Sullivan County Marriage License

Sullivan County marriage license records are on file with the Sullivan County Recorder of Deeds in Milan. This north-central Missouri county has kept marriage records since 1845. Whether you need to apply for a new marriage license or want to find an old one, the Sullivan County Recorder's office in the Sullivan County courthouse is where to go. You can search the Missouri State Archives for historical Sullivan County marriage license records online at no charge. This page covers everything from fees to search tools.

Sullivan County Marriage License Office

The Sullivan County Recorder of Deeds issues marriage licenses at the Sullivan County courthouse in Milan. Both applicants must appear in person with valid photo ID and Social Security number for the marriage license application. Walk-ins are accepted during business hours. The staff handles marriage licenses along with land records and other county documents.

Sullivan County is a small, rural county with about 6,100 people. Milan is the county seat and the location of the Sullivan County Recorder's office. Marriage records go back to 1845 when the county was formed. If you need a certified copy of any Sullivan County marriage license on file, the staff can pull it for you. The Missouri Recorders Association has contact information for the Sullivan County Recorder and all other county recorders in Missouri.

Call the Sullivan County office before your visit. Rural counties sometimes keep shorter hours.

Get a Sullivan County Marriage License

Missouri law requires a three-day wait after you apply for a marriage license. Under RSMo 451.040, you file the marriage license application at the Sullivan County Recorder's office and return in three days. A judge can waive the wait for good cause. No blood test is required.

Both people must be at least 18. Anyone between 15 and 17 needs a parent or guardian to sign under RSMo 451.090. You need government photo ID and Social Security information for both applicants.

The Sullivan County marriage license stays valid for 30 days. The ceremony can happen anywhere in Missouri. Afterward, the officiant signs and returns the license to the Sullivan County Recorder per RSMo 451.120. Clergy, judges, and qualified religious organizations can perform the ceremony under RSMo 451.100.

Search Sullivan County Marriage Records

The Missouri State Archives Marriage Database includes Sullivan County records from 1805 to 2002. Search by name for free online. This is the easiest way to find older Sullivan County marriage license records without visiting Milan.

For newer records, contact the Sullivan County Recorder directly. certified marriage license copies are available for a fee. The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records also issues certified statements for $15 each, covering marriages from July 1948 forward. The Missouri Governor's Portal has general marriage rules for the state.

Under RSMo 193.255, only people with a direct interest in the record can get certified marriage license copies. Family members and those on the license qualify.

Note: Sullivan County marriage records before 1948 are only available from Sullivan County office or State Archives.

Sullivan County Marriage License Copies

Getting a certified copy of a Sullivan County marriage license is a simple process. Go to the Sullivan County Recorder's office in Milan and ask for a copy. You will need to give them the names on the license and the approximate date. The staff will pull the record from their files and make a certified copy for you. There is a fee for each copy, and you pay at the Sullivan County counter. Cash and checks are usually accepted. Call ahead to ask about other payment options.

If you cannot visit the Sullivan County courthouse in person, you may be able to request a copy by mail. Send a letter to the Sullivan County Recorder of Deeds with the full names of both spouses, the date of the marriage, and a check or money order for the copy fee. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return. The Sullivan County Recorder will search the records and mail the copy back to you. Processing times vary, but most requests are handled within a week or two.

The state Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City is another option. They can issue a certified statement of marriage for $15. This is not the same as the full marriage license. It is a shorter document that lists the names, date, and county only. But it works for many marriage-related purposes, including name changes and insurance claims. You can order by mail, phone, or online through VitalChek. Phone and online orders are usually faster, taking about five to seven business days compared to four to eight weeks for mail-in requests.

Marriage Laws in Sullivan County

Sullivan County follows the same marriage laws as every other county in Missouri. Marriage is considered a civil contract under state law. Common law marriages are not valid in Missouri. You must get a license from the Sullivan County Recorder of Deeds before you can legally marry. The three-day marriage license waiting period gives both parties time to think it over before picking up the marriage license.

After the wedding, the completed marriage license must be returned to the Sullivan County Recorder promptly. If the officiant does not send it back, the marriage may not show up in the official records. This can cause problems later if you need proof of your marriage for legal or personal reasons. Make sure whoever performs your ceremony knows they have to return the signed marriage license.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Sullivan County. Each has its own Recorder for marriage license work.