Making It Legal
The most important piece of paperand how to get it.

One of the most frequently asked questions that the KC Weddings editor gets from the Web site is, “How do I get a marriage license?” Well, here it is—short and simple. We’ve compiled a listing of the counties in the metropolitan area and where you can find a marriage license—plus what ID you need to obtain it, how much it costs, and how long till it expires.

Once the license is obtained and the deed is done, brides will need to let everyone from doctors and dentists to employers know about any name change. Be prepared to change your driver’s license and Social Security card, too.

A couple of tips: In most cases, a license obtained in one county can be used anywhere in the state. However, if you live in Missouri and are getting married in Kansas, you need a Kansas marriage license (or vice versa). Confused yet? Don’t be. Just use the information below.

MISSOURI

• Cass County Courthouse
  102 E. Wall, Harrisonville, Mo. - (816) 380-8122; (816) 380-8129 (recording)
  HOURS: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
  IDENTIFICATION: Driver’s license or birth certificate. Social Security number required.
  COST: $51, cash only.
  NOTES: Both bride and groom must be present to apply. Three-day waiting period. License expires after 30 days. If previously married, must provide the month and year that the marriage ended.

• Clay County Courthouse
  One Courthouse Square, Liberty, Mo. - (816) 407-3554
  HOURS: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
  IDENTIFICATION: Photo ID and verification of Social Security number.
  COST: $51, exact change/cash only.
  NOTES: Both bride and groom must be present to apply. Three-day waiting period. License expires after 30 days. If previously married, must provide the month and year that the marriage ended. Noncitizens must provide a visa or passport.

• Kansas City Courthouse
  Marriage License Department
  415 E. 12th St., Suite 104, Kansas City, Mo. - (816) 881-3189; (816) 881-3198 (recording)
  HOURS: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Applicants must arrive by 4:45 p.m.
  IDENTIFICATION: Driver’s license, valid state ID card, certified copy of birth certificate or passport. Must present proof of Social Security number.
  COST: $48, cash only.
  NOTES: Both bride and groom must be present to apply. Three-day waiting period. License expires after 30 days. Minister available on Saturdays from 8-10 a.m. No appointment needed.
  
  
• Independence Courthouse
  Marriage License Department
  308 W. Kansas Ave., Suite 104, Independence, Mo. - (816) 753-3886
  HOURS: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. Applicants must arrive by 4:45 p.m.
  IDENTIFICATION: Driver’s license, valid state ID card, certified copy of birth certificate or passport. Must present proof of Social Security number.
  COST: $48, cash only.
  NOTES: Both bride and groom must be present to apply. Three-day waiting period. License expires after 30 days. Ceremonies conducted Friday and Saturday by appointment only. Call (816) 753-3886 to schedule.

• Recorder of Deeds
  415 Third St., Suite 70, Platte City, Mo. - (816) 858-2232
  HOURS: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
  IDENTIFICATION: Driver’s license and proof of Social Security number.
  COST: $51, cash only.
  NOTES: Three-day waiting period. License expires after 30 days. Both bride and groom must be present. If previously married, must provide the month and year that the marriage ended. Must arrive no later than 4:30 p.m. To schedule a ceremony, call (816) 858-3434.

KANSAS

• Douglas County Offices
  111 E. 11th St., Lower Level, Lawrence, Kan. - (785) 832-5232
  HOURS: 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 1:15-4:15 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
  IDENTIFICATION: Driver’s license and/or Social Security card. Photo ID required.
  COST: $75, cash only.
  NOTES: Either bride or groom can apply. Three-day waiting period. License expires after six months.

• Johnson County Courthouse
  Clerk of District Court
  100 N. Kansas Ave., Second Floor, Room 211, Olathe, Kan. - (913) 715-3353
  HOURS: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
  IDENTIFICATION: Driver’s license and Social Security card.
  COST: $75, cash only.
  NOTES: Either bride or groom can apply for license. License expires after six months.