How to Get a Washoe County Marriage License: A Complete Guide for 2026

To obtain a marriage license in Washoe County, Nevada, both parties must appear in person at the Washoe County Clerk’s Office, present valid government-issued photo identification, and pay the required fee (currently $60.00). There is no blood test or waiting period; the license is issued immediately and is valid for one year for ceremonies performed anywhere within the State of Nevada.

The process of getting married in Northern Nevada, specifically within the jurisdiction of Washoe County, remains one of the most streamlined legal procedures in the United States. Whether you are planning a large-scale wedding in Reno, a scenic ceremony on the shores of Lake Tahoe, or a quick elopement, understanding the specific bureaucratic requirements is essential to ensure your union is legally recognized. As of 2026, while the fundamental laws governing Nevada marriages remain consistent, the administrative methods for application and document retrieval have integrated more digital options to expedite the experience.

Understanding the Legal Requirements in Nevada

Nevada’s marriage laws are governed by the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 122. Unlike many other states, Nevada does not require a blood test, nor does it impose a mandatory waiting period between the issuance of the license and the performance of the ceremony. However, several strict eligibility criteria must be met before the Washoe County Clerk can legally issue a license.

Age and Consent

In 2026, the legal age to marry in Nevada without parental or judicial intervention remains 18 years old. Both applicants must be at least 18 years of age to apply independently. If an applicant is 17 years of age, marriage is only permitted with a court order from a Nevada District Court judge, which typically requires a showing of extraordinary circumstances. Marriage for individuals under the age of 17 is generally prohibited under state law.

Relationship Prohibitions

Applicants cannot be closer in kin than second cousins or cousins of the half-blood. Furthermore, you cannot obtain a marriage license if either party is currently legally married to another person. Bigamy is a strictly enforced legal prohibition in Nevada, and the application requires an affidavit stating that both parties are legally "single" and free to marry.

Identification Requirements

When appearing at the Clerk’s Office, you must provide proof of your name and age. The most commonly accepted documents include:

• Driver’s License or State Identification Card (must be current and not expired).
• Passport (United States or foreign).
• Military Identification Card.
• Resident Alien Card.

If you do not have one of these primary forms of identification, you may need to provide a certified copy of your birth certificate accompanied by another form of photo ID. It is important to note that the name on the marriage license will match the name on the legal identification provided. If you have recently changed your name through a court order or a previous marriage, ensure your identification reflects your current legal name to avoid complications with the Social Security Administration later.

The Application Process: Step-by-Step

The Washoe County Clerk’s Office has modernized its workflow to minimize wait times. While the final step must occur in person, much of the preparation can be handled digitally.

Step 1: The Online Pre-Application

Before arriving at the Reno or Incline Village offices, couples are strongly encouraged to complete the Online Marriage Pre-Application. This portal allows you to input your personal data, including parents' names, birthplaces, and previous marriage history, into the county’s secure database.

Upon completing the online form, you will receive a confirmation number. This number is vital; it allows the Clerk to pull up your information instantly, reducing your time at the counter from twenty minutes to approximately five minutes. The pre-application remains active in the system for approximately 90 days.

Step 2: Visiting the Washoe County Clerk’s Office

Both parties must appear together. You cannot send a representative, and there are no exceptions for "proxy marriages" in Washoe County.

Primary Location (Reno): The main office is located at the Washoe County Complex:

• Address: 1001 E. 9th Street, Building A, Reno, NV 89512.
• Hours: Typically 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, seven days a week, including holidays (though it is always wise to verify holiday hours on the official Washoe County Clerk website).

Satellite Location (Incline Village): For those getting married at Lake Tahoe, a satellite office is available, though it often operates on a more limited, seasonal schedule. Appointments are frequently required for the Incline Village location.

Step 3: Paying the Fees

In 2026, the cost for a standard marriage license in Washoe County is $60.00. This fee is set by the state legislature and local ordinance. It is important to distinguish between the "Marriage License" and the "Certified Copy of the Marriage Certificate."

• Marriage License ($60.00): This is the legal document that authorizes you to get married.
• Certified Copy (Approx. $15.00 - $20.00): This is the document you will need later to change your name, update insurance, or prove the marriage to federal agencies. It is recommended to prepay for at least one certified copy during your initial visit so it can be mailed to you automatically after the ceremony.

Payments are typically accepted via credit card (with a small processing fee), cash, or money orders. Personal checks are generally not accepted for marriage license fees.

Handling Previous Marriages and Divorces

If either applicant has been married before, you must provide the specific date and location (City and State/Country) where the last marriage ended.

Contrary to popular belief, you do not usually need to bring the physical divorce decree to the Clerk’s Office unless the divorce was finalized within the last 24 to 48 hours. The application is an "affidavit," meaning you are swearing under penalty of perjury that the information provided is true. However, if your divorce is very recent, having the decree on hand can prevent delays if the Clerk's database has not yet updated. If you are a widow or widower, you will need to provide the date and location of your former spouse's passing.

