How old to sign marriage license?

pearls687

Our honor (and only) attendants are our children, ages 16 and 19.  Can the 16 yr old MOH sign as a witness?

Wiscisbliss

Check with your local government, but I would assume the age would be 18 - a legal adult. 

andrea2473

I don't believe so, but you'll have to check with your state's (that you are getting married in) laws.   In Indiana, our certificate didn't even require a witness signature.

achiduck

I'm Canadian and I'm pretty sure each province sets it's own rules so I would assume it the same in the US. I suggest you call your local clerks office and ask.

I saw an episode of Rich Bride Poor Bride where the BM was the grooms son and he was only 15 and couldn't sign. They had the grooms father sign before hand and the BM pretended to sign for photo-purposes.

redheadfsu

Check with your State & County. However, I assume it is 18 as they would need to be a legal adult able to testify as to whether the marriage took place.

pearls687

Thanks!  My guess is witnesses have to be 18 also, but here's to hopeful thinking! 

MattsPenguin

Check.  In Ohio, I don't think that we needed witnesses.  But my MOH and the BM signed the souvenir certificate.  I'm pretty that it is not a legal document.  It just looks nice on the wall.

StephBeanWed61502

Some states also only require one witness, so you may not need both of them to sign.

calliopeia2013

I mean, you can double check, but no, in every state I can think of in the US, a minor is not considered competent to sign a legal document like a marriage license.  Your second witness (if you need one) would have to be over 18.

mollyehren

18 is the age for everywhere except Nebraska where your not an adult until 19

Juris11

I was all prepared to pick our witnesses until I found out that OH doesn't require any. Only the officiant signs. Check your requirements, but I doubt they will allow someone under 18 to sign as a witness.

foxybritches

In my state both witnesses need to be over 21. Double check local laws.

[Deleted User]

In California, it varies from county to county. Here is a website that has a lot of information about marriage laws in the United States (including details for each state): http://usmarriagelaws.com/