Montgomery County issues marriage licenses through the Circuit Court Clerk’s License Department. Only one applicant needs to appear in person, provided they bring valid ID for the absent party.
| License fee | $55 (cash or Visa/Mastercard). |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | About 48 hours — the license becomes valid at 6:00 a.m. on the second calendar day after issuance (Maryland statewide rule). |
| Documents / ID required | Valid photo ID for both applicants; only one applicant needs to appear in person but must present valid ID for the absent party. Non-residents unable to appear in person may use a Non-Resident Marriage License Application, sworn before a clerk where they reside and mailed in with a $55 money order. |
| License validity | 6 months from the date of issuance (Maryland statewide rule). |
| Where & how to apply | Apply in person at the License Department, 50 Maryland Avenue, North Tower, Room 1300, Rockville (appointment/queue system used). |
| Office hours | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (240-777-9460). |
Special notes
Frequently asked questions
Do both applicants need to appear in person in Montgomery County?
No. Only one applicant needs to appear in person, as long as they bring valid ID for the absent party.
How long after applying can we get married in Montgomery County?
The license becomes valid at 6:00 a.m. on the second calendar day after issuance, per Maryland’s statewide roughly-48-hour waiting period.
How to get a marriage license in Montgomery County (Rockville), step by step
- Only one applicant needs to appear in person, provided they bring valid photo ID for the absent applicant.
- Go to the Circuit Court Clerk’s License Department, 50 Maryland Avenue, North Tower, Room 1300, Rockville. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; the phone number is 240-777-9460.
- Pay $55 by cash or Visa/Mastercard.
- Wait until the license becomes valid at 6:00 a.m. on the second calendar day after issuance, then marry any time within 6 months.
- If a non-resident cannot appear at all, use the Non-Resident Marriage License Application, sworn before a clerk where you live and mailed in with a $55 money order.
What to bring to the Montgomery County office
- Valid photo ID for both applicants (the attending applicant must carry ID for the other)
- $55 in cash, or a Visa or Mastercard
- For a mail application: the sworn Non-Resident Marriage License Application and a $55 money order
When to apply for your Montgomery County license
Maryland’s wait works differently from most states: the license becomes valid at 6:00 a.m. on the second calendar day after it is issued. A license issued on a Friday is therefore usable from Sunday morning. The license then lasts six months, the longest window in this group, so you can apply comfortably ahead of a summer wedding. A circuit court judge may waive the wait for good cause if at least one applicant is a Maryland resident or on active military duty.
After the ceremony: filing your Montgomery County license and getting certified copies
The officiant returns the signed certificate to the clerk of the court that issued the license within five days, per the Maryland People’s Law Library. To get certified copies afterwards, use the county’s certified-copy request form or call the clerk. (Filing rules checked September 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 Montgomery County (MD)
$5.5 for the first certified copy (same price for each copy)
| Issued by | Montgomery County Circuit Court, License Department |
|---|---|
| Fee details | $5.50 per certified copy; plain copies $0.50. Personal checks are not accepted; card and cash only in person. |
| How to order | Request form by mail to the License Department, North Tower, Room 1300, 50 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, or in person. |
| Timing | Not stated. |
| Who can request | Certified copies for licenses from 1993 forward; older records come from the Maryland State Archives. |
| Heads up | A later fee list on the same county page shows a $5 certification fee plus $0.50 per page, which differs from the $5.50 on the request form. |
Source: Montgomery County Circuit Court - Marriage License · checked October 2026 · How many copies do you need?
Local tips for Montgomery County
- Send one partner to the office if your schedules are tight — just bring the other person’s ID.
- The License Department uses an appointment or queue system; call ahead if you need details.
- For couples abroad or out of state, the mail-in application avoids travelling for the license.
More questions about getting married in Montgomery County
Do both of us need to appear in person in Montgomery County?
No. Only one applicant needs to appear, as long as they bring valid ID for the other.
How soon after applying can we marry?
The license becomes valid at 6:00 a.m. on the second calendar day after issue, per Maryland’s roughly 48-hour waiting period.
How long is a Maryland marriage license valid?
Six months from the date of issue.
Waiting periods by state → What licenses cost by state →
Last verified: August 2026
Read our general step-by-step guide →
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