Alaska Marriage License

Where to go

Where can I get a marriage license?

Alaska marriage licenses are issued on the trial court level, at the Trial Court, by the Trial Court Clerk.

Where can I use it once I get it?

Your marriage license can be used throughout the state, regardless of which Trial Court you get it from.

Your license is only valid within the borders of Alaska. For instance, you can't get a marriage license from another state, then use it here—and vice versa.

Costs

How much is a marriage license in Alaska?

A marriage license costs exactly $60.00 USD. This price is established by state law and doesn't change no matter where you buy your license.

I've changed my mind; can I get my money back?

Trial Courts will not issue refunds for unused marriage licenses.

Even if you're still waiting to receive your license after submitting an application (see waiting periods), you will not be reimbursed after you've already paid.

Attendance

Must we both be present when applying?

Both parties to the marriage must appear together when applying for a marriage license.

Waiting periods

Is there a waiting period to get a marriage license?

Alaska does have a three (3) day waiting period before getting a marriage license. Your license will be issued three days after your application is received by the Trial Court.

This wait time includes business days only; Saturdays and Sundays don't count.

How soon can I get married after getting a license?

You can get married immediately after you receive your marriage license. There is no post-issuance waiting period to abide by before you can have your marriage ceremony.

Expiration dates

When will my marriage license expire?

Your Alaska marriage license will expire three (3) months after it's been issued. If you don't get married before time runs out, you'll have to start over and apply for a brand new license.

I need more time; can I get an extension on my license?

Extensions are not provided for expired (or near expiring) marriage licenses. If your license completely expires you must reapply and repay the same $60.00 application fee, wherein you'll be given three more months.

Residency requirements

What are the rules for residents and non-residents?

Whether you're a resident or non-resident of Alaska, the rules are the same; you can apply for a marriage license anywhere in the state. You can then get married anywhere within the state.

Age requirements

How old must I be to get married?

You must be 18 years old (or above) to get married in Alaska without parental consent.

16 to 17 years old

You must obtain the consent of both parents or legal guardians. It's not sufficient if only one parent/guardian acquiesces—both must agree.

14 to 15 years old

You must obtain a court order from a Judge—in Alaska—which will authorize the Trial Court Clerk to issue a marriage license.

13 years old and below

A person who is 13 years old, or below, cannot be issued a marriage license and may not marry.

Identification requirements

What forms of ID must I bring?

There are multiple types of identification to consider bringing when applying for a marriage license at your local Trial Court. They are as follows:

Provide one of the following:

• Driver's License
  • Issued by any U.S. state or territory
• State-issued Identification
  • Issued by any U.S. state or territory
• Passport
  • Issued by any U.S. or foreign government body
• Military Identification Card
  • Issued by U.S. Armed Forces
• Military Dependent Identification Card
  • Issued by U.S. Armed Forces
• Tribal Identification Card
  • Only valid for Alaska residents

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Provide the following:

• Social Security Number
  • Issued by the SSA
  • You don't need to bring you card; just know your number
  • It's understood that non-U.S. citizens are unlikely to have a SSN
  • Submitted to child support enforcement agencies; within Alaska and out-of-state

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Unacceptable documents (for the sake of clarity):

• Birth Certificate
  • Original or certified copy

Name Change

How do I go about changing my name due to marriage?

Undergoing a marriage-related name change in the state of Alaska (or any other state) involves notifying various government and non-government institutions. You'll typically start with updating your Social Security Card, driver's license, passport, and other federal/state/non-governmental institutions.

Keep in mind, your name does not automatically and legally change just because you get married or obtain a marriage license or marriage certificate; you must go through the steps of updating your identification documents, whether it's through an online name change service, or contacting the SSA, State Dept. and AK DMV directly.

Blood Tests

Am I required to get a blood test?

No, Alaska does not require you, nor your partner, to get a blood test as a condition for getting a marriage license.

Divorced

What if I've been previously divorced?

There are two sets of divorce requirements that may pertain to you:

Divorce rule 1

If you've been previously divorced, or have had an annulment or dissolution, there are extra bits of information that you must provide the Trial Court Clerk when applying.

For all previous divorces, annulments, and dissolutions, provide the following:

Things you must know

You must know the date your divorce, annulment, or dissolution took place. You must know where your divorce was finalized; this is the location (city/town, state or country) where your divorce papers were filed.

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Divorce rule 2

If you've been previously divorced, or have had an annulment or dissolution, there are extra bits of information that you must provide the Trial Court Clerk when applying.

If your last divorce, annulment, or dissolution took place within the past 60 days, provide the following:

Things you must bring

You will need to provide a copy of your divorce decree (aka divorce certificate). It must be an original or certified copy—not a photocopy. The Trial Court Clerk will not keep your certificate; it just needs to be examined for authenticity, and to confirm your previous marriage is over.

What if I'm separated from my spouse, but not yet divorced?

Alaska law forbids a marriage license be granted to anyone who is currently married or separated from their spouse. You must have your divorce finalized, or marriage annulled, before getting married again.

Widowed

What if I'm currently a widow or widower?

Widow rule 1

If your previous marriage left you as a widow or widower, the Trial Court will need to solicit basic information regarding the death of your spouse.

Things you must know

You must be able to specify the date your spouse died. You must specify where the death took place.

Things you must bring

You don't need to bring any documentation to substantiate the death of your spouse. Simply providing rudimentary details regarding your spouse's death is sufficient when filling out your application.

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Widow rule 2

If your previous marriage left you as a widow or widower, within the past 60 days, the Trial Court will need to solicit basic information regarding the death of your spouse. You only need to provide information for your last spouse who passed away.

Things you must bring

You must bring the original or certified copy of the death certificate for review. The Trial Court Clerk will hand the death certificate back to you once it's been looked over.

Solemnization

Who's allowed to marry me?

Alaska law recognizes several types of officiants who may legally officiate (i.e., preside over) your marriage. They are as follows:

Religious officiants

• Minister
• Priest
• Rabbi

Clergymen stand-in

If your church or congregation doesn't have a regular clergyman available, the following representatives whom are part of a Alaska state-recognized church/congregation can fill in.

• Principle Officer
• Elder

Nonreligious officials

The following secular officiants can solemnize the rights of matrimonial contract. These officials must be judge-appointed. Such officials can only preside over your marriage within their own Alaska-designated jurisdiction.

• Marriage Commissioner
  • Current
• Judicial Officer
  • Current

Nonreligious officials

Finally, the following secular officiants can solemnize the rights of matrimonial contract.

• District Judge
  • Current
• Magistrate Judge
  • Current
• Commissioned Officer of the Salvation Army
  • Current

Witnesses

Are witnesses required to attend my marriage ceremony?

Alaska statutes require at least two (2) witnesses be present at your marriage ceremony.

Whomever officiates your marriage must log the contact information (typically name and address) and signature of each witness.

Note: The officiant does not count as a valid witness.