Audrain County Marriage License Lookup

Audrain County marriage license records are filed with the Audrain County Recorder of Deeds, Michelle Shoemate, at the Audrain County courthouse in Mexico, Missouri. You can apply for a new marriage license or look up older marriage license records at her office on North Jefferson Street. Audrain County has marriage records dating back to 1837, which is one of the longer collections in the region. Whether you need to get married or find a past record, the Audrain County Recorder's office is your first stop. Online search tools are also available through third-party portals.

Audrain County Marriage License Office

Michelle Shoemate is the Audrain County Recorder of Deeds. The Audrain County office sits at 101 North Jefferson Street in Mexico, Missouri. Call (573) 473-5820 for questions about marriage licenses or to check current marriage license fees. You can also email at mshoemate@audraincounty.org. The Missouri Recorders Association lists the office with full contact details.

The Audrain County Recorder handles all marriage license applications during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. Both people must come to the office in person. You cannot send someone else or do it by mail. Bring valid photo ID and your Social Security information. The office also provides certified copies of past marriage license records upon request.

Audrain County was created in December 1836 from Callaway County. Marriage records start from 1837. There are no known courthouse fires that damaged records, so the collection goes back to the very beginning of the county. The Audrain County Historical Society is another resource for those doing genealogical research on marriage records into older marriage records.

Applying for an Audrain County Marriage License

Missouri requires a three-day wait between filing the application and picking up the marriage license. This rule is in RSMo 451.040. A judge can waive the waiting period if there is good cause. No blood test is required. Both applicants need to show up at the Audrain County Recorder's office together.

You need to be 18 or older to get married without parental consent in Audrain County. Applicants aged 15 to 17 must have a parent or guardian present who will sign the marriage license application form. This is covered under RSMo 451.090. The Audrain County Recorder checks every document before the application moves forward. Bring your driver's license, passport, or state ID along with your Social Security number.

Once issued, your Audrain County marriage license is valid for 30 days. The wedding can happen anywhere in Missouri. The officiant must be authorized under RSMo 451.100. After the marriage ceremony, the signed marriage license goes back to the Audrain County Recorder per RSMo 451.120 to be officially recorded.

Search Audrain County Marriage Records

Audrain County uses the Fidlar Technologies Tapestry/Laredo system for online record access. Tapestry offers pay-as-you-go pricing for occasional users, while Laredo is a monthly subscription for frequent searchers. Marriage records are indexed from approximately the 1960s to the present. You can search by name, date, document type, or book and page number. Account setup is required through Fidlar.

The Missouri State Archives has historical Audrain County marriage records from Audrain County's formation in 1836. Microfilm copies are available for research, and some records have been digitized. The Archives charges $3.00 minimum for digital copies and $1.00 minimum for photocopies. Mailing services are available for researchers who cannot visit in person.

The Fidlar Technologies portal provides online access to indexed Audrain County marriage license records and other documents.

The free Missouri Statewide Marriage License Database covers records from 1805 to 2002 across all Missouri counties. You can search Audrain County marriage records by name. For court-related matters like divorce filings, Missouri Case.net provides free public access. Marriage licenses are not available through Case.net.

Missouri Resources for Marriage License

The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records issues Certified Statements Relating to Marriage for $15 each. These show the names, date, and county but are shorter than a full certified copy from the Audrain County Recorder. The Bureau is located in Jefferson City and accepts mail requests.

Check the Missouri Governor's Portal for a general overview of marriage rules in the state. It covers everything from the waiting period to who can perform ceremonies. Access to Audrain County marriage license records is public under RSMo 193.255, which governs vital records access in Missouri.

Note: marriage license fees and procedures for Audrain County marriage licenses may change, so verify details with the Audrain County Recorder's office before your visit.

Nearby Counties

Counties near Audrain County each have their own Recorder that issues marriage licenses.