I've seen a few people on here get their license a few weeks before the wedding...dont' they have to be signed by your pastor/officiant within a certain time frame to be "valid"?
Florida marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the effective date. The marriage ceremony must be performed between the effective date and the expiration date on the license.
It's valid for 60 days, but if you don't take a premarital course you have to wait three days before you can get married. If you have teken a premarital course there is no waiting period.
If you take a premarial course, make sure they are approved by Hillsborough County. They have a list on their website. Our priest did our pre-cana and initially, he wasn't on the list even though he had a certified stamp showing he did our counseling. I went through the country and he was added to the list. The discount is about $33 and they waive the waiting period. The officiant doesn't sign the marriage certificate until after the ceremony is performed and then it's mailed in to the county. You will then receive your certified copy in about 2 weeks.
Also, when changing your name on documents, mainly the DMV, call ahead to find out what documents you need. Currently, I am trying to change my name and address and I need my birth certificate, current license, marriage license, 2 bills and/or bank statments with my new address and my new social security card with my married name. When I talked to a manager at the DMV last week, she said Homeland Security is cracking down on things and they now require all this just to change your name.
Yes, we were asking about it when we got our marriage license and there is a lot they require you to have now. You don't want to get there and wait in line only to find that you don't have all the proper documents!
As for getting your new license, they do require a lot. I would recommend making an appointment. I live in Lakeland, and you can schedule an appointment so you don't wait in line. Also, call the day before you go to verify the documentation. The manager I spoke with said lately, the documents are changing almost weekly and sometimes daily.
Re: Marriage license
How long is the marriage license valid?
