Access Duval County Marriage Records

Marriage records in Duval County are managed by the Clerk of Courts at the Duval County Courthouse in Jacksonville. The clerk issues marriage licenses, records completed licenses after ceremonies, and maintains all marriage record files for the county. Duval County offers a Marriage Kiosk online tool that lets you fill out your application from home before visiting the office. Jacksonville is a consolidated city-county, so one clerk office serves the entire area. There are two locations to apply for a Duval County marriage license, the main courthouse downtown and the Beaches Branch in Neptune Beach. You can search for records, get certified copies, or apply for a new license at either location.

Duval County Clerk of Courts

The Duval County Clerk of Courts has the main Marriage License Department at 501 West Adams Street, Room 2403, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Call (904) 255-2000 for questions. The main office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Walk-in applications are accepted at the downtown courthouse during these hours. This is where most Jacksonville residents go for their Duval County marriage license.

The Beaches Branch is at 1543 Atlantic Blvd, Neptune Beach, FL 32266. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Appointments are available at this location, which can be helpful if you want to avoid waiting. The Beaches Branch is a good option for residents of the Jacksonville beaches area who would rather not drive downtown for a Duval County marriage license.

One thing that sets Duval County apart is the fee. The standard marriage license costs $93.50 without a premarital course. That is higher than most Florida counties, where the fee is $86. With proof of a premarital course, the Duval County fee drops to $61, matching the statewide reduced rate. Another key difference is payment. Duval County only accepts cash for marriage license fees. No credit cards, no checks, no money orders. Cash only. Plan accordingly.

Duval County Marriage Kiosk

The Duval County Marriage Kiosk is an online pre-application tool. You fill out your information at home, and the system gives you a transaction number. Then you go to either clerk location to finish the process in person. Both parties still must appear together. The kiosk just saves time at the counter. Instead of filling out forms at the office, you walk in with your information already entered.

The Duval County marriage license page lists all the requirements. Two forms of ID are needed. The first must be a valid photo ID like a driver license, passport, military ID, state ID, or alien registration card. U.S. citizens must provide their Social Security number. No blood tests are required. There is no residency requirement. A Duval County marriage license is valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in Florida.

Under Florida Statute 741.04, both parties sign an affidavit. If either person was married before, the exact date the last marriage ended must be provided. Both must read the Family Law Handbook from the Florida Bar before applying. Section 741.0306 requires this step for all Florida marriage license applications.

Duval Marriage Record Copies

Getting copies of Duval County marriage records starts with the clerk office. Visit the downtown courthouse or the Beaches Branch in person. You can also call (904) 255-2000 to ask about mail requests. Under Section 741.09 of the Florida Statutes, the clerk keeps a correct record of all marriage licenses issued in Duval County. After the ceremony, the completed license is recorded and becomes part of the county's official records.

The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics also has Duval County marriage certificates from 1927 forward. Interestingly, the state office is right here in Jacksonville at 1217 N Pearl Street. Walk-in hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A state search and one certified copy costs $5. Additional copies cost $4 each. For records from 1970 to the present, the state processes requests in 3 to 5 business days. Older Duval County records take more time.

Online ordering through VitalChek is another option. VitalChek is the only vendor the state contracts with for online vital record orders. The fee is $15 for the state charge plus $7 for processing. You can call VitalChek at 1-877-550-7330 if you prefer to order by phone rather than online. UPS shipping is available for faster delivery of your Duval County marriage certificate.

Note: Marriage records from before June 6, 1927 are only available through the Duval County Clerk of Courts, not the state.

Duval County Marriage Requirements

The requirements for getting a Duval County marriage license follow Florida law. Both parties must be at least 18 years old. A 17-year-old can apply with written parental consent, but only if the other party is not more than two years older. Both must come to the clerk office in person at the same time. Two forms of ID are required in Duval County, which is one more than some other Florida counties ask for.

Florida residents must wait three days after the license is issued before they can have the ceremony. This is set by state law and applies in all 67 counties. Taking a premarital course waives the wait. The course must be from an approved provider and done within one year of applying, per Florida Statute 741.0305. Non-Florida residents have no waiting period. The license is valid for 60 days anywhere in Florida under Section 741.041.

Under Florida Statutes Chapter 119, marriage records in Duval County are public records. Anyone can inspect and copy them. Section 119.07 makes this clear. You do not need to be a party to the marriage or have any particular reason. Social Security numbers and similar sensitive data get redacted, but the rest of the Duval County marriage record stays public.

• Two forms of ID required (one must be photo ID)
• Social Security number for U.S. citizens
• Cash only payment of $93.50 (or $61 with premarital course)
• Both parties present in person at the same time
• Date of last marriage ending if applicable

Ceremonies in Duval County

The Duval County clerk office performs civil marriage ceremonies. Under Florida Statute 741.07, clerks and their deputies are authorized to solemnize marriages. Ordained ministers, all Florida judges, and Florida notaries public can also perform the ceremony. The ceremony can take place anywhere in the state with a valid Duval County marriage license. It does not have to happen at the courthouse.

After the ceremony, the signed license must be returned to the Duval County clerk for recording. The clerk files it and sends the information to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. This process takes about 60 days. If you need proof of a recent marriage before the state has recorded it, the Duval County clerk can provide a certified copy faster. The Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers website has a directory if you need to find another county clerk for records outside Duval County.

Cities in Duval County

Duval County and Jacksonville are a consolidated city-county government. The Duval County Clerk of Courts handles all marriage licenses for the area.

Nearby Counties

Duval County borders several counties in northeast Florida. If you need marriage records from a neighboring area, check below.