the marriage license after the ceremony?
The person who marries you signs it and sends it back to the county office. Then you can order a copy of your marriage certificate, which shows that you are married. The way to order it is different in every county. In the game you ask: "What happens to the license after the ceremony?"
Why do I sign the marriage license application?
By signing, you say that the facts on the form are true. Read it before you sign, and fix any mistake first. In the game the clerk says: "Please read the form, and sign it if everything is true." and you answer: "Everything on the form is true, so I will sign it now."
Is a marriage license the same as a marriage certificate?
No. The license is the paper you get before the wedding, and it lets you marry. The certificate is the paper that shows you are married, and you can order it after the license is signed and returned. In the game you say: "Thank you, I will order a copy of the certificate after the wedding."
What if my marriage license expired?
In most places, an expired marriage license cannot be used and cannot be extended. You go back to the county clerk's office, apply for a new license and pay the fee again. The rules are different in every county, so check your county clerk's website. In the game the clerk says: "An expired license cannot be used, so you need to apply for a new one." and you answer: "I understand, so we will apply for a new license today."
Do I pay again for a new marriage license?
Often yes, because a new license is a new application. The fee is different in every county. Ask the clerk before you pay. In the game the clerk says: "The fee for a new license is eighty dollars, and you can pay by card." and you answer: "We can pay the new fee by card today."
What do I say if my marriage license has a problem?
Say hello, then say the problem and the reason in one sentence: "Hello, our marriage license expired last week, because we changed our wedding date." Then bring the old license, answer the clerk's questions with true facts and ask how long the new license is good for.
What do I do if we change our wedding date?
Check the last day of your license before you change the date. If the new date is after the last day, you may need a new license. Tell the clerk the new date: "We will marry on the twentieth, in five weeks." Ask how long the new license is good for, and mark the last day on your calendar.
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Play Say It Right: all 26 real-life situations.
This game teaches English words and phrases for a marriage license counter. The papers, the fee and the time depend on your state and county and can change, so check your county clerk's website before you go. Official information: Cook County Clerk: Marriage licenses (an example; every county has its own rules).