Apply for Your Lancaster County Marriage License Online

Getting married in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania? The Lancaster County Clerk of Orphans’ Court offers a convenient online application process to start your marriage license journey. While you’ll finalize the process in person, beginning online with “Lanc Online” services streamlines your experience. This guide provides all the essential information for applying for your Lancaster County marriage license online, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.

Starting Your Marriage License Application Online

Lancaster County makes it easier to begin your marriage license application from the comfort of your home. By utilizing their online system, you can complete the initial paperwork and payment steps before your required visit to the courthouse.

To start your online application, simply click on the “ONLINE MARRIAGE LICENSE APPLICATION” link. Please note that Safari is not a supported browser, so ensure you are using Chrome, Firefox, or Edge for optimal functionality.

Important Considerations for Online Applications:

Payment is Required Online: You must pay the non-refundable application fee by credit card at the time you submit your electronic application. Mailed payments are not accepted for online applications.
In-Person Oral Interview Required: Submitting your application online is just the first step. You will still need to visit the office for an oral interview to finalize your application.

Completing Your Application In-Person: What to Expect

After submitting your online application, you’ll receive a payment receipt via email. Next, you must visit the Lancaster County Courthouse for your mandatory oral interview.

Oral Interview Details:

Location: Lancaster County Courthouse, second floor, 50 N. Duke St., Lancaster, PA 17602.
Hours: Weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., when the Courthouse is open. Check the County website for holiday and weather-related closures as appointments are not scheduled.
Security: Be aware that cell phones and smartwatches must be placed in lockers upon entering the Lancaster County Courthouse.
Health Notice: Do not visit the office if you are feeling unwell or have a temperature.

Key Requirements for Your Marriage License Application

To ensure a successful application, be prepared with the necessary documentation and information.

ID and Age Verification

Social Security Number: You must provide your social security number. If you don’t know it by heart, bring your original social security card.
Government-Issued Photo ID: A current government-issued photo ID with an expiration date is required. This can include a driver’s license, passport, or other official identification. The office reserves the right to request additional forms of identification if needed.
Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Requirements for Remarriages, Divorces, Annulments, and Widows/Widowers

Remarriages: You will need to provide information about the dissolution of your last marriage, whether by divorce or annulment.
Divorces: Present a copy of your divorce decree, bearing a court seal and signature. Divorce decrees in a foreign language require an official, notarized English translation. If you have resumed a maiden name, bring your Resumption of Maiden Name document.
Annulments: Provide a copy of your annulment decree, also with a court seal and signature. Similar to divorces, foreign language annulments require an official, notarized English translation. Bring your Resumption of Maiden Name document if applicable.
Widows and Widowers: You will need to provide the date of death of your deceased spouse. A death certificate is not required.

Important Information Regarding Your Lancaster County Marriage License

License Validity: Lancaster County marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.
Waiting Period: Marriage licenses become valid on the third day following your oral examination.
Where Your License is Valid: A license issued by Lancaster County (or any Pennsylvania county) can be used for a ceremony anywhere within Pennsylvania, but it is not valid outside of the state.
Who May Not Marry: Pennsylvania law prohibits marriage between blood relatives down to and including first cousins.
Ceremony Officiants: Be aware of potential issues regarding internet ordinations. Pennsylvania law has specific officiants authorized to perform marriages. Consult an attorney if you plan to be married by someone ordained online to ensure the legality of your marriage. You can find a list of Magisterial District Judges on the Lancaster County website, who are authorized officiants.
Maryland Non-Resident Marriage Licenses: Lancaster County no longer processes Non-Resident Marriage License Applications for residents marrying in Maryland.

Fees and Certified Copies

Application and License Fee: The fee for the application and license is $60.
Payment Methods: Accepted payment methods include cash (exact change only), certified checks, money orders, and credit/debit cards (a $1.95 convenience fee applies to credit and debit card transactions). Personal checks are not accepted. The fee is waived for a certified copy only of a marriage record with proof of U.S. Armed Forces service.
Certified Copies: To obtain certified copies of your marriage certificate (for licenses issued in Lancaster County only), send $10 (payable to the Clerk of Orphans’ Court), along with the names of both applicants, the date of marriage, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:

Register of Wills & Clerk of Orphans’ Court
50 N. Duke St.
Lancaster, PA 17602

You can download the Certified Marriage Request Form for mail-in requests. Note that documents needing an Apostille may require additional processing time and a self-addressed stamped envelope is always recommended, even for in-person requests.

Disclaimer

Please be aware that if you choose to be married by an officiant not explicitly authorized by Pennsylvania law, you bear the responsibility of proving the legality of your marriage should any future legal issues arise.

By utilizing “lanc online” services and understanding these guidelines, you can confidently navigate the Lancaster County marriage license application process.