Mohave County Marriage Records

Mohave County marriage records are held by the Clerk of Superior Court at three locations across this large northwestern Arizona county. Whether you need a new license or want copies of past marriage documents, the clerk office can help. Kingman serves as the main office, but you can also visit Bullhead City or Lake Havasu City for the same services. The license fee is $98, and couples can marry the same day they apply. Mohave County also offers a mail-in option for licenses, which is rare in Arizona. This lets out-of-state couples get their paperwork done before they arrive for their wedding day.

How to Get a Mohave County Marriage License

Getting married in Mohave County starts with a trip to the clerk office. Both people must show up together. Bring valid photo ID like a driver's license or passport. You will fill out an application and swear the info is true. The clerk checks your ID, takes your fee, and hands you the license. It takes just a few minutes. You can get married the same day if you want.

The Mohave County Clerk of Superior Court handles all marriage licenses in the county. Arizona law under A.R.S. § 25-121 requires that licenses come from the Superior Court clerk. No city office or other agency can issue them. This applies whether you live in Kingman, Lake Havasu, or Bullhead City.

State law says you need a Social Security number to apply. If you have one, give it to the clerk. They keep this private and do not share it. The number does not appear on your license or any public record. Arizona protects this info under the same statute that governs marriage license applications.

The screenshot above shows the Mohave Courts website where you can download marriage forms. The page has all the documents you need for both in-person and mail-in applications.

Mohave County Mail-In Marriage License

Mohave County stands out for letting couples apply for a marriage license by mail. Few Arizona counties offer this. It works well for out-of-state couples or those who cannot visit in person. The process takes longer, but it saves a trip to the courthouse before your wedding.

To apply by mail, download the application form from the court website. Fill it out completely and sign it. Both people must provide copies of their photo ID. Send everything to the clerk along with the $98 fee as a money order or cashier's check. You can also email the forms to clerkofcourt@mohavecourts.com or fax them to the office. Plan ahead because mail applications can take up to six weeks to process. The clerk mails your license back once approved.

Some limits apply to mail-in licenses. You cannot use this method if either person is under 18. Covenant marriage licenses must be done in person. Couples who are related also cannot apply by mail. These cases need an in-person visit so the clerk can verify documents and handle special requirements.

Note: Mail applications take up to six weeks, so plan well ahead of your wedding date if you choose this option.

Mohave County Clerk Office Locations

The county has three clerk office sites. Pick the one most convenient for you. All three can issue new licenses and provide copies of existing marriage records. Hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at each location.

The main Kingman office sits at 415 E. Spring St., Kingman, AZ 86401. Call them at (928) 753-0713. This is the county seat and the largest clerk office. Mail requests should go here. The mailing address is P.O. Box 7000, Kingman, Arizona 86402. This office handles the bulk of marriage license work for the county.

Bullhead City has an office at 2225 Trane Road. Their phone number is (928) 758-0730. Lake Havasu City runs an office at 2001 College Drive. Call (928) 453-0701 to reach them. Both satellite offices provide the full range of marriage services. You do not have to go to Kingman unless you prefer to. Each location accepts the same payment methods and can answer your questions about Mohave County marriage records.

Get Copies of Mohave County Marriage Records

After a wedding, couples often need certified copies of their marriage certificate. Banks want them. Employers ask for them. The Social Security office needs one to change your name. The Mohave County clerk provides these copies for anyone who requests them. Marriage records are public under A.R.S. § 39-121, so you do not need to prove you were one of the parties.

The Mohave Courts website explains how to request record copies. You can visit any clerk office in person. Walk-in requests usually get filled the same day. Bring the names of both spouses and the date of marriage if you know it.

Mail requests work too. Send a letter with the couple's names and marriage date. Add a money order for $35 plus $8 for handling. The clerk mails your certified copy back. If you do not know the exact year, call ahead. A research fee may apply for searching multiple years. The clerk can tell you what to expect before you send money.

Mohave County Marriage Record Fees

The fee for a new marriage license in Mohave County is $98. This matches most larger Arizona counties. Pay by cash, money order, or cashier's check at any clerk location. Credit cards may be accepted at some offices. Call ahead to confirm payment options.

Certified copies of a marriage abstract cost $35. Add $8 for postage and handling if you want it mailed to you. The abstract shows the bride's name before marriage, the groom's name, the marriage date, and the recording date. Under A.R.S. § 25-130, this abstract serves as official proof of marriage.

