Both must be at least 18 years of age to apply without parental consent and all parties must provide legal proof of age and identification. A driver's license or legal photo identification and a certified copy of a birth certificate is needed. A Social Security card or legal proof of social security number will be required.

(If you do not have a birth certificate and were born in Missouri, please contact the Jasper County Health Department for information on obtaining a copy)

If one or both parties are under the age of 18 they must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian for consent. The parent or legal guardian must also have identification. Driver's license is acceptable. A Divorce Decree may be requested for proof of guardianship.

Those under the age of 15 may not apply or obtain a marriage license without an Order from the Court.

Missouri has eliminated the three day waiting period. If you are going to be married within 30-days from the date of application, you can take the marriage license with you at that time.

When the license is applied for, the application is good for six months.

Once the license is issued, it must be used within thirty days. If it is not used within thirty days it becomes void and must be returned to this office. If the license is lost or destroyed you must contact this office immediately. The license may be used anywhere in the State of Missouri.

The minister or officiating officer is responsible for returning the license to this office within 15 days after the ceremony in the envelope provided by this office. Penalty for solemnizing a marriage without a marriage license - Any person who shall solemnize any marriage wherein parties have not obtained a license, upon conviction, shall be fined not exceeding five hundred dollars, and in addition shall be subject to a civil action by the custodial parent or guardian.

At this time blood tests are not required in Missouri.

The fee for a marriage license is $51.00 if both parties are over the age of 18. If one party requires parental consent the fee will be $52.00. If both parties require consent the fee will be $53.00. Marriage license must be paid in cash. Payment is required at the time the license is applied for. Refunds will not be made.

Applications will be taken from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays. We are located in the Jasper County Annex II, 116 West Second, Carthage, MO 64836.

Once the license is returned to this office a certified copy may be obtained by sending a written request to: Jasper County Recorder, P.O. Box 387, Carthage, MO 64836 with a money order in the amount of $9.00. No personal checks will be accepted and payment will need to be made with cash or money order.

Phone: 417-358-0431
recorder@jaspercounty.org