Find Your Macomb County Marriage License
Macomb County marriage licenses are issued by the Macomb County Clerk and Register of Deeds in Mount Clemens. The office offers multiple ways to apply: online, by fax, by mail, or in person. This page covers the full process for getting a Macomb County marriage license, including required documents, fees, extended Wednesday hours, online record ordering, and what to do after the ceremony is done.
Macomb County Overview
Macomb County Clerk Office Details
The Macomb County Clerk and Register of Deeds is located in downtown Mount Clemens. The office is open during regular business hours, with marriage licenses and CPL applications accepted until 4:00 PM. On Wednesdays, the office stays open until 6:45 PM, which is useful for people who work standard day hours and cannot get there earlier in the week.
Contact the office by phone, fax, or email if you have questions before your visit. The clerk's team handles both new applications and copies of previously issued records. The Macomb County Clerk main page is updated with any schedule changes or closures.
| Office | Macomb County Clerk and Register of Deeds |
|---|---|
| Address | 120 North Main Street, Mount Clemens, MI 48043 |
| Phone | 586-469-5205 |
| Fax | 1-877-443-9505 |
| vitalstaff@macombgov.org | |
| Hours | Regular business hours; licenses accepted until 4:00 PM (Wednesday until 6:45 PM) |
| Website | macombgov.org - Marriage Licenses |
The Macomb County Clerk website shows the full marriage license section including forms, fees, and online application access. The screenshot below is from the clerk's main department page.
Check the Macomb County Clerk department page for the latest information on hours and available services.
The clerk's department page links to all vital records services including marriage licenses, certified copies, and the online portal.
How to Apply for a Macomb County Marriage License
Macomb County gives applicants several ways to get started. You can apply online through the Macomb County Marriage Services portal, submit by fax, send by mail, or walk in. Under MCL 551.101, at least one of the two applicants must be a Macomb County resident, or both must be non-Michigan residents who plan to marry in Macomb County.
Only one Macomb County resident needs to come in to apply. That person can bring all the required documents for both parties. The application stays open for two weeks after submission. Apply no more than 30 days before your wedding date to keep everything within the validity window. If the submitted application has errors or is illegible, the clerk will require you to apply in person rather than accepting a corrected version remotely.
The application is a sworn affidavit under MCL 551.102. Making a false statement on the application is considered perjury under MCL 551.108. Both Social Security numbers are required. All applicants must be at least 18. Those aged 16 or 17 need written parental consent; no one under 16 may marry in Michigan.
The screenshot below shows the Macomb County marriage licenses page, which includes links to the online application and the full list of requirements.
See the full requirements and start the process at the Macomb County marriage licenses page.
This page covers the application process step by step, including how to apply online, by fax, or by mail.
Required Documents for Macomb County Marriage License
Bring the right documents the first time. The clerk needs to verify your identity, age, and residency before issuing a license.
You will need:
- Valid government-issued photo ID showing your current Macomb County address
- Birth certificate or passport for age verification
- Social Security numbers for both applicants
- Divorce decree or death certificate if either party was previously married
If applying by fax or mail, submit a notarized affidavit. The clerk's office will contact you if anything is missing. Applying in person is the fastest way to resolve any issues on the spot.
Macomb County Marriage License Fees
The standard fee is $20 for Michigan residents and $30 for non-residents. These are paid at the time of application. A waiting period waiver costs $10. Macomb County accepts cash, checks payable to "Macomb County Clerk," Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.
If you need express mail delivery, Macomb County offers a two-day shipping option for $24. Orders must be placed by 10:00 AM. This is useful if you submitted your application by mail and need the license returned quickly. Regular mail turnaround is slower, so plan ahead if you're close to your ceremony date.
Certified copies of your Macomb County marriage record cost $15 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Order certified copies online through the Macomb County Marriage Online Orders portal. For state-issued certified copies going back to 1867, contact MDHHS Vital Records.
Note: Wednesday evening hours until 6:45 PM are the only extended hours the Macomb County Clerk offers for marriage license applications each week.
Macomb County Marriage Records and Certified Copies
After your ceremony, the officiant must sign the marriage license and return it to the Macomb County Clerk within 10 days as required by MCL 551.104. Once the license is returned and recorded, it becomes a permanent part of Macomb County's marriage records. You can then order certified copies for legal name change purposes or personal records.
Certified copies are available online through the online orders portal, by mail, or in person at 120 North Main Street in Mount Clemens. Each certified copy carries the official county seal and is accepted by courts, the Social Security Administration, and government agencies. Keep at least two certified copies on hand since multiple agencies may request one during the name change process.
For older records or statewide searches, the MDHHS Vital Records office maintains Michigan marriage records from 1867 to the present. The state charges $34 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy, with a $12 rush fee if you need faster processing. Historical records are also searchable through Michiganology at no charge.
Name Change After a Macomb County Wedding
Your first step after getting a certified copy is updating your Social Security card. The Social Security Administration processes this at no cost. Bring your certified marriage certificate and current ID to your nearest SSA office. After your Social Security name is updated, go to the Michigan Secretary of State to update your driver's license or state ID. The SOS requires the updated Social Security card as proof of your new legal name. Other records like bank accounts, insurance policies, and your employer's HR system should follow in order.
Cities in Macomb County
These Macomb County cities have dedicated marriage license resource pages with local information.
Nearby Counties
Macomb County sits between St. Clair County to the north and Oakland County to the west. If you live near either border, verify your address is in Macomb before applying here.