Oakland County Marriage License Search

Oakland County marriage licenses are handled by the Oakland County Clerk's office, which has locations in Pontiac and Troy. The clerk issues new licenses, maintains the county's historical marriage records database going back to 1868, and sells certified copies of recorded marriage certificates. This page covers where to apply, what you need to bring, how fees work at each location, and how to search Oakland County marriage records online or in person.

Oakland County Clerk Marriage License Locations

The Oakland County Clerk and Register of Deeds runs two locations where you can apply for a marriage license. The main courthouse in Pontiac is open for walk-ins Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. A second location in Troy serves south Oakland County and operates on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, but requires an appointment. Call ahead or check the clerk's site before making the trip to Troy.

The clerk's main page at oakgov.com has current hours, addresses, and contact numbers for both locations. Under MCL 551.101, at least one applicant must be an Oakland County resident to apply here. Non-residents marrying in Oakland County may also apply at this office. Only one party needs to pick up the issued license after the waiting period.

The Oakland County marriage records portal gives you direct access to the county's historical database and certified copy ordering. The screenshot below shows the portal used to search and order records.

Visit the Oakland County Marriage Records Portal to search the database or order certified copies online.

The portal covers marriage records going back to 1868 and provides a free genealogy service for family history research.

Applying for an Oakland County Marriage License

Oakland County offers an online application option, which is a good way to fill out the paperwork before visiting the clerk's office. Once the application is submitted online, only one person needs to appear in person to complete the process and pay the fee. The online application streamlines the visit and reduces wait time at the counter.

The application itself is a sworn affidavit under MCL 551.102. Both applicants must provide their Social Security numbers. The form asks for names, dates of birth, addresses, and previous marriage history. If either party has been married before, you'll need documentation showing how that marriage ended, either a divorce decree or a death certificate.

If you plan to apply by mail, submit the application at least 20 to 33 days before the wedding to allow processing time. Mail-in applications follow the same waiting period rules as in-person ones. The license will not be issued faster just because the application arrives early.

Oakland County Marriage License Fees

Oakland County charges $20 for Michigan residents and $30 for non-residents. These fees are paid at the time of application. If you need to skip the standard three-day waiting period, Oakland County offers a waiver for $5, which is lower than most other Michigan counties. The waiting period waiver must be requested at the time of application and requires a reason accepted by the clerk.

Certified copies of marriage records from Oakland County cost $15 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Seniors aged 65 or older can get their first birth record copy for $10. These prices apply to records held by the county clerk directly. For records through the Michigan state system, contact MDHHS Vital Records at (517) 335-8666 for state pricing.

Oakland County Marriage Records Database

One of Oakland County's best resources is its free online marriage records database. The database goes back to 1868 and is searchable at no cost through the Oakland County Marriage Records Portal. You can search by name, year, or both. This is particularly useful for genealogical research involving families who lived in Oakland County over the past century and a half.

The same portal also covers death records from 1900 to the present day. Both are part of a free genealogy service run by the county. If you need a certified copy for legal use, you can order one directly through the portal. Certified copies carry an official seal and are accepted by courts, the Social Security Administration, and other agencies.

For even older records and statewide searches, Michiganology provides a searchable archive of Michigan vital records that complements what Oakland County maintains locally. The Vital Records Online Michigan site is another option for ordering certified copies from multiple counties at once.

The Oakland County Court public records portal is useful for court-related searches if you need to cross-reference marriage records with court filings.

After the Ceremony

The officiant who performs your ceremony is responsible for signing the marriage license and returning it to the Oakland County Clerk within 10 days. This is required by MCL 551.104. Failure to return the license promptly can delay the creation of your official record. Once the clerk receives the signed license, it is recorded and you can order certified copies.

Michigan law under MCL 551.7 allows judges, magistrates, mayors, ordained ministers, and county clerks to perform marriage ceremonies. Make sure the person officiating your wedding qualifies under this statute to avoid problems with your license being invalidated. If you are unsure whether your officiant qualifies, contact the Michigan Courts office for guidance.

Name Change After Marriage in Oakland County

Start with your Social Security card. The Social Security Administration processes name changes at no cost. Bring your certified marriage certificate, your current ID, and proof of citizenship. After that is done, go to the Michigan Secretary of State to update your driver's license or state ID. Most SOS offices are available for walk-in visits or scheduled appointments. Keep a few certified copies of your marriage certificate on hand since multiple agencies will ask for one.

Other accounts and records to update include your bank, passport, voter registration, and employer records. The name on your Social Security card should match your new driver's license before you tackle other agencies to avoid mismatches.

Cities in Oakland County

Many cities in Oakland County have their own marriage license resource pages with local details.

Nearby Counties

Oakland County borders several other Michigan counties. If you live close to a county line, confirm your home address falls in Oakland County before applying here.