The County Clerk's Office accepts marriage license applications from
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday.

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Where To Apply

The marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of application.

• There is a five-day waiting period following the date of application which means that you must apply for your license at least 6 days prior to the date of the wedding to meet the requirements of state law.
• We recommend that you come in no later than one week prior to the wedding and no more than one month ahead of the wedding.

If you reside ...

• In Wisconsin - In Rock County:  You must apply at the County Clerk's Office in Janesville.
• In Wisconsin - Outside Rock County:  You must apply in the Wisconsin county where you currently live.
• Outside of Wisconsin:  You must apply in the Wisconsin county where the marriage will take place.  

The County Clerk's Office does close for various holidays, so please check with us before coming in to apply for a marriage license.
 

What To Bring

• A Certified birth certificate with a raised seal in the paper. 
  • Not Acceptable:  Baptismal record, hospital birth certificate with gold seal, notification of birth registration. 
  • For information on obtaining a certified birth certificate, visit the Register of Deeds Office  
     
• Driver's License or Photo ID
  • Must show your current address for identification. 
     
• Social Security Card
  • Or other card that has your Social Security number on it, such as a health insurance card. 
     
• Prior Marriage Documentation 
  • Divorce Judgment:  If you have been married before and the sepration from a former spouse is due to divorce, you must present a signed copy of the Divorce Judgment.  Wisconsin Law requires that you be divorced 6 months in order to re-marry in Wisconsin.  It makes no difference in what county or state the divorce occurred.
  • Certified copy of Death Certificate:   If you have been married before, and the sepration from a former spouse is due to death, you must present a certified copy of the Death Certificate. 
     
• Parental Consent
  • If you are between the ages of 16 and 18, you must have parental consent to marry. 
  • Both custodial parents or a guardian(s) must sign the consent form at the time that you apply for the license.
  • If there is only one custodial parent, the parent must show us proof of custody.    
     
• Wedding Arrangements
  • Arrangements for your wedding must be set prior to applying for a marriage license.
  • Please bring the name, address and telephone number of the person performing your ceremony.
  • If you have no one to perform your ceremony, a Court Commissioner is available to perform weddings once a month on Friday at the Courthouse.
    • Call the County Clerk’s office to set up your appointment with the Court Commissioner.
    • The appointment must be made at least one month or more in advance of the wedding.
    • Two witnesses, 18 years of age or older, are needed to witness the marriage and sign the marriage document at the time of the ceremony.
       

License Fee

The marriage license fee is $95.00 and paid at the time you apply for your marriage license.

EFFECTIVE January 1, 2012, the marriage license fee is $95.00. 

• The Clerk’s Office will accept cash payment.  
• Checks are accepted from in-state residents.  However, checks are not accepted from an out-of-state resident and would require cash payment. 
• The Clerk’s Office does have the ability to process credit/debit cards, but a service fee will be applied.