International Applicants

Washoe County is a popular destination for international couples. Non-U.S. citizens can legally marry in Nevada. The requirements are the same: valid photo identification (usually a passport) and the required fee.

However, international couples should be aware of the Apostille process. Many foreign countries require an Apostille—a form of international certification—to recognize a Nevada marriage as valid. This is handled through the Nevada Secretary of State’s Office, not the County Clerk. After your marriage certificate is recorded in Washoe County, you must send a certified copy to the Secretary of State in Carson City to obtain the Apostille.

The Marriage Ceremony: Finalizing the Union

Once you leave the Clerk’s Office with your license, you are legally authorized to wed. However, the license itself does not mean you are married. You must have a ceremony performed by an authorized officiant.

Authorized Officiants

In Nevada, an officiant must be "licensed" or "authorized" by a Nevada County Clerk to perform ceremonies. This includes:

• Ministers, priests, or rabbis of any religious denomination.
• Commissioned military officers (in specific circumstances).
• Notaries Public (only those who have received a special certificate from the Secretary of State).
• Judges or Justices of the Peace.

If you are bringing an officiant from out of state, they must apply for a "Single Ceremony Permit" through the Washoe County Clerk’s Office well in advance. Performing a ceremony without proper authorization is a misdemeanor in Nevada and can jeopardize the legality of the marriage.

The Witness Requirement

Nevada law requires at least one witness other than the officiant to be present at the ceremony. The witness will sign the marriage certificate alongside the officiant and the couple. There is no specific age requirement for a witness in the statutes, but they must be old enough to understand what they are witnessing and be able to sign their name legibly.

After the Ceremony: Recording and Certificates

Immediately following the ceremony, the officiant has a legal obligation under NRS 122.130 to deliver the completed marriage certificate to the Washoe County Recorder’s Office within ten calendar days.

The Difference Between the License and the Certificate

It is a common point of confusion:

1. The Marriage License: What you get from the Clerk's Office before the wedding.
2. The Marriage Certificate: The document the officiant fills out and signs after the ceremony.
3. The Certified Copy: The legal proof of marriage issued by the County Recorder after the certificate has been filed.

You will not receive a legal proof of marriage on the day of your wedding. You must wait for the Recorder’s Office to process the document (usually 5–10 business days after the ceremony). Once recorded, you can order certified copies online through the Washoe County Recorder’s website.

Summary of Costs and Requirements

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Expired Identification: Ensure your driver's license or passport is valid. The Clerk cannot accept expired IDs, even if the expiration date was recent.
2. Incorrect Spelling on Pre-Application: Double-check the spelling of your parents' names (including mothers' maiden names). These errors will carry over to the final license and can be costly to correct later.
3. Waiting Until the Last Minute: While the office is open late, arriving 15 minutes before closing on a busy Friday or a "special date" (like Valentine's Day or 2/22/26) can lead to long wait times.
4. Assuming the "Souvenir" is Legal: Some chapels provide a decorative "Souvenir Certificate." This is not a legal document. Only the certified copy from the County Recorder is valid for legal name changes or government purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we need to be residents of Nevada to get married in Washoe County?

No. There are no residency requirements for marriage in Nevada. Thousands of couples travel from California and other parts of the world to Reno and Lake Tahoe specifically because of the ease of the process for non-residents.

Can we get our marriage license in Washoe County and get married in Las Vegas?

Yes. A marriage license issued by the Washoe County Clerk is valid anywhere within the State of Nevada. You could pick up your license in Reno and have your ceremony in Las Vegas (Clark County), Elko, or Virginia City. However, your marriage certificate will be recorded in the county where the license was issued, not necessarily where the ceremony took place.

How do I change my last name after getting the license?

The marriage license itself does not change your name. After your ceremony is recorded, you must obtain a Certified Copy of your marriage certificate from the Washoe County Recorder. You will take this document to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and then to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). In Nevada, you generally have the right to adopt your spouse's surname or hyphenate your surnames.

What happens if we lose our marriage license before the ceremony?

If the license is lost or destroyed before the ceremony takes place, you must return to the Clerk’s Office to apply for a new one. You will be required to pay the $60.00 fee again, as the office must void the previous entry and issue a new legal document.

Is a common-law marriage recognized in Washoe County?

No. Nevada does not recognize common-law marriages, regardless of how long a couple has lived together. A legal marriage requires a license issued by a County Clerk and a ceremony performed by an authorized officiant.

Practical Next Actions

If you are ready to proceed, your first step should be to visit the Washoe County Clerk’s Online Marriage Pre-Application portal. Completing this form now will save you significant time. Once finished, schedule your ceremony with an authorized Nevada officiant and ensure you have your $60.00 and valid IDs ready for your visit to the Reno office.