How To Get A Marriage License In Hawaii

Getting married in paradise? If you plan on saying ‘I do’ in Hawaii, you’ll need to obtain a valid Hawaii marriage license first. This complete guide covers everything you need to know to get your marriage license in Hawaii, from eligibility requirements to fees and processing times.

If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: You and your future spouse must apply for a marriage license together in person at any agent office in Hawaii. Bring valid IDs, information about your last marriage if applicable, and cash or card to pay the $60 fee.

You’ll get your license that same day.

Eligibility Requirements

Residency Status

To get a marriage license in Hawaii, you or your partner must be a resident of the state. This means having a Hawaii driver’s license, paying state taxes, or being registered to vote in Hawaii. If neither partner is a resident, you may still qualify for a license by waiting at least 3 days after arriving in Hawaii before applying.

Minimum Age

Both partners must be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. If either partner is 16-17 years old, you must have documented parental consent. No one under the age of 16 may get married in Hawaii, even with parental permission.

Previous Marriages

If either partner has been divorced or widowed, you must provide certified copies of the divorce decree or death certificate. If a previous marriage ended less than 20 days before applying for the license, there is a waiting period before the license can be issued.

Hawaii does not allow marriage license applications from partners who are still legally married to someone else. Bigamy is illegal.

How to Apply

In Person Application

To apply for a marriage license in Hawaii, both partners must appear together in person at any agent authorized to issue marriage licenses, such as the Department of Health or satellite city halls across the islands. Appointments are not necessary for most locations.

Be sure to bring original copies of all required documents, as well as payment for the application fee. The application process typically takes less than an hour to complete.

Required Documents

When applying for a Hawaii marriage license, you must provide specific personal documentation. This includes:

• Certified copies of your birth certificates showing parent’s names. Birth certificates must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.
• A valid, government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport to confirm your identity.
• If previously married, certified copies of divorce decrees or death certificates to verify all previous marriages have legally ended.
• Proof of age if under 18 years old.

Having all required documents ready ahead of time will help ensure a smooth application process.

Application Fee

It costs $60 to apply for a standard marriage license in Hawaii, typically payable by cash, check, money order or debit/credit card. There are also additional fees in some cases:

• If you require a copy of the marriage certificate on the same day, there is an extra $5 fee
• For non-residents, an extra $50 fee applies
• If applying on Lanai or Molokai, an additional $10-$15 courier fee is required

Keep fees in mind when budgeting for your Hawaii wedding!

Receiving Your License

After you have applied for your marriage license in Hawaii, there are just a few more steps before you can officially tie the knot. Here is what to expect when receiving your marriage license:

Pick Up Your License

You must pick up your marriage license in person from the agent who issued it. Both partners need to be present with valid photo ID. The agent will go over the license with you to verify all the details are correct before releasing it to you.

Solemnize Your Marriage

You have 30 days from the date the license was issued to solemnize your marriage in Hawaii. This means the ceremony where you officially get married must occur within 30 days. An authorized officiant, like a judge, minister, priest, or clergyman must perform the ceremony.

Submit Your Signed License

Within 3 days of your ceremony, you must return your signed marriage license back to the agent who issued it. The person who performed the ceremony will sign it as the officiant along with you, your spouse, and two witnesses.

Once submitted, your marriage will be registered with the Hawaii Department of Health.

Receive Certified Copies

After submitting your signed license, you can request certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Department of Health Vital Records office. Each certified copy costs $10. You may need several official copies to update your records with agencies like the Social Security Administration or DMV.

It’s easy and convenient to receive your Hawaii marriage license. Just don’t forget to pick it up in person and submit it on time after your ceremony. Then you can relax and enjoy married life in paradise!

Using Your License

Valid Period

In Hawaii, a marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date it is issued. This means you must have your wedding ceremony within 30 days; otherwise, the license will expire and you’ll have to apply for a new one.

It’s important to plan your ceremony date accordingly when applying for your license. Most couples apply for the license about 2-3 weeks before their wedding date to ensure there is enough time remaining for the ceremony.

You can check the exact expiration date printed on your license to know your deadline.

If unforeseen circumstances cause you to miss the 30-day window, you can apply for one emergency 30-day extension. However, this requires filing a written request with the marriage license agent and paying a small fee.

It’s best to avoid this situation if possible and make sure you will make the original 30-day limit.

Legal Ceremony

To legally validate your Hawaii marriage license, you must have some form of ceremony performed by a licensed official within the 30-day validity period.

Your ceremony officiant must be licensed in Hawaii. Options include:

• A judge
• An ordained minister or priest
• Certain other religious figures like a rabbi or Muslim imam
• Any notary public in Hawaii

The officiant will perform the marriage ceremony, which involves you and your future spouse declaring your marriage vows in front of at least two witnesses. At the end, you, your spouse, the officiant, and the witnesses must all sign the marriage certificate to make it legally binding.

After the ceremony, your officiant will file the certificate with Hawaii’s Department of Health. You should receive a certified copy in the mail within about a month, which will serve as your official marriage record.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting married in Hawaii can be a dream come true, but navigating the legal requirements can raise some questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about getting a marriage license in Hawaii.

How old do you need to be to get married in Hawaii?

Both partners must be at least 18 years old to get married in Hawaii without parental consent. If you are 16-17 years old, you will need signed consent from your legal guardian. No one under the age of 16 can get married in Hawaii, even with parental consent.

What documents do you need to apply for a marriage license?

• A valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or passport
• Your social security number
• Proof of age, such as a certified copy of your birth certificate
• Parental consent forms if under 18 years old
• Proof of divorce or spouse’s death if previously married

How much does a Hawaii marriage license cost?

It costs $60 to apply for a marriage license in Hawaii. This fee can be paid by cash, credit/debit card, money order or traveler’s check.

Where can you apply for a marriage license in Hawaii?

You can apply for a marriage license at any local agent’s office across Hawaii. Popular islands for weddings like Maui, Kauai and Oahu all have agent offices. Find your nearest office on the Department of Health website.

How long is a Hawaii marriage license valid for?

A Hawaii marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You must have your ceremony with an officiant within this timeframe or you’ll need to apply and pay for a new license.

Getting married in paradise may sound easy, but there are still some legal “I dos” to take care of! Following these FAQs will help your special day go smooth as silk. Focus on the fun parts – your Hawaii marriage license details are handled!

Conclusion

Getting married in Hawaii may require some prep work to get your license, but after that it’s smooth sailing. With your Hawaii marriage license in hand, you’re all set for a beautiful island wedding and blissful honeymoon in paradise with your new spouse.

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