Search Buchanan County Marriage License
Buchanan County marriage license applications are processed by Recorder of Deeds Rebecca Dunlap at the Buchanan County courthouse in St. Joseph. The Buchanan County office on Jules Street handles new marriage licenses and maintains records going back to 1839. The Buchanan County marriage license fee is $51, and both people must come in person. You can also search records online through the county's iRecord system. This page covers how to apply, where to search, and what you need to know about Buchanan County marriage license records.
Buchanan County Marriage License Quick Facts
Buchanan County Marriage License Office
Rebecca Dunlap is the Buchanan County Recorder of Deeds. The office is at 411 Jules Street, Room 103, in St. Joseph, Missouri 64501. You can call (816) 271-1437 or (816) 271-1596. The fax is (816) 271-1582 and the email is bdunlap@co.buchanan.mo.us. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
The Buchanan County marriage license page has specific details about the application process. The license fee is $51.00 and it is non-refundable. Licenses are valid only in Missouri. Both people must appear together at the office. The Missouri Recorders Association lists the Buchanan County office with additional contact information.
Buchanan County was created on December 31, 1838, and named after President James Buchanan. Marriage records have been kept from 1839. The county is one of the larger ones in northwest Missouri, with St. Joseph as its seat. The Buchanan County Recorder's office handles marriage licenses along with property deeds, military discharge records (DD-214s), and other official documents.
The BuchananRecords.us website provides another access point for the Buchanan County Recorder's office. Phone (816) 271-1444 for that line. Both in-person and mail services are available. Some Buchanan County marriage records can be searched through the online portal as well.
| Recorder | Rebecca Dunlap |
|---|---|
| Address | 411 Jules St, Rm 103, St. Joseph, MO 64501 |
| Phone | (816) 271-1437 |
| Alternate Phone | (816) 271-1596 |
| Fax | (816) 271-1582 |
| bdunlap@co.buchanan.mo.us | |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| License Fee | $51.00 (non-refundable) |
| Certified Copy | $9.00 |
Apply for Buchanan County Marriage License
Both people must appear at the Buchanan County Recorder's office. Bring a valid photo ID for your marriage license and your Social Security number. The marriage license fee is $51.00. It is non-refundable, even if you change your mind. Under RSMo 451.040, there is a three-day marriage license waiting period between application and pickup. A judge can waive the wait. No blood test is required.
You must be 18 or older to apply on your own. People aged 15 to 17 need a parent or legal guardian present at the Buchanan County Recorder's office to sign the marriage license application. This requirement is in RSMo 451.090. The Buchanan County Recorder checks all identification before processing.
A Buchanan County marriage license is valid for 30 days and can be used anywhere in Missouri. Clergy, judges, and authorized religious leaders may perform the ceremony. After the wedding, the officiant must sign and return the Buchanan County marriage license to the Recorder for recording per RSMo 451.120.
Search Buchanan County Marriage Records
The Buchanan County Public Records Search page provides access to some online records. The office uses an iRecord system for online searching. Marriage records maintained by the Buchanan County Recorder go back to 1839. Public access terminals are also available at the office for in-person searching.
Certified copies of a Buchanan County marriage license cost $9.00. You can request them in person or by mail at 411 Jules Street, Room 103, St. Joseph, MO 64501. The office accepts checks and other forms of payment. Call the Buchanan County office ahead to confirm current accepted payment methods.
The Buchanan County Recorder of Deeds website shows marriage license application details, fees, and public records search options.
The Missouri State Archives preserves historical Buchanan County marriage records on microfilm from 1839. Digital database access is available for some records. Browse by record type to find marriage licenses, applications, and registers. The Archives Research Room in Jefferson City is open for walk-in visits, and remote research is accepted.
The Missouri Statewide Marriage License Database covers 1805 to 2002 and includes Buchanan County records. This free tool is run by the Secretary of State. For court filings like divorce records, use Missouri Case.net. Marriage licenses are not available on Case.net.
Missouri Marriage License Resources
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records issues a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage for $15. This shorter document shows names, date, and county. It is different from the $9 certified copy you can get directly from the Buchanan County Recorder. The Bureau is in Jefferson City.
For an overview of Missouri marriage law, visit the Missouri Governor's Portal. It covers waiting periods, ID rules, and who can officiate. Access to Buchanan County marriage license records is governed by RSMo 193.255. Marriage records are public in Missouri, and anyone can request copies with proper ID and the required fee.
Note: The Buchanan County marriage license fee of $51 is non-refundable. Make sure both parties are ready before applying.
Cities in Buchanan County
St. Joseph is the major city in Buchanan County. Residents get their marriage license from the Buchanan County Recorder of Deeds.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Buchanan County. Each has its own Recorder of Deeds for marriage licenses.