Franklin Indiana Marriage License Records
Franklin is the county seat of Johnson County, and marriage licenses for Franklin residents are issued by the Johnson County Clerk at the Johnson County Courthouse. The clerk's office is in the courthouse basement at 5 E Jefferson Street. Franklin residents have the advantage of the courthouse being right in their city. This page explains how to apply for a marriage license in Franklin, what you need to bring, the fees involved, and where to search for marriage license records in Johnson County.
Franklin Quick Facts
Johnson County Clerk - Marriage License Office in Franklin
The Johnson County Clerk's office is the place to get a marriage license in Franklin. The office is located in the basement of the Johnson County Courthouse at 5 E Jefferson Street in downtown Franklin. Indiana law under IC 31-11-4-3 requires both applicants to appear in person at the same time. You cannot apply separately or use a representative. Both people must be there together to complete the application.
| Office | Johnson County Clerk of the Circuit Court |
|---|---|
| Address | Johnson County Courthouse, Basement 5 E. Jefferson Street Franklin, IN 46131 |
| Phone | (317) 346-4450 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | johnsoncounty.in.gov |
Call (317) 346-4450 before your visit to ask about any current requirements or policies. It is worth confirming what payment methods are accepted at the Johnson County office. The clerk's office handles records for the entire county, including Greenwood and other communities, from the Franklin courthouse location.
Note: Johnson County has one of the higher marriage license fees in Indiana. Residents pay $71.00, which is significantly higher than the base $25.00 charged in most other Indiana counties.
What to Bring to the Franklin Clerk's Office
Each applicant must present proof of age and identity when applying for a marriage license in Franklin. Under IC 31-11-1-4, both people must be at least 18. Those who are 16 or 17 can only apply with a juvenile court order that fully emancipates them and grants permission to marry. The Johnson County Clerk cannot issue a license to a minor without that specific court document.
Bring one of the following for each applicant:
- Valid Indiana driver's license or state ID
- U.S. or foreign passport
- Certified copy of birth certificate
- Military ID showing date of birth
- Immigration or naturalization record with birth date
You also need your Social Security number. If either applicant was married before, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate if you were widowed. The clerk wants the original certified document, not a photocopy. Also have both parents' full names, last known addresses, and birthplaces (by state or country) ready for the application form. Gather everything before you go to the Franklin courthouse so your visit goes smoothly.
Marriage License Fees in Franklin
Johnson County charges $71.00 for Indiana residents. This is higher than most Indiana counties and worth noting before you plan your trip to the Franklin courthouse. The standard state fee is $25.00, but Johnson County adds fees that bring the total to $71.00. Call (317) 346-4450 to confirm the current fee and accepted payment methods before you visit.
Out-of-state residents should also call to confirm the current fee, as it will be higher than the resident rate. Certified copies of the marriage license are typically $4.00 each in Indiana, though the specific copy fee at Johnson County may differ. Ask when you call.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in Franklin
Indiana requires a marriage license before a couple can legally marry under IC 31-11-4-1. In Franklin, both applicants go to the Johnson County Courthouse basement together. Bring your documents, complete the application form, and pay the fee. The clerk reviews everything and issues the license, usually the same day.
Before your visit, use the online pre-application at courts.in.gov/marriage to enter basic information. This makes the visit to the Franklin office go faster. Both people must still show up in person to sign and finalize. Indiana has no waiting period, so you can get married the same day you receive the license. The license is valid for 60 days from issue under IC 31-11-4-10.
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and files it with the Johnson County Clerk in Franklin. The clerk records it permanently under IC 31-11-4-18. Under IC 31-11-6-1, the ceremony can be performed by a judge, mayor, clergy member, or other authorized person in Indiana.
Search Franklin Marriage License Records
Indiana's free public database at public.courts.in.gov/MLPL covers marriage licenses issued in Indiana since 1993. Filter by Johnson County to find Franklin-area records. The tool shows basic license information but does not provide certified copies. For records before 1993, the Indiana State Library at digital.statelib.lib.in.us/legacy has databases for marriages through 1850 and from 1958 to 2018.
For a certified copy of a Johnson County marriage record, contact the clerk at (317) 346-4450. The Indiana State Department of Health at in.gov/health/vital-records/marriages issues Records of Marriage for $8.00 per copy for marriages since 1958. You can also order through VitalChek online with an added service fee.
Note: Under IC 31-11-11-1, providing false information on a marriage license application in Indiana is a Level 6 felony.
Indiana Marriage License Public Search
The statewide Marriage License Public Lookup portal is a useful tool for anyone needing to confirm or research a marriage license issued in Johnson County or elsewhere in Indiana. The image below shows the Indiana Courts database portal used for marriage license searches.
The portal at public.courts.in.gov/MLPL is free and accessible to anyone. It covers all 92 Indiana counties, including Johnson County where Franklin is located. Search by name, date range, or county to find specific marriage license records.
Nearby Cities
Franklin is the county seat of Johnson County. Nearby cities with marriage license resources include Greenwood (also in Johnson County), Indianapolis (Marion County), Columbus (Bartholomew County), and Bloomington (Monroe County). Greenwood residents also use the Johnson County Clerk office in Franklin for their marriage licenses.
Johnson County Marriage License Records
Franklin is the county seat of Johnson County. All marriage licenses for Franklin and the surrounding Johnson County area are issued by the Johnson County Clerk at the courthouse in Franklin. For full county information on marriage licenses in Johnson County, visit the county page.