Marriage license · Alabama
Alabama marriage license: cost, where to apply, and when
Issued by the county probate court (recording). Alabama has no license since 2019. You complete and notarize a marriage certificate form, then record it with any probate court within 30 days of signing. No ceremony is legally required.
When to apply, for your date
The license lasts 30 days and there is no wait, so apply any time in the 30 days before the wedding, including the day itself. Enter your date and we will do the arithmetic.
Where to apply in Birmingham
The offices that serve the Alabama cities Lazo covers. Both of you go, with government photo ID; check the office's own page for hours, appointments and what to bring.
What to bring
Both of you, in person, with government photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. Know your parents' full names and birthplaces, which most applications ask. If either of you was married before, know the date and how it ended; some offices ask for the decree. Bring the fee; not every office takes cards.
Alabama marriage license FAQ
How much does a marriage license cost in Alabama?
About $70 to $85, paid to the county probate court (recording). Fees change and differ by county; confirm with the office.
Where do you get a marriage license in Alabama?
From the county probate court (recording). Alabama has no license since 2019. You complete and notarize a marriage certificate form, then record it with any probate court within 30 days of signing. No ceremony is legally required.
Is there a waiting period in Alabama?
No waiting period. You can marry the day the license is issued.
How long is a Alabama marriage license valid?
Valid 30 days. Apply within 30 days of the wedding, after any waiting period.
Do you need witnesses in Alabama?
No. Only the officiant signs.
Fees and rules are as published by the issuing offices for 2025 to 2026 and change without notice. This page is a planning aid, not legal advice; the office's own page is the last word. Planning a wedding in Birmingham? Every vendor there is ranked by verified reviews, and your free wedding website is a click away. Every state.