Getting a marriage license in Pennsylvania takes a little bit of time due to the state’s three-day waiting period. This means that there is a mandatory waiting period of three days between the date you apply for the license and when it is issued. Let me break it down for you:
1. Applying for the License: The first step is to go to your local county courthouse or marriage license bureau to apply for the marriage license. You and your partner will need to appear together and provide certain documents such as identification (usually a driver’s license or passport) and proof of age (birth certificate or a social security card). You may also need to provide proof of divorce or death certificates if either of you have been previously married. The application process itself usually takes about 15-20 minutes, but it can vary depending on how busy the office is.
2. Waiting Period: Once you have submitted your application, the waiting period begins. The three-day waiting period starts from the date you apply, excluding weekends and holidays. So, if you apply on a Monday, the license will be ready for pick up on Thursday. If you apply on a Tuesday, you will need to wait until Friday to pick up the license.
3. Issuing the License: After the three-day waiting period, you can return to the courthouse or marriage license bureau to pick up your marriage license. You and your partner will need to appear together again and show your identification. The license will be issued to you at this time.
It’s important to note that the marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. This means that you have 60 days to hold your wedding ceremony and have the license signed by an authorized officiant. If you don’t use the license within this timeframe, you will need to apply for a new one.
The process of getting a marriage license in Pennsylvania takes a few days due to the mandatory waiting period. It’s a good idea to plan ahead and make sure you allow enough time to obtain the license before your wedding day.