Jackson County Marriage License

Jackson County marriage license records are managed by the Jackson County Recorder of Deeds, which operates offices in both Kansas City and Independence. Whether you need to apply for a new marriage license or search for an existing record, the Jackson County Recorder handles it all. Jackson County has marriage records going back to 1826, making it one of the most complete collections in Missouri. You can start the process online, visit in person, or search historical records through the state archives. This page covers everything you need to know about getting and finding a Jackson County marriage license.

Jackson County Marriage License Office

The Jackson County Recorder of Deeds issues all marriage licenses in Jackson County. Diana Smith serves as Director of Records. The Jackson County office has two locations so you can pick the one that works best for you. The downtown Kansas City office is at 415 E 12th Street, Room 104. Call (816) 881-3191 to reach that location. The Independence office sits at 112 W. Lexington Avenue in Independence, and you can call (816) 881-4483. Both offices accept walk-in marriage license applications.

Jackson County also offers an online marriage license application. You can fill it out before your visit to save time on your marriage license application at the Jackson County counter. Both people still need to show up together at the Jackson County office with valid photo ID and Social Security number for the marriage license application. The marriage license fee is $50, and the marriage license is valid for 30 days anywhere in Missouri. Jackson County has extended marriage license office hours on Wednesdays, staying open until 6:30 PM. That makes it easier for couples who work during the day. Email the Jackson County office at records@jacksongov.org if you have marriage license questions before your visit.

How to Apply for a Jackson County Marriage License

Both people must come to the Jackson County Recorder's office together. Bring a valid photo ID for your marriage license and know your Social Security number. Under Missouri law (RSMo 451.040), there is a three-day marriage license waiting period between applying and picking up the marriage license. A judge can waive this marriage license waiting period for good cause. No blood test is needed. You must be at least 18 to apply for a marriage license without parental consent. Anyone aged 15 to 17 needs a parent or guardian to sign off under RSMo 451.090.

The Jackson County marriage license is good for 30 days once you pick it up. The ceremony can happen anywhere in Missouri during that window. After the marriage ceremony, the person who performed the marriage ceremony must sign the marriage license and return the signed marriage license to the Jackson County Recorder's office. Once the marriage license comes back, the marriage is officially recorded in Jackson County. The online marriage license application at jacksongov.org lets you get a head start before your visit.

Search Jackson County Marriage License Records

Jackson County has an online marriage license search tool on their website. You can look up marriage license records by name to find existing marriage licenses on file. Jackson County keeps records dating all the way back to 1826. For records that are not available online, you can visit either office in person or call to request a marriage license search.

The Missouri State Archives also has Jackson County marriage records in their statewide database covering 1805 to 2002. The archive indexes include the Jackson County Marriage Index from 1827 to 1860, 1827 to 1872, 1872 to 1881, and 1881 to 1885. These are useful for genealogical research on marriage records and finding older marriage license records. The Archives can be reached at (573) 751-3280 or by email at archref@sos.mo.gov.

Certified copies of a Jackson County marriage license are available from the Jackson County Recorder's office. Contact the Jackson County office for the current marriage license fee. The state Bureau of Vital Records at health.mo.gov can also issue a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage for $15, though this is a shorter document with just the names, date, and county.

Missouri Marriage License Resources

Beyond the county office, several state resources can help with Jackson County marriage license matters. The Missouri Recorders Association maintains a directory of all county Recorders with links to their websites and contact details. The Missouri Governor's Portal has an overview of marriage license rules across the state.

If you need a marriage license record for use in another country, you can get an apostille through the Missouri Secretary of State's office. Order your certified copy through VitalChek and select the apostille option at checkout. The Secretary of State will process the authentication and send the finished document to you directly.

Under RSMo 451.100, marriages in Missouri may be performed by clergy in good standing, judges (including municipal judges), or religious organizations when one party is a member. The ceremony must happen within 30 days of picking up the marriage license, and the completed marriage license must be returned to the Jackson County Recorder afterward.

Note: Jackson County marriage license fees and procedures can change, so verify current details with the Jackson County Recorder's office before your visit.

Cities in Jackson County

Several major Missouri cities fall within Jackson County. Residents of these cities get their marriage license from the Jackson County Recorder of Deeds.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Jackson County. Each has its own Recorder of Deeds that issues marriage licenses.