Nevada License Information
The information below will help answer your questions. Please contact Arch of Reno if you need help obtaining a marriage license or have additional questions about the process.
Who qualifies for getting married?
Male and female persons, 18 years of age or older, not nearer of kin than second cousins or cousins of the half blood, and not having a husband or wife living, may be joined in marriage. Both parties must appear at the Washoe County Marriage License Bureau in either Reno or Incline Village.
Blood tests, waiting period
Blood tests are not required in Nevada, and there is no waiting period.
The marriage process
To be legally married, a marriage ceremony must be performed by any person authorized to perform a marriage in the State of Nevada. That’s where Arch of Reno comes in! One witness to the marriage ceremony is required by law. A witness will be provided if necessary.
Identification requirements
Identification is required for proof of age. Acceptable identification would be a driver’s license, instruction permit or an ID card from DMVwith a photo and birthdate; a passport; a matricula consular card; military ID or dependent ID card issued by U.S. Armed Forces; certificate of citizenship, certificate of naturalization, permanent or temporary resident card issued by U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services; or a certified or original birth certificate and a secondary ID with photo. Certain other identifications may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Marriage following a divorce
You do not need to bring your divorce papers; however, if you have been divorced or your previous marriage has been annulled, the divorce or annulment must be final in the state where granted. You must know the year of the divorce or annulment and where the papers were filed.
Marriage of people under 18
Persons at least 16 years of age but less than 18 years of age may marry only if the person has the consent of:
- Either Custodial Parent
- Such person’s legal guardian
Persons signing as legal guardians must furnish a certified court order showing proof of full legal guardianship to the satisfaction of the County Clerk. If the parent or legal guardian cannot be present, a statement, written in English, stating the name, birth date, age of the minor child, and stating the relationship of the person giving consent, acknowledged before a Notary Public will be accepted. The notary must state: the parent or guardian personally appeared before or was subscribed and sworn to. A facsimile of the consent will be accepted. When a legal guardian is signing and sending a facsimile, a copy of the court order for full guardianship must be attached to the notarized consent.
A person less than 16 years of age may marry if either parent or legal guardian files an action, pays all court fees as provided by law, and presents a court order from the Second Judicial District Court, County of Washoe, State of Nevada, authorizing the County Clerk to issue a license. The forms that you need for the filing of the court order are available from the County Clerk’s office. The parent (or legal guardian), bride and groom must show their identification at this time. The clerk will direct you to the proper department for the filing of the documents.
Hours available for license obtainment
Licenses can be obtained from 8 am to 12 am (midnight), Monday through Sunday.
Method of payment for license
Washoe County accepts cash payment and Visa/Mastercard for license fees (no personal checks).