Duval County Florida marriage records are official documents that prove a marriage took place in Jacksonville or anywhere within Duval County. These records are kept by the Duval County Clerk of Courts and the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.
People search these records for legal name changes, genealogy research, passport applications, and proof of marriage for insurance or Social Security. The Clerk of Courts office issues marriage licenses, records the completed licenses after ceremonies, and stores all files for the county. Jacksonville is a consolidated city-county, so one clerk office handles every marriage record in the area.
Where to Request Duval County Florida Marriage Records
Two main offices handle marriage records in Duval County. The Clerk of Courts keeps records at the local level. The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics keeps state-level records dating from 1927 forward. Each office handles different types of requests.
Duval County Clerk of Courts
The Duval County Clerk of Courts manages all marriage records filed in the county. The main Marriage License Department sits at 501 West Adams Street, Room 2403, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Phone questions go to (904) 255-2000. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Walk-in applications are accepted during these hours.
The Beaches Branch operates at 1543 Atlantic Blvd, Neptune Beach, FL 32266. Hours there run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This location takes appointments, which helps cut down wait times. Residents of the Jacksonville beaches area often pick this branch to skip the drive downtown. Both locations issue licenses, accept marriage documents after ceremonies, and provide certified copies of records on file.
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
The Florida Department of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics holds Duval County marriage certificates from 1927 forward. The Jacksonville office sits at 1217 N Pearl Street. Walk-in hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A state-level search with one certified copy costs $5. Each extra copy adds $4. Requests for records from 1970 to now take 3 to 5 business days to process. Older records need more time. Marriage records before June 6, 1927 stay only with the Duval County Clerk of Courts and never went to the state office.
VitalChek Online Ordering Service
VitalChek serves as the only online vendor the State of Florida contracts for vital record orders. Users can place orders through the VitalChek website or by phone at 1-877-550-7330. The state charges $15 for each certified copy. VitalChek adds a $7 processing fee. UPS shipping options exist for faster delivery of the finished certificate. This route works well for people who live out of state or cannot visit the clerk office in person.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Duval County
Applying for a marriage license in Duval County follows Florida state law. Both people must show up at the clerk office at the same time. The clerk office handles the full application, collects the fee, and issues the license.
Marriage License Requirements
Two forms of identification are required. The first must be a valid photo ID such as a driver license, passport, military ID, state ID, or alien registration card. U.S. citizens must give their Social Security number. No blood tests are required. There is no residency requirement for either party. The marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the issue date. The license can be used anywhere in Florida, not only in Duval County. Both parties sign an affidavit under Florida Statute 741.04. If either person was married before, the exact date the last marriage ended must be provided.
Both people must read the Family Law Handbook from the Florida Bar before applying. Section 741.0306 of the Florida Statutes requires this step for every marriage license application in the state. The handbook covers state laws about marriage, divorce, and parental responsibilities.
Marriage Kiosk Pre-Application Tool
The Marriage Kiosk is an online tool from the Duval County Clerk. Users fill out their data at home through the kiosk website. The system creates a transaction number after submission. Both people still must visit a clerk office in person to finish the process. The kiosk only saves time at the counter by skipping the paper forms. Applicants walk in with their details already typed in.
License Fees and Payment Rules
The standard marriage license in Duval County costs $93.50 without a premarital course. This fee runs higher than most Florida counties, where the standard rate sits at $86. With proof of a completed premarital course, the fee drops to $61. Duval County only accepts cash for marriage license payments. Credit cards, checks, and money orders are not accepted. Applicants should bring exact cash or plan to stop at an ATM before the visit.
Florida Marriage Laws and Waiting Periods
Florida marriage laws apply across all 67 counties. Duval County follows the same state rules on age, waiting periods, ceremony rules, and officiant authority.
Three-Day Waiting Period for Florida Residents
Florida residents must wait three days after the license is issued before the ceremony can take place. This rule applies in every Florida county. The wait period gets skipped if both people complete a premarital course from a state-approved provider within one year of applying. Florida Statute 741.0305 covers the premarital course waiver. Non-Florida residents do not face any waiting period. They can use the license right away.
Premarital Course Discount Details
A completed premarital course cuts the license fee from $93.50 to $61 in Duval County. The course must come from a registered provider listed with the Florida Department of Children and Families. A certificate of completion must be shown to the clerk at the time of application. The course must be finished within one year before the application date. Both people are not required to take the course together, but both must show proof if they want the fee discount.
Who Can Officiate a Marriage Ceremony
Florida Statute 741.07 lists who can perform a marriage ceremony. The list includes ordained ministers, all Florida judges, Florida notaries public, and clerks of court along with their deputies. The ceremony can happen anywhere in Florida once the license is issued. The ceremony does not need to take place at the courthouse. After the ceremony, the signed license goes back to the clerk office for recording. The clerk files the document and sends the details to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics in Jacksonville. This state filing process takes about 60 days from the ceremony date.
Getting Certified Copies of Marriage Certificates
Certified copies of marriage certificates serve as legal proof of marriage. Banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, and the passport office all require certified copies. Three main routes exist for getting certified copies in Duval County.
In-Person Requests at the Clerk Office
Walk into the downtown courthouse or the Beaches Branch to request a certified copy in person. Fill out a request form at the counter. Pay the fee in cash. The clerk pulls the record from the county archive. Most in-person requests for records under 20 years old get handled the same day. Older records from before 1927 may take longer to locate.
Mail and Phone Requests
Mail requests go to the Duval County Clerk of Courts at the downtown address. Include a written request with both names on the marriage record, the date of the marriage if known, a copy of a photo ID, and a check or money order for the fee. Phone orders go through the clerk main line at (904) 255-2000. Mail requests typically take 7 to 14 business days to process and return.
