Marriage Licenses & Copy Requests

Attention - Applicants for a Marriage License after January 1, 2023  

In the interest of public health, the Mahoning County Probate Court has modified its issuance of marriage licenses procedure. All marriage license appointments will be held via video conference until further order. click for more info/JE

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE

The probate court in each of Ohio's 88 counties is the only agency authorized to issue a marriage license. It is strongly recommended that all appointments be scheduled at least once (1) month prior to the ceremony date.  An application for a marriage license must be made by the parties before the Probate Court of the county in which either resides. If neither party is a resident of Ohio, the application must be made in the county where the marriage will be performed.  The fee established for a marriage license in Mahoning County is $50.00 and must be paid in cash or credit card (service fee assessed for card transactions).  

STEP 1. MARRIAGE LICENSE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

The Mahoning County Probate Court will only issue marriage licenses by appointment only.  In addition, all appointments for a marriage license will be conducted by video conference. You can utilize your computer, laptop, tablet or cell phone provided it has a camera. If you don’t have access to a device with internet access for a video conference, please inform the Court and alternative arrangements will be made. 

Prior to scheduling a video conference for your marriage license, you must provide the Court with your wedding date and your officiant’s name as well as the required documents listed below.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION TO APPLY

  • A certified copy of birth certificate for both Applicants;
  • Proof of social security number i.e. Social Security Card or W2 form for both Applicants;
  • A valid driver's license or a valid photo I.D. card for both Applicants;
  • A certified copy of most recent Divorce Decree, if applicable; and 
  • A certified copy of Death Certificate, if either Applicant’s previous spouse died.

You will need to scan and email these documents to [email protected] with your contact information. If you cannot scan your documents, you can mail a copy of them to the Court at Mahoning County Probate Court, Attn: Marriage License, 120 Market Street, Youngstown, Ohio 44503 or drop them off at the Marriage License secure drop box located inside the Mahoning County Courthouse at 120 Market Street, Youngstown, Ohio 44503. 

After the Court has received all of your required documents, a Court clerk will contact you to schedule your video conference appointment. Please note that the Court will not schedule an appointment until all of your required documents are received. Therefore, please make sure you have all of your required documents prior to sending them. 

STEP 2. STARTING THE APPLICATION PROCESS ONLINE

The Mahoning County Probate Court has made it easier for individuals to obtain a marriage license. Applicants can now pre-register through the Court’s online marriage license portal.  By clicking here, you will be able to enter all of your information prior to your video appointment with the court and obtaining your license.  This will save you time and expedite the process.

STEP 3. ISSUANCE OF MARRIAGE LICENSE

Upon completion of the Marriage Application with the Court’s Clerk and approval of all necessary supplemental documentation, a Marriage License will be issued. The license will remain valid for 60 day; if the marriage is not performed within that time, a new license must be obtained. The marriage may be performed by an individual of your choosing that is registered with the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office (Minister License information link https://recordssearch.ohiosos.gov/).  Further, the Court has an Officiant list that is available to the public by clicking here (Marriage License Officiant List).

 

HOW TO OBTAIN A CERTIFIED COPY OF MARRIAGE LICENSE

Persons needing certified copies of previously issued marriage licenses.

All copies of marriage licenses may be obtained by one of the following options:

Option 1:

Online Certified Copy   https://paydirect.link2gov.com/MahoningCoPCMarriageLicense

IMPORTANT: Before you place an order for a certified copy of a marriage license, applicants must have obtained their marriage license in Mahoning County, Ohio. Please Note:  Once you submit your request, your payment is not refundable. You can obtain a certified copy of your marriage record by ordering and paying online.  The cost of a marriage record is $3.00. A non-refundable fee of 2.40% or a minimum of $1.49 will be charged for using this service.

Option 2: 

By mailing in your request to the Mahoning County Probate Court, Attn: Marriage License Dept., 120 Market Street, Youngstown, Ohio 44503 providing the following information or enclosing the request form (PDF form):

  1. Names of both parties (maiden name if applicable);
  2. Date of marriage;
  3. Number of copies you are requesting along with $3.00 for each copy requested. Payment can be made via cash, check or money order payable to the “Mahoning County Probate Court.”
  4. Name, address and telephone number of person making request.

Option 3: 

By visiting the Mahoning County Probate Court, 120 Market Street, 1st Floor, Youngstown, Ohio 44503 in person.  Cost for the certified copies is $3.00 for each copy and payment can be made via cash or credit card (service fee assessed for card transactions).

Option 4: 

Free Electronic Certified Copy    https://prbapp.mahoningcountyoh.gov

For all marriages that occurred on or after June 1, 1999, you may request an electronic certified copy of your marriage record at no charge. Marriage records prior to June 1, 1999 are not compatible with the software that supports the free electronic certified copy option. Therefore, any marriage records prior to June 1, 1999 must be requested through one of the other four (4) options listed.  Please note:  Check with the agency requesting your marriage certificate to make sure they will accept this electronic certified copy.  If not you will need to order one by the other methods.  

Option 5:

By visiting one of the three (3) public libraries (Main Youngstown branch, Brownlee Woods & Struthers branches) and obtaining your certified copy.  Cost for the certified copies is $3.50 for each copy and payment can be made via cash only.

USE OF THE SAME LAST NAME

Assumption by one spouse of the other spouse's last name is a matter of custom and tradition. In fact, either party may assume the other's surname after marriage.  In addition, both parties may adopt a new surname but must complete a legal name change for the new surname to be legally recognized.  

If one spouse is assuming the name of the other spouse, it is very important that they notify the other governmental agencies of this fact. These would include the Social Security Administration and the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Without these changes, problems may arise concerning the party's driver's license and their income tax for the Internal Revenue Service. The spouse wishing to assume the name of the other spouse should also contact any firm with which they have credit accounts and/or bank issued credit cards.

 

Location

  1. 120 Market Street
    1st Floor
    Youngstown, OH 44503

Hours

  1. Monday through Friday
    8 am to 4 pm
    (closed all legal holidays)

Contact Us

  1. Phone: 330-740-2310
    Fax: 330-740-2325
    Email Probate Court