Find Tucson Marriage Records

Tucson marriage records are kept by the Pima County Clerk of Superior Court at the downtown courthouse. The city of Tucson does not issue marriage licenses. All couples in Tucson must apply for their license at the county level. Pima County maintains all marriage files dating back many decades. You can search these records, get certified copies, or apply for a new license at the clerk office on Congress Street. Staff handle requests in person, by mail, and through fax. This guide covers what you need to know about Tucson marriage records and how to access them through the Pima County court system.

Where Tucson Residents Get Marriage Licenses

Tucson sits in Pima County. This means all Tucson marriage records go through the Pima County Clerk of Superior Court. The city does not have its own marriage office. Arizona handles these records at the county level only. The Pima County clerk issues licenses, records completed marriages, and provides copies of past certificates. Everything related to Tucson marriage documents flows through this one office.

The main courthouse is at 110 W. Congress Street, Room 241, in downtown Tucson. This historic building serves as the hub for all Pima County court services. Room 241 is where you apply for a marriage license or request copies. The staff there can answer questions about your specific situation. They deal with hundreds of marriage requests each month and know the process well.

You can reach the clerk by phone at (520) 724-3200. For questions about copies of existing records, the Legal Records line is (520) 724-3240. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Marriage license applications are accepted from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. The office closes on state holidays so check the calendar before making a trip.

Tucson Marriage License Resources

The Tucson City Clerk office handles many public record requests but does not process marriage documents. Marriage files stay with the county court system.

As you can see above, Tucson directs all marriage inquiries to the Pima County Clerk of Superior Court. This is standard across Arizona cities. The state law puts marriage records under county control. Knowing this saves you time since you can go straight to the right office.

Applying for a Tucson Marriage License

Getting a marriage license in Tucson means visiting the Pima County clerk office. Both people must show up together. You cannot have one person apply alone. The clerk needs to see both parties and verify their identities before issuing a license. This is Arizona law under A.R.S. 25-121.

Bring two forms of ID. At least one must have your photo. A driver's license is the most common choice. Passports work too. Military IDs are accepted. You also need your Social Security card. If you were born outside the US and have no Social Security number, write "none" on the application. The clerk keeps this info confidential. It does not appear on your license.

The marriage license costs $98 in Pima County. Pay by money order or cashier's check. Personal checks are not accepted for new licenses. Some staff may take credit or debit cards but confirm before your visit. Once you pay and complete the paperwork, you get your license the same day. No waiting period exists in Arizona. You can marry that afternoon if you have an officiant ready.

Your license stays valid for 12 months. It works anywhere in Arizona. You do not have to marry in Pima County just because you got the license there. Many Tucson couples pick scenic spots elsewhere in the state for their ceremony. The license still works as long as you use it within one year.

Note: Fill out the Pima County marriage worksheet before your visit to speed up the process.

Tucson Marriage License Requirements

Arizona sets the same rules across all counties. In Tucson, you follow Pima County procedures that match state law. The legal age to marry without consent is 18. If you are 16 or 17, you need written consent from a parent or guardian. The person you marry cannot be more than three years older than you in that case. Under a 2018 state law, nobody under 16 can marry in Arizona. This rule protects minors.

No blood test is required. Arizona got rid of that years ago. There is also no waiting period between applying and getting married. Some states make you wait a day or more. Not Arizona. You can walk into the clerk office in the morning, get your license, and have your wedding that same afternoon. This makes Tucson popular for couples who want a quick ceremony.

Two witnesses must sign your marriage certificate at the ceremony. They need to be 18 or older. The person who performs your wedding also signs. After the ceremony, the officiant has 30 days to return the signed license to the Pima County Clerk. Under A.R.S. 25-123, this deadline is firm. The clerk records the marriage once they receive the completed license.

Copies of Tucson Marriage Certificates

Once married, you may need certified copies of your marriage certificate. Banks ask for them. Passport offices need them. Name changes at the DMV require proof of marriage. The Pima County Clerk provides these copies. They charge $30 plus $0.50 per page for certified copies. The certification stamp makes the document official for legal use.

Visit the clerk office for same day service. Bring the names of both spouses and the marriage date. If you know the case number, even better. Pima County marriage records use the prefix "ML" at the start of the case number. This tip helps when searching. The clerk can usually pull your record and make copies while you wait. Walk out with certified copies in hand in most situations.

Mail requests take longer but work fine. Send your request to:

• Pima County Clerk of Superior Court
• Legal Records Department
• 110 W. Congress Street, Room 241
• Tucson, AZ 85701

Include a check or money order for $30 plus $0.50 per page. Add $7 for handling and postage. Give the names of both parties and when the marriage occurred. Expect one to two weeks for processing. Download the records request form from the county website.

How to Search Tucson Marriage Records

Searching for a marriage record in Tucson starts with the Pima County court system. You need at least one spouse's last name. First names help narrow results. The year of marriage makes the search faster. Without a year, the clerk charges a research fee to look through files from multiple years.

Pima County has an online case search tool. Enter the last name and set the search to look by name rather than case number. Results show matching cases with basic details. Look for case numbers starting with "ML" to find marriage records. Divorce records start with "D" so you can tell them apart. This free search gives you a head start before visiting in person.

You can also search at the courthouse for free. Public terminals let you browse records at no charge. Staff can point you to the right database. Bring paper to write down case numbers for any records you want copies of. Having the case number speeds up the copy request. Arizona law under A.R.S. 39-121 makes marriage records public. Anyone can inspect them during office hours.

Who Can Marry Couples in Tucson

Arizona gives couples many choices for their wedding officiant. A.R.S. 25-124 lists everyone who can legally perform marriages. Ordained or licensed clergy of any faith can officiate. Judges from the Superior Court, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court have this power. Justices of the peace can marry couples too.

Arizona has a unique option. Notaries public can perform weddings here. The notary must have a current Arizona commission. This is rare among states. It gives couples flexibility if they want a non-religious ceremony without hiring a judge. Municipal court judges can also officiate. So can federal judges like bankruptcy court judges and U.S. magistrate judges.

After your Tucson wedding, the officiant completes the marriage license. They sign it. Two adult witnesses sign it. The officiant then has 30 days to return it to the Pima County Clerk. The clerk records the marriage and files the original license. This creates your permanent record. If the officiant misses the deadline, it causes problems later when you need proof of marriage.

Getting to the Tucson Courthouse

The Pima County Courthouse sits in downtown Tucson at 110 W. Congress Street. The building is a historic landmark and easy to spot. Once inside, look for Room 241 where the clerk handles marriage documents. Signs point the way. Security screens visitors at the entrance so allow extra time on your first visit.

Parking downtown can be tricky. The El Presidio parking garage is your best bet. It sits close to the courthouse. Enter from the southeast corner for the shortest walk to the Superior Court building. Rates vary but expect to pay around $5 to $10 depending on how long you stay. Street parking exists but fills up fast on weekday mornings.

Some couples take rideshare to avoid parking hassles. Uber and Lyft both operate in Tucson. Getting dropped off at the courthouse entrance makes the trip simple. This works well on busy days when parking spots are scarce. The courthouse sits near downtown restaurants and shops if you want to celebrate after getting your license.

Tucson and Pima County Marriage Records

Tucson is the largest city in Pima County and the second largest in Arizona. Over half a million people live here. All of them go through the Pima County system for marriage records. The county clerk handles thousands of marriage licenses each year. Most are for Tucson residents. The same office serves smaller communities across Pima County too.

Visit our Pima County marriage records page for more details about the county office. That page covers everything from fees to forms to office locations. Tucson residents can also use the Ajo Justice Court in western Pima County if that location is more convenient. Both offices issue the same license at the same $98 fee.

The official Pima County website has downloadable forms and current instructions. Check there for any recent changes to fees or requirements. Government websites update more often than third party sources. Going straight to the county page ensures you have accurate information before your visit.

Tucson Marriage Legal Help

The AZ Court Help website answers common questions about Arizona marriages. The Arizona Bar Foundation runs this free resource. It breaks down the process in plain language without legal jargon. New couples find it useful for basic questions about licenses and ceremonies.

For complex legal questions, consider talking to a family law attorney. The State Bar of Arizona offers a lawyer referral service. They can connect you with someone in Tucson who handles family matters. Some attorneys give free initial consultations. This helps if you have unusual circumstances like prior marriages or questions about prenuptial agreements.

Low-income Tucson residents may qualify for free legal help. Community Legal Services of Arizona has an office serving Pima County. Southern Arizona Legal Aid also assists people who meet income guidelines. These groups handle civil matters including some family law issues. Call to see if they can help with your situation.

Historical Tucson Marriage Records

Older marriage records for Tucson go back many decades. The Pima County Clerk keeps files on marriages that took place in the county over the years. For genealogy research, you may need to dig into these older records. The Arizona State Archives holds historical marriage records from 1864 through 1972. Coverage varies but includes Pima County files.

Several types of historical documents exist. Marriage licenses show the couple's names and ages. Affidavits include residences. Consent forms appear when minors needed parent permission to wed. These old papers offer rich detail for family history research. FamilySearch has free Arizona county marriages from 1871 to 1964. Ancestry requires a subscription but covers 1865 to 1972.

Note: For records before 1973, check the Arizona State Archives if the county clerk cannot locate what you need.