Find Lincoln County Marriage License

Lincoln County marriage license records are kept by the Lincoln County Recorder of Deeds at the Lincoln County courthouse in Troy, the county seat. Located in eastern Missouri just north of the St. Louis metro area, Lincoln County has seen steady growth in recent years. The Recorder of Deeds handles all marriage license applications, record searches, and certified copy requests. Whether you are getting married or need to look up an existing marriage license record, the Lincoln County Recorder is your contact. You can also search older marriage license records through the Missouri State Archives statewide marriage license database.

Lincoln County Marriage License Office

The Lincoln County Recorder of Deeds issues all marriage licenses in the county from the courthouse in Troy. Lincoln County was organized in 1818, making it one of the oldest counties in Missouri. The Lincoln County Recorder's office is open during regular business hours on weekdays. Check the Missouri Recorders Association website for the current phone number and exact address of the Lincoln County Recorder.

Both people need to appear at the Lincoln County Recorder's office together. That is state law. You cannot apply online or by mail for a marriage license in Missouri. Bring a valid photo ID for your marriage license and your Social Security number. If either person was previously married, documentation showing how the prior marriage ended is required. The Lincoln County Recorder will review everything before processing the marriage license application in Lincoln County.

Lincoln County has grown quite a bit over the past two decades due to its location near the St. Louis metro area. Troy is about 50 miles northwest of downtown St. Louis. The growth has brought more traffic to the Lincoln County Recorder's office, so calling ahead to ask about wait times is not a bad idea. Certified copies of Lincoln County marriage licenses are available for a fee. They carry the official seal and are accepted for legal and government purposes.

How to Get a Lincoln County Marriage License

Missouri law sets the process for getting a marriage license in Lincoln County. Under RSMo 451.040, a three-day marriage license waiting period kicks in after you apply. You file the marriage license application at the Lincoln County Recorder's office in Troy and come back three days later to pick up the marriage license. A judge can waive this marriage license waiting period for good cause. No blood test is needed in Missouri.

You need to be at least 18 to apply on your own in Lincoln County. Under RSMo 451.090, applicants between 15 and 17 must have a parent or legal guardian present and signing the application. The Lincoln County Recorder's staff will verify all IDs. A driver's license, passport, or military ID all work.

Once picked up, a Lincoln County marriage license is good for 30 days. The marriage ceremony can take place anywhere in Missouri during that window. Under RSMo 451.100, clergy, judges, and certain religious leaders can officiate. After the wedding, the officiant must sign the license and return it to the Lincoln County Recorder so the marriage is properly recorded.

Note: Confirm Lincoln County marriage license fees and office hours by calling the Lincoln County Recorder before your trip to Troy.

Search Lincoln County Marriage Records

The Missouri Statewide Marriage License Database is free to use and covers records from 1805 to 2002. The Secretary of State runs this tool. You can search Lincoln County marriage records by name. Since the county was organized in 1818, there are nearly two centuries of records to search through, making this database very helpful for genealogy and family history work.

For recent Lincoln County marriage records, contact the Lincoln County Recorder of Deeds in Troy. The staff can search local records by name or date. Visit the courthouse or call to ask about search fees. certified marriage license copies are available and carry the official county seal.

The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records can issue a certified statement for any marriage in Missouri. The marriage license fee is $15. This document shows the names, date, and county of the marriage. It is not the same as a full copy from the Lincoln County Recorder, but it works for basic verification needs. You can order by mail or through the state website.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services portal provides access to vital records for Lincoln County and all other Missouri counties.

Missouri Marriage License Resources

State resources can help with Lincoln County marriage license matters. The Missouri Recorders Association maintains a full directory of county Recorder offices across the state. The Missouri Governor's Portal offers an overview of marriage and divorce laws in plain language.

Under RSMo 451.120, the signed marriage license must be returned to the Lincoln County Recorder after the marriage ceremony. If the officiant does not return it, the marriage may not be properly on record. Couples should follow up with the Lincoln County Recorder's office a few weeks after the wedding. Access to Lincoln County marriage license records is covered by RSMo 193.255, and most marriage records in Missouri are public.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Lincoln County. Each one has its own Recorder of Deeds for marriage license services.