Processing Times and Total Costs
Certified copy fees differ based on where the order goes. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics charges $5 for a search plus one certified copy. Each extra copy costs $4. Online orders through VitalChek cost $15 for the state fee plus $7 for vendor processing. Shipping fees apply for UPS delivery. Turnaround times run 3 to 5 business days for recent records through the state office. Older records through the Duval County Clerk office may need 2 to 4 weeks for archive searches.
Historical and Genealogical Marriage Records
Genealogy researchers often need old marriage records from Duval County. The county archive holds marriage records dating back to the 1800s. The Florida state archive holds records only from 1927 forward.
Records Before June 6, 1927
Marriage records from before June 6, 1927 exist only at the Duval County Clerk of Courts office. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics did not start collecting marriage records until June 6, 1927. Researchers need to visit the clerk office in person or send a written mail request for older records. The county archive holds paper books that go back to the late 1800s. Some early records may be handwritten or damaged. Requests for very old records may need extra processing time.
Genealogy Research Tips
Genealogy researchers should gather key details before searching. Know the full names of both spouses, the approximate year of the marriage, and the city or town where the ceremony took place. Florida marriage indexes list the bride and groom names, the marriage date, and the license number. Use the license number to request the full certificate. Online genealogy databases like FamilySearch and Ancestry have indexed many Florida marriage records. These sites help narrow down the search before contacting the clerk office directly.
Public Access and Privacy Rules
Florida Statutes Chapter 119 makes marriage records public records. Section 119.07 confirms that anyone can inspect and copy marriage records. No special relationship to the parties is required. Social Security numbers and similar sensitive data get redacted from public copies. The rest of the marriage record stays open for public review. Researchers and curious members of the public can both view the records at the clerk office.
Costs and Timeline Summary
This table breaks down the main costs and wait times for Duval County marriage records and license services.
| Service | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Marriage License | $93.50 cash | Same day |
| Marriage License with Course | $61 cash | Same day |
| State Certified Copy | $5 per copy | 3 to 5 business days |
| VitalChek Online Order | $22 per copy | 5 to 10 business days |
| Clerk Office In-Person Copy | Varies | Same day for recent records |
| Records Before 1927 | Varies | 2 to 4 weeks |
Official Contact Information
Duval County Clerk of Courts – Main Office: 501 West Adams Street, Room 2403, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Phone: (904) 255-2000. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Beaches Branch: 1543 Atlantic Blvd, Neptune Beach, FL 32266. Phone: (904) 255-2000. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics: 1217 N Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL. Phone: (904) 359-6900. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Official website: duvalclerk.com. State vital records site: floridahealth.gov/certificates-records.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers cover the most common questions about Duval County Florida marriage records. Each answer gives clear, factual details based on current Florida law and clerk office procedures. Call the clerk office directly for case-specific questions about a particular record or application.
How long does it take to get a certified copy of a marriage record in Duval County?
Certified copies from the Duval County Clerk office are often issued the same day for records less than 20 years old. The state Bureau of Vital Statistics takes 3 to 5 business days for records from 1970 to the present. Older records from before 1970 may need 2 to 4 weeks. Mail requests add 7 to 14 business days for return delivery. VitalChek online orders ship through UPS and arrive within 5 to 10 business days after processing. The fastest method is walking into the downtown courthouse with valid photo ID and the marriage details.
Can anyone get a copy of a Duval County marriage record?
Yes. Florida law treats marriage records as public records under Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. Anyone can request a copy without showing a personal connection to the marriage. Social Security numbers get redacted from public copies. The bride and groom names, the marriage date, the officiant name, and the license number all appear on the public copy. No special reason or relationship is needed to view or copy the record.
What forms of payment does the Duval County Clerk accept for marriage records?
Payment rules depend on the service. Marriage license applications only accept cash at the Duval County Clerk office. No credit cards, debit cards, checks, or money orders work for license fees. Certified copy requests at the counter may accept cash, checks, and money orders depending on the location. VitalChek online orders accept major credit and debit cards. Mail requests for certified copies require a check or money order made out to the clerk office.
Are Duval County marriage records from the 1800s still available?
Yes. The Duval County Clerk of Courts archive holds marriage records back to the late 1800s. These records never went to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics, which started collecting marriage records on June 6, 1927. Older records may be handwritten in ledgers. Requests for very old records take extra processing time. Call the clerk office at (904) 255-2000 before visiting to confirm record availability and archive search fees.
Do I need an appointment to apply for a marriage license in Duval County?
No appointment is needed at the downtown courthouse. Walk-in applications are accepted Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Beaches Branch in Neptune Beach accepts appointments and walk-ins during its hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Both people must show up at the same time. The Marriage Kiosk can be filled out at home ahead of time to speed up the counter visit.
Can a Florida marriage license from another county be used in Duval County?
Yes. A valid Florida marriage license can be used anywhere in the state, including Duval County. The license is valid for 60 days from the issue date regardless of the issuing county. After the ceremony, the signed license must be returned to the county clerk that issued it. Duval County residents who got their license elsewhere must mail the completed license back to the original issuing county for recording.
What if I need a Florida marriage certificate with an apostille?
The Florida Department of State handles apostilles for certified documents. First, request a certified copy of the marriage certificate from the clerk office or state Bureau of Vital Statistics. Then submit the certified copy to the Florida Department of State Bureau of Notary Commissions and Apostilles. The apostille certifies the document for use in foreign countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. Processing takes several weeks. Contact the Department of State for current fees and turnaround times.