Howell County Marriage License
Howell County marriage license records are managed by the Howell County Recorder of Deeds in West Plains, Missouri. Howell County keeps marriage records going back to 1867. If you want to get married in Howell County or need to look up an old marriage record, the Howell County Recorder's office is where you start. There is no waiting period hassle and no blood test needed. This page has all the details on how to apply, what fees to expect, and how to find existing Howell County marriage license records through local and state resources.
Howell County Marriage License Quick Facts
Howell County Marriage License Office
Jeff Brasier is the Howell County Recorder of Deeds. The Howell County office is at 107 Courthouse in West Plains, Missouri. Call (417) 256-3750 to reach the office. The fee for a Howell County marriage license is $46. The office accepts exact change or a check. No credit card payments. Office hours are 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays.
Both people must come in together to apply. The Howell County Recorder's office in West Plains is the only location in Howell County that issues marriage licenses. The Howell County Recorder's website has contact details and basic info about services. The Howell County staff can help with the application and answer any questions when you arrive. Because the office closes at 4:00 PM, plan to get there well before that time.
The Missouri Recorders Association lists all county Recorder offices in the state with links and phone numbers.
| Office | Howell County Recorder of Deeds |
|---|---|
| Recorder | Jeff Brasier |
| Address | 107 Courthouse, West Plains, MO |
| Phone | (417) 256-3750 |
| License Fee | $46.00 (exact change or check) |
| Hours | 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Mon-Fri |
How to Get a Howell County Marriage License
Walk into the Howell County Recorder's office in West Plains with your partner. Both people must be present. Bring a valid photo ID for your marriage license such as a driver's license or passport. Know your Social Security number. If you have been married before, bring the date and county of the divorce. The clerk needs all of this for the form.
There is no blood test in Missouri. Under RSMo 451.040, there is a three-day marriage license waiting period between applying and picking up the finished license. A judge can waive this marriage license waiting period if there is good cause. Missouri has no residency requirement, so you can apply in Howell County even if you live in another state. The license costs $46. Bring exact change or a check since the office does not take credit cards.
What to bring to the Howell County Recorder:
- Valid photo ID for both people
- Social Security numbers
- Divorce date and location if applicable
- $46 exact change or check
Under RSMo 451.090, you must be at least 18 to apply for a marriage license in Howell County. The minimum age applies to all applicants across Missouri.
Note: The Howell County office does not accept credit or debit cards, so plan your payment ahead of time.
Howell County Marriage Ceremony
Once you have your Howell County marriage license, you have 30 days to hold the ceremony. It can take place anywhere in Missouri. Under RSMo 451.100, a judge, clergy member, or religious leader in good standing can perform the ceremony. West Plains has several churches and venues that host weddings for Howell County couples.
after the marriage ceremony, the officiant must sign the license and return it to the Howell County Recorder. Under RSMo 451.120, the person who performed the ceremony is responsible for sending back the completed marriage license. Once it is filed in West Plains, the marriage is an official part of the Howell County record.
Search Howell County Marriage Records
Howell County has marriage records dating back to 1867. Contact the Howell County Recorder's office in West Plains to search for a record by name or date. You can call, visit, or send a written request. The staff will search the files and provide copies for a small fee. older marriage license records may take a bit more time to locate.
The Missouri State Archives offers a free online database of marriage records from 1805 to 2002. This covers Howell County records and is a great tool for genealogy research. The Archives can be reached at (573) 751-3280 in Jefferson City.
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records can issue a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage for $15. This is a short form with the names, date, and county. For a full certified copy of a Howell County marriage license, contact the Howell County Recorder in West Plains directly. Under RSMo 193.255, marriage records are public documents in Missouri and available to anyone.
Howell County Marriage License Resources
The Missouri Governor's Portal has a clear summary of marriage license rules for all of Missouri. It covers fees, ID requirements, and who can perform ceremonies. The Missouri Recorders Association has a directory of every county Recorder in the state with links and contact info.
If you need a Howell County marriage license for international use, the Missouri Secretary of State offers apostille services. Get a certified copy from the Recorder in West Plains first. Then submit it to the Secretary of State for authentication. The process takes a few weeks but is needed for many overseas legal purposes.
Cities in Howell County
Howell County includes West Plains, Willow Springs, Mountain View, and Pomona. All residents get their marriage license from the Howell County Recorder of Deeds in West Plains. There are no separate marriage license offices in the smaller towns.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Howell County. Each has its own Recorder that handles marriage licenses.