Platte County Marriage License

Platte County marriage license records are handled by the Platte County Recorder of Deeds at the Platte County courthouse in Platte City. This growing county just north of Kansas City processes a high volume of marriage license applications each year. The Platte County Recorder's office issues new licenses and maintains records going back to the 1830s. Whether you need to apply for a marriage license in Platte County or search for an existing record, the Platte County Recorder's office is the starting point. You can also search statewide databases for historical Platte County marriage license records online.

Platte County Marriage License Office

The Platte County Recorder of Deeds is the official office that issues marriage licenses. It is at the Platte County courthouse in Platte City. The Platte County office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Both people need to show up in person to apply. The Missouri Recorders Association lists the Platte County Recorder with phone and address information in their statewide directory.

Platte County is one of the faster-growing counties in the Kansas City metro area. The Recorder's office sees a lot of marriage license applications. Despite the volume, the process is the same as anywhere in Missouri. Bring your valid photo ID and Social Security card. The staff will help you fill out the form and explain the waiting period. The marriage license fee is around $50, though you should call to confirm the exact cost.

Marriage records in Platte County go back to 1839. The Recorder keeps all these marriage license records on file. Certified copies of past marriage licenses are available. These are commonly needed for name changes, legal filings, benefits claims, and other official purposes. The fee for a copy is separate from the application fee.

How to Apply in Platte County

Missouri law sets a three-day marriage license waiting period between applying for a marriage license and receiving it. This is under RSMo 451.040. You file the marriage license application at the Platte County Recorder and come back after three days. A circuit court judge may waive the wait for good cause. No blood test is needed in Missouri.

Both applicants must be at least 18 to apply for a marriage license without parental consent. Under RSMo 451.090, anyone between 15 and 17 needs a parent or legal guardian to sign. Nobody under 15 can apply. You each need a government-issued photo ID and your Social Security number. The Platte County Recorder verifies everything before the application is processed.

Your Platte County marriage license is good for 30 days once it is issued. The wedding can happen anywhere in Missouri. After the marriage ceremony, the officiant signs the license and files it with the Platte County Recorder per RSMo 451.120. Under RSMo 451.100, active or retired clergy, judges, and qualifying religious organizations can perform the ceremony.

Search Platte County Marriage Records

The Missouri State Archives Marriage Database covers records from 1805 to 2002 and includes Platte County entries. This free search tool lets you look up marriage records by name across all Missouri counties. It is maintained by the Secretary of State's office and is especially useful for genealogy research.

The Platte County Recorder maintains a full index of all marriages filed in Platte County. You can visit the Platte County courthouse in Platte City to search in person during business hours. Staff can help locate specific records and provide certified marriage license copies for a fee. For older marriage license records, the state archives in Jefferson City keeps microfilm copies that you can view in the Research Room.

Court records for Platte County, including divorce proceedings, are available through Missouri Case.net. This free tool covers non-confidential court data. Marriage licenses are not on Case.net since they are filed with the Platte County Recorder, not the courts.

Missouri Marriage License Resources

The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records can provide a Certified Statement Relating to Marriage for $15. This document lists the names, date, and county but is not a full certified copy. The Bureau has records from July 1, 1948 to the present. For marriages before that date in Platte County, contact the Recorder in Platte City directly or the state archives.

The Missouri Governor's Portal has a good summary of marriage and divorce rules in the state. It explains age requirements, waiting periods, who can officiate, and how to order copies. Access to Platte County marriage license records follows RSMo 193.255, which covers who can get vital records. Marriage records in Missouri are generally public, so anyone can request a copy with proper ID and the right fee.

Note: Platte County marriage license fees and office hours may change, so check with the Recorder before visiting.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Platte County. Each has its own Recorder of Deeds for marriage license services.