Access Lewis County Marriage License

Lewis County marriage license records are managed by the Lewis County Recorder of Deeds in Monticello, the county seat. Situated in northeast Missouri along the Mississippi River, Lewis County has been keeping public records since the county was organized in 1833. If you want to apply for a new marriage license or need to find an existing record, the Lewis County Recorder is your first stop. Historical Lewis County marriage license records are also available through the Missouri State Archives statewide database online. This page has what you need to know about the process.

Lewis County Marriage License Office

The Lewis County Recorder of Deeds handles all marriage license applications and record requests. The Lewis County office is at the Lewis County courthouse in Monticello, Missouri. Lewis County is one of the smaller counties in northeast Missouri, and the Lewis County Recorder's office may have limited staff. Calling before you visit is always a good plan. Check the Missouri Recorders Association directory for the current phone number and address.

Both people must come to the Lewis County Recorder's office together to apply. This is a statewide rule in Missouri, not just a local one. Bring a valid photo ID for your marriage license such as a driver's license or passport. You need your Social Security number too. If either person was married before, bring documentation showing how that marriage ended. The Lewis County Recorder will check everything before processing the application.

Lewis County has marriage records going back to the mid-1800s. These are kept on file at the Lewis County courthouse in Monticello. certified marriage license copies are available for any record in the collection. They are useful for legal filings, name changes, and insurance claims. The staff can search the index by name or date to help you locate the record you need.

Get a Lewis County Marriage License

Missouri law controls all marriage licenses issued in Lewis County. Under RSMo 451.040, there is a three-day marriage license waiting period after you apply. You file the marriage license application at the Lewis County Recorder's office in Monticello and pick up the marriage license three days later. A judge can waive the wait for good cause. Missouri does not require a blood test.

You must be 18 or older to apply for a Lewis County marriage license on your own. If either applicant is between 15 and 17, a parent or legal guardian must be present to sign. That is set out in RSMo 451.090. Bring a state-issued photo ID for your marriage license application. The Lewis County Recorder verifies all identification during the application process.

Once issued, a Lewis County marriage license is valid for 30 days. The wedding ceremony can happen anywhere in Missouri. After the marriage ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the Lewis County Recorder. Under RSMo 451.100, judges, clergy, and certain religious leaders can perform marriages. The return of the signed license is what officially records the marriage in Lewis County.

Search Lewis County Marriage Records

The Missouri Statewide Marriage License Database is the best free tool for searching older Lewis County marriage records online. This database, run by the Secretary of State, covers records from 1805 to 2002 across every Missouri county. Search by name to find Lewis County records. The database is especially helpful for genealogy research and finding records from the 1800s.

For more recent Lewis County marriage records, contact the Lewis County Recorder of Deeds in Monticello. Staff can search the local index and help you find what you need. You can visit the Lewis County courthouse in person or call to ask about search services. Some very old records may be available on microfilm at the Missouri State Archives if they are not in the Lewis County system.

The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records issues certified statements for marriages statewide. This shorter document costs $15 and shows names, date, and county. It is not the same as a full certified copy from the Lewis County Recorder, but it works for many basic needs. You can order one by mail or online through the state portal.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services handles vital records requests including Lewis County marriage license information.

Note: Call the Lewis County Recorder before visiting to check office hours and current marriage license fees for copies.

Missouri Marriage License Resources

Several state resources apply to Lewis County marriage license matters. The Missouri Recorders Association keeps a directory of all county Recorder offices. The Missouri Governor's Portal covers marriage laws including age requirements and waiting periods in easy-to-read language.

Under RSMo 451.120, the officiant must return the signed marriage license to the Lewis County Recorder within the required time after the marriage ceremony. Couples should follow up to make sure it was filed. Access to Lewis County marriage license records falls under RSMo 193.255. Most marriage records in Missouri are public and available to anyone with valid ID and the correct fee.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Lewis County in northeast Missouri. Each has its own Recorder of Deeds for marriage licenses.