Oakland County issues marriage licenses through the County Clerk/Register of Deeds. Applicants complete a pre-application online, and only one applicant needs to appear in person to finalize and pay.
| License fee | $20 if both applicants are Michigan residents; $30 if either applicant is a non-resident. |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | 3 days between application and issuance (Michigan statewide rule). Can be waived for an additional $5 fee. |
| Documents / ID required | Valid photo ID, Social Security number, and birth certificate or passport for both applicants. |
| License validity | 33 days from the date of application (Michigan statewide rule). |
| Where & how to apply | Complete the pre-application online through Oakland County’s Online Marriage Application system, then have one applicant appear in person to finalize and pay — at the Pontiac courthouse (walk-in) or the Troy office (appointment only). |
| Office hours | Pontiac: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., walk-in. Troy: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m., appointment only (248-858-0571). |
Special notes
Frequently asked questions
Do both applicants need to appear in person in Oakland County?
No. After completing the online pre-application, only one applicant needs to appear in person to finalize the license and pay the fee.
Can we skip the 3-day waiting period in Oakland County?
Yes, the standard 3-day wait between application and issuance can be waived for an additional $5 fee.
How to get a marriage license in Oakland County, step by step
- Complete the pre-application online through Oakland County’s Online Marriage Application system. Have both applicants’ information ready, including Social Security numbers and birth certificate or passport details.
- Choose where to finalize: the Pontiac courthouse (1200 N. Telegraph Road) takes walk-ins with no appointment, while the Troy office (1151 Crooks Road) is appointment-only, booked online or by calling 248-858-0571.
- Have one applicant appear in person to finalize and pay. If the other applicant can’t come, bring front-and-back photocopies of their ID along with both applicants’ required documentation.
- Pay $20 if both of you are Michigan residents, or $30 if either of you is not.
- Wait 3 days between application and issuance, unless you pay an extra $5 to waive it.
- Marry within 33 days of the application date — Michigan’s validity window is one of the shortest in the country.
What to bring to the Oakland County office
- Valid photo ID for both applicants
- Social Security number for both applicants
- Birth certificate or passport for both applicants
- If only one applicant is appearing in person: front-and-back photocopies of the absent applicant’s ID
- $20 (both MI residents) or $30 (either non-resident), plus $5 more if you want the 3-day wait waived
When to apply for your Oakland County license
Because the license is only valid for 33 days from the date you apply, apply close to your wedding date rather than far ahead. Factor in the standard 3-day wait between application and issuance unless you pay $5 to waive it, and remember that if you need the Troy office, you’ll need to book an appointment first rather than walking in.
After the ceremony: filing your Oakland County license and getting certified copies
Michigan law (MCL 551.104) requires the officiant to return the completed marriage certificate to the county clerk within 10 days of the ceremony. Once it’s on file, Oakland County charges $15 for the first certified copy and $5 for each additional copy, available online, in person, or by mail — regular mail takes 7 to 10 business days and is free, or pay $31.40 for 2-to-3-business-day express mail. (Filing rules checked October 2026.)
You will need a certified copy for name changes and other paperwork — see our guide to what to do after the wedding.
Certified copies in Oakland County
$15 for the first certified copy, $5 for each additional copy
| Issued by | Oakland County Clerk, Vital Records |
|---|---|
| Fee details | $15 first copy, $5 each additional copy of the same record. Online orders add a service fee. |
| How to order | Online, in person, or by mail. The license must have been issued in Oakland County. |
| Timing | Regular mail 7 to 10 business days; an expedited option costs extra. |
Source: Oakland County - Marriage Certificate · checked October 2026 · How many copies do you need?
Local tips for Oakland County
- Only one applicant needs to show up in person to finalize the license — but that person must bring photocopies of the absent applicant’s photo ID, front and back.
- Pontiac is walk-in only; Troy requires booking ahead through the office’s online scheduler or by phone. Pick whichever matches how far ahead you’re planning.
- Certified-copy turnaround is much faster if you pay for express mail ($31.40, 2–3 business days) instead of free regular mail (7–10 business days) — worth it if you need the copy quickly for a name change.
More questions about getting married in Oakland County
Can only one of us go to the Oakland County office in person?
Yes, after completing the online pre-application, one applicant can finalize the license alone by bringing front-and-back photocopies of the absent applicant’s photo ID.
Do we need an appointment at the Oakland County Clerk’s office?
It depends on the office. The Pontiac courthouse accepts walk-ins. The Troy office is appointment-only, booked online or by calling 248-858-0571.
How much is a certified copy of our Oakland County marriage certificate?
$15 for the first certified copy and $5 for each additional copy, available online, in person, or by mail.
Waiting periods by state → What licenses cost by state →
Last verified: August 2026
Read our general step-by-step guide →
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