DeKalb County Marriage License

DeKalb County marriage license applications are handled by Recorder of Deeds Ashley D. Johnson at the DeKalb County courthouse in Maysville. Created in 1845 from Clinton County, DeKalb County has marriage records going back to that year. The DeKalb County Recorder's office has marriage licenses indexed from 1928 through the current date, which makes searching for records from that period much easier. This marriage license page covers the full process for getting a DeKalb County marriage license, the office hours, what to bring, and how to look up existing records.

DeKalb County Marriage License Office

Recorder of Deeds Ashley D. Johnson runs the DeKalb County Recorder's office at 109 W Main St, Maysville, MO 64469. Phone is (816) 449-5402 ext 3, fax (816) 449-2429. Email recorder@dekalbcountymo.gov for questions. The DeKalb County office accepts cash, check, and credit cards, though credit cards carry a $1.55 fee. Marriage licenses must be paid with exact cash or credit card.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Marriage license applications are accepted from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The office closes daily from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM for lunch. Both DeKalb County marriage license applicants must appear together. Bring a valid photo ID for your marriage license and Social Security information.

Missouri's three-day marriage license waiting period applies under RSMo 451.040. You apply on one day and return three days later for the DeKalb County marriage license. A judge can waive this marriage license waiting period. No blood test is needed. The license is good for 30 days and the ceremony can happen anywhere in Missouri.

Applying for a DeKalb County Marriage License

Head to the Maysville courthouse. Both people must be there. Bring photo ID and Social Security info. Fill out the form. Pay the fee in exact cash or by credit card. Come back after three days.

You must be 18 to apply on your own. Between 15 and 17, parental consent is needed per RSMo 451.090. If either person was married before, bring proof. No marriage license residency requirement applies. Call Ashley Johnson at (816) 449-5402 ext 3 if you have marriage license questions about what documents to bring.

After your wedding, the officiant must sign the DeKalb County marriage license and return it to the DeKalb County Recorder's office within 15 days per RSMo 451.120. This filing makes the marriage official in DeKalb County's records. Follow up with the office to make sure it was recorded.

Search DeKalb County Marriage Records

DeKalb County has marriage records from 1845 to the present. Marriage licenses are indexed from 1928 through the current date, which makes searching from that point on much simpler. For records before 1928, the DeKalb County Recorder's office may still be able to help, but the search may take longer. Call (816) 449-5402 ext 3 or visit the Maysville office.

The Missouri State Archives has DeKalb County records in its statewide database (1805 to 2002). Search by name for free online. The County and Municipal Records database has additional DeKalb County files on microfilm from 1845 onward.

The Bureau of Vital Records issues Certified Statements Relating to Marriage for $15 covering records from July 1948 forward. For the full original DeKalb County marriage license, contact Ashley Johnson's office.

Note: DeKalb County marriage license fees may change. Verify current rates before visiting.

Missouri Marriage License Resources

The Missouri Recorders Association lists Ashley D. Johnson as the DeKalb County Recorder. The Missouri Governor's Portal covers statewide marriage rules. Under RSMo 451.100, weddings can be performed by clergy, judges, or religious organizations.

For international authentication, order through VitalChek and select the apostille option from the Secretary of State.

Common law marriages are void in Missouri. You need a DeKalb County marriage license to be legally married. Under RSMo 193.255, certified copies of vital records are only available to people with a direct and tangible interest. That includes the people named on the license, family members, and authorized agents.

DeKalb County was created in 1845 from Clinton County and named for Baron DeKalb. The Maysville courthouse is a small-town setting that makes the marriage license application process feel personal. Remember that marriage license hours end at 4:00 PM, even though the office stays open until 4:30 PM. The DeKalb County office also closes from noon to 12:30 PM for lunch, so plan around that. The DeKalb County Historical Society has genealogical resources, and the County Clerk has birth and death records from 1883 to 1886 that may aid family research.

DeKalb County Vital Records Tips

For a certified copy of a DeKalb County marriage license, contact Ashley D. Johnson at (816) 449-5402 ext 3. Provide both names and the date. Walk-in requests happen during office hours (8 AM to 4:30 PM). Remember the noon to 12:30 PM lunch break. The office accepts cash, check, and credit cards with a $1.55 fee. Mail requests should include payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City issues Certified Statements for $15 for records from July 1948 onward. VitalChek orders take 5 to 7 business days. Standard mail to the Bureau takes 4 to 8 weeks. Marriage licenses at the DeKalb County office are indexed from 1928, so post-1928 searches are fast.

Nearby Counties

These counties border DeKalb County. Each has its own Recorder that handles marriage licenses.