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Polk County marriage licenses are issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court at offices in Bartow, Lakeland, and Lake Alfred, starting with an online application before both applicants finalize the license in person.
| License fee | $93.50 standard fee. $61 for Florida residents who both complete a state-approved premarital preparation course before applying; non-residents do not qualify for the discount. |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | 3 days for Florida residents, waived by completing the state-approved premarital course. Non-residents of Florida are exempt from the waiting period entirely (Florida statewide rule). |
| Documents / ID required | Valid government photo ID for both applicants (driver’s license, state ID card, or passport). Both applicants must know their Social Security number and must affirm they have read Florida’s state Marriage Handbook. |
| License validity | 60 days from the date of issuance (Florida statewide rule). |
| Where & how to apply | Complete the online application through the Clerk’s MLApplication portal first, then both applicants must appear together in person within 90 days at any of the three office locations to finalize the license. Walk-in only — no appointments. |
| Office hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at all three offices. |
Special notes
Polk County has three office locations that issue marriage licenses: Bartow (the county seat), Lakeland, and Lake Alfred. Completing Florida’s premarital preparation course both waives the 3-day wait and drops the fee to $61 for Florida-resident couples; non-residents are exempt from the wait regardless but pay the full $93.50.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get a marriage license in Polk County, Florida?
The Clerk of the Circuit Court issues marriage licenses at three locations: Bartow, Lakeland, and Lake Alfred. All three are walk-in only, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
How do we qualify for the discounted $61 marriage license fee in Polk County?
Both applicants must be Florida residents and complete a state-approved premarital preparation course before applying; the course also waives the standard 3-day waiting period. Non-residents pay the full $93.50 and are separately exempt from the waiting period.
Official source: Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court — https://www.polkclerkfl.gov/175/Marriage-Services
Last verified: September 2026
Last verified: September 2026
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