Vanderburgh County Marriage License Records

Vanderburgh County marriage licenses are issued at the County Clerk's office in Evansville, Indiana. Dottie Thomas serves as clerk and manages all marriage license applications for the county. Whether you are applying for the first time or searching for an existing Vanderburgh County marriage license record, this page covers what you need to know about the application process, required documents, fees, and how to access the Indiana Courts public database.

Vanderburgh County Clerk Office

Dottie Thomas is the elected Clerk of Vanderburgh County. Her office is located on the second floor of the Civic Center Complex in downtown Evansville at 1 NW Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. The office handles all marriage license applications for Vanderburgh County and keeps official records of every license issued. The clerk's staff can also help with searches of existing marriage records.

The Vanderburgh County Clerk's office opens earlier than most county offices in Indiana. Hours are 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM weekdays. This is helpful for applicants who need to go before work or want to get there early. Both applicants must appear together under IC 31-11-4-3. You can reach the office at (812) 435-5160.

The screenshot above shows the Evansville city government site at evansvillegov.org where the Vanderburgh County Clerk's office information is listed along with marriage license details.

How to Apply for a Vanderburgh County Marriage License

Both people who plan to marry must appear at the Vanderburgh County Clerk's office in Evansville at the same time. Indiana law under IC 31-11-4-3 requires joint in-person appearance. You cannot send someone else or apply remotely. Visit the Civic Center Complex in downtown Evansville together during office hours. Room S240 is where you go.

Once the Vanderburgh County Clerk issues your marriage license, there is no waiting period. You can use it the same day. Under IC 31-11-4-10, the license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. Time your application so the wedding falls within those 60 days. If it doesn't, you'll need to reapply and pay the fee again.

Use the Indiana Courts pre-application at courts.in.gov/marriage before you go to Evansville. It collects some basic information and can help speed up the process at the clerk's office. In-person appearance is still required for both applicants.

No blood test is needed. Indiana has no statewide residency requirement for marriage licenses. You can apply in Vanderburgh County even if you live elsewhere. Your license works anywhere in Indiana. Evansville is the seat of Vanderburgh County and one of Indiana's largest cities, so the clerk's office is well-staffed and handles high volumes of applications.

Note: Parking near the Civic Center Complex in downtown Evansville can be limited during peak hours. Plan extra time if you are driving in for your appointment.

What You Need to Bring to the Vanderburgh County Clerk

Each applicant must bring valid government-issued photo ID. Accepted forms are driver's licenses, state IDs, passports, and military IDs. A birth certificate combined with a separate photo ID also works. Bring your Social Security number, as it is required on the application under IC 31-11-4-1. The physical card is not needed, just the number.

Prior marriages must be legally ended before you can apply. If either person was previously married, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate. The Vanderburgh County Clerk will check this document before issuing a new marriage license. Under IC 31-11-1-4, both applicants must be 18 or older. Those who are 16 or 17 need a parent or legal guardian present to give written consent. Indiana does not issue marriage licenses to anyone under 16.

Items to bring to the Vanderburgh County Clerk in Evansville:

• Valid government photo ID for each applicant
• Social Security number for each applicant
• Divorce decree or death certificate if either person was previously married
• Parental or guardian consent if either applicant is between 16 and 17
• Payment for the fee ($25 residents, $65 out-of-state)

Vanderburgh County Marriage License Fees

Indiana residents pay $25.00 for a Vanderburgh County marriage license. Out-of-state residents pay $65.00. These fees are set by state statute and are non-refundable after the application is processed. Call (812) 435-5160 to find out what payment methods the clerk accepts. Confirm whether they take cards, cash, or checks before you head downtown to the Civic Center.

Search Vanderburgh County Marriage License Records

The Indiana Courts free public database at public.courts.in.gov/MLPL covers Vanderburgh County marriage license records from 1993 to the present. You can search by name, county, or date. This is a quick way to confirm a license exists or look up basic information without paying for a certified copy.

For certified copies of Vanderburgh County marriage certificates, contact the Indiana State Department of Health. Online orders can be placed through VitalChek, which is the state's authorized partner for vital record requests. For historical records dating before 1993, the Indiana State Library has a digital archive that covers older vital records across all Indiana counties including Vanderburgh.

Note: The Indiana Courts online search provides record information but not a certified copy. For legal uses like name changes, you need a certified copy from ISDH or the county clerk.

Indiana Marriage License Laws That Apply in Vanderburgh County

Indiana's marriage license statutes in Title 31 govern every license issued in Vanderburgh County. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the signed license to the Vanderburgh County Clerk within 30 days under IC 31-11-11-1. The officiant completes ceremony details and signs the license under IC 31-11-4-11. The clerk records the marriage as a permanent document under IC 31-11-4-18.

The person performing the ceremony must be legally authorized under IC 31-11-6-1. Ordained ministers, judges, and mayors all qualify in Indiana. If you are not sure whether your officiant is authorized, the Vanderburgh County Clerk's office in Evansville can tell you before the wedding day.

Cities in Vanderburgh County

Vanderburgh County includes Evansville and several smaller communities. All marriage license applications for residents of Vanderburgh County are handled at the County Clerk's office in Evansville.

Other communities in Vanderburgh County include Darmstadt and Haubstadt. Residents across the county apply for marriage licenses at the Vanderburgh County Clerk's office at the Civic Center in Evansville.

Nearby Counties

These Indiana counties border Vanderburgh County. If you live near a county line, confirm your address falls in Vanderburgh County before visiting the clerk's office in Evansville.