• Marriage license: $98
• Certified copy (abstract): $35
• Postage and handling: $8
• Copy per page: $0.50

Note: Fees can change, so call the clerk at (928) 753-0713 to verify current costs before you visit or mail a request.

Marriage License Requirements in Mohave County

Arizona sets the rules. Mohave County follows them. The legal age to marry is 18. If both people are 18 or older, they can get a license without anyone else's consent. Just bring ID and your Social Security number. No blood test. No waiting period. The license is good for 12 months and works anywhere in Arizona.

Younger applicants face extra steps. Those aged 16 or 17 need written consent from a parent or guardian. A certified copy of the consent form must come with the application. The law also says the older person cannot be more than three years older than the younger one. Under A.R.S. § 25-129, it is illegal for a clerk to issue a license to someone under 18 without proper consent. Arizona banned all marriages for anyone under 16 starting in 2018.

After the ceremony, your officiant must sign the license. They fill out the bottom section and get two witnesses to sign. Witnesses must be at least 18. The officiant then has 30 days to return the signed license to the clerk. Under A.R.S. § 25-123, failure to return the license on time can cause problems with your official marriage record.

Who Can Perform Marriages in Mohave County

Arizona law lists who may perform weddings. Licensed clergy can do it. So can judges from various courts. Justices of the peace in Mohave County regularly perform ceremonies. Municipal court judges work too. Even notaries public can officiate marriages in Arizona, as long as they are commissioned and live in the state.

Courthouse weddings are an option. Check with the Kingman office about availability. Some judges perform ceremonies by appointment. You would still need your license first. The ceremony can happen right after you pick up the license if a judge is free. Call ahead to ask about scheduling a courthouse wedding in Mohave County.

A.R.S. § 25-124 covers this in detail. It lists every type of person allowed to perform marriages in Arizona. If someone not on the list performs your ceremony, the marriage may not be valid. Always verify your officiant has proper authorization before the wedding day.

Same Sex Marriage in Mohave County

Same sex marriages have been legal in Arizona since October 17, 2014. The Mohave County clerk issues licenses to all couples who meet state requirements. Sexual orientation does not affect your ability to get married here. The process is the same for everyone.

The clerk website FAQ confirms this clearly. Same sex couples follow identical steps. Both people appear in person. Both show valid ID. Both provide Social Security numbers. The fee is $98 just like any other couple. Same sex marriages performed in Mohave County are fully recognized under state and federal law.

Mohave County Marriage Records FAQ

People ask common questions about marriage records here. Does Arizona need a blood test? No. Is there a waiting period? No. You can marry the same day you get your license. How long is the license good? One year from the date it is issued. After that, it expires and you would need a new one.

Do I need to live in Arizona? No. Arizona has no residency rule for marriage licenses. Visitors can get a license in Mohave County and marry here. The license only works within Arizona though. If you plan to marry in another state, you need a license from that state instead.

Can I search Mohave County marriage records online? The county does not have a public online search for marriage records. You can use the Arizona Courts website to find contact info for the clerk. Then call or visit to request a search. Some basic case information may appear in the statewide court database, but full marriage documents require a request to the clerk.

Nearby Counties for Marriage Records

Mohave County borders several other Arizona counties. If you live near the edge of Mohave, another county clerk might be closer. Remember that you can get an Arizona marriage license from any county. It will work statewide.

Coconino County sits to the east. Their main office is in Flagstaff. The fee is also $98 there. Yavapai County lies to the southeast with offices in Prescott and Camp Verde. They charge $98 as well. La Paz County borders Mohave to the south. Their office in Parker charges $83 for licenses, one of the lower fees in Arizona.

If you live in Bullhead City, the Nevada border is very close. Some couples get married in Laughlin or Las Vegas. Just know that Nevada has its own marriage laws and fees. An Arizona license will not work there. If you want an Arizona marriage, stick with Mohave County or one of its Arizona neighbors.

Historical Mohave County Marriage Records

Old marriage records exist for Mohave County going back many decades. The Arizona State Archives holds historical marriage documents from 1864 through 1972 for various counties. Coverage for Mohave varies. If you need genealogy research, contact the archives to ask about available records.

The county clerk keeps more recent records at the courthouse. You can visit the Kingman office and search older records yourself at no charge. Bring the names and approximate dates you are looking for. Staff can point you to the right books or files. For certified copies of what you find, the usual fees apply.

Online databases help with historical research too. FamilySearch has free Arizona marriage records from 1871 to 1964. Ancestry covers 1865 to 1972 with a subscription. These let you search from home before making a trip to the clerk office.