About Marriage Licenses:

Hawaii is a beautiful place and a marriage here is an ideal way for a couple to start life together.

For any person to lawfully marry in the State of Hawaii, a license for that purpose must be obtained from an authorized agent (HRS §572-1.7). Once the license has been issued, there is no waiting period before the marriage can take place.

The marriage license and the marriage certificate are different documents. The marriage license permits a marriage to take place. The marriage certificate indicates that a legal marriage has been performed.

The marriage certificate is prepared and filed by your licensed marriage officiate or performer with the Department of Health. A newly married couple receives one (1) certified copy of the marriage certificate at no extra charge, upon payment of the marriage license fee, which will be sent to the couple by mail (60-120 days) after the marriage has been performed. If a marriage certificate is needed sooner than this, you can apply for one or more additional certified copies.

Marriage performers must be duly licensed by and in the State of Hawaii to perform the marriage ceremony. If desired, you may request the marriage performer to present his/her license for your inspection. For further information about obtaining a marriage performer, you can visit The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau website or call them at (808) 924-0266.

Getting Marriage License Information by Telephone:

Information on marriage licenses may be obtained via the telephone system, any day or any time, by calling (808) 586-4545.

To send an e-mail message, click on vr-info@mail.health.state.hi.us.

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Marriage License?

There are no state residence or U.S. citizenship requirements. Blood tests are not required. The legal age to marry is 18 years for both males and females. Males or females of 16 or 17 years of age who wish to marry require the written consent of both parents, legal guardian, or the family court. The parents or legal guardian do not have to be residents of the state. Consent forms may be obtained from a marriage license agent. Males or females of 15 years of age who wish to marry require the written consent of both parents or legal guardian, and the written approval of a judge of the family court. The parents or legal guardian do not have to be residents of the state. Consent forms may be obtained from a marriage license agent. Proof of age is required. A certified copy of a birth certificate must be presented for anyone 18 years of age or under. A valid I.D. or driver’s license may be presented for anyone 19 years of age or over. Cousins may marry. However, the blood relationship between the prospective bride and groom cannot be closer than first cousins.

How to Apply for a Marriage License:

The prospective bride and groom must appear together in person before a marriage license agent to apply for a marriage license. Proxies are not allowed. The prospective bride and groom should be prepared to provide the necessary proof of age and present any required written consents and approvals. All of the necessary documents should be obtained prior to applying for a marriage license. The prospective bride and groom must prepare an official application and file the application in person with the marriage license agent. Applications are provided by the marriage license agent or may be downloaded from this site (see below). The application will not be accepted if sent by either postal mail or e-mail. Upon approval, a marriage license is issued at the time the application is made. The marriage license costs $60.00, payable in cash at the time the application is made. The marriage license is good only in, but is valid throughout, the State of Hawaii. The marriage license expires 30 days from and including the date of issuance, after which it automatically becomes null and void. If you do not get married within the 30 days, return the unused license in the pre-addressed envelope provided to you for invalidation. Marriage license applications will be sent to you in the information packet.

Or you may download a copy at:
http://www.hawaii.gov/health/vital-records/vital-records/marriage/index.html

How to Apply for an Apostille:

Apostilles and the authentication of certified copies of vital records for international legalization can be provided.

If you require a certified copy of a birth, death, marriage, or divorce certificate to be authenticated for international legalization, you may request authentication at the same time you request a certified copy of the certificate. The Department of Health will coordinate with the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and the State Circuit Court to have the official forms prepared and attached to the certificate being issued.

There are separate fees charged by each of the agencies involved in authenticating the certificate. Each fee must be paid separately.

If you are making the request in person, the clerk can assist you in determining which forms are needed and what the amount of the fees will be.

If you are making the request by mail, indicate that you want the certificate to be authenticated for international recognition and identify the foreign country that’s involved. If you do not know whether this foreign country has or has not joined the Convention, enclose three separate money orders or cashier’s checks (all payable in U.S. Dollars), and if it is determined that only an Apostille is needed, the unused money order or cashier’s check will be returned to you. Prepayment is required.

The first money order/cashier’s check should be made payable to the State Department of Health and will serve as payment for the certificate. The fee is $10 for the first copy of the certificate and $4 for each additional copy of the same certificate ordered at the same time.

A second money order/cashier’s check should be made payable to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and will serve as payment for either the Apostille or the Certification, whichever is needed. The fee is $1 per certificate to be authenticated.

A third money order/cashier’s check should be made payable to the Chief Clerk, First Circuit Court and will serve as payment for the Court Authentication, if it is needed. The fee is $3 per certificate to be authenticated.

Further Information and Assistance:

If you require further information about applying for an Apostille or want to check on the status of an accepted request for an Apostille, call (808) 586-4539 or (808) 586-4542 during regular business hours.

Inquire HERE for more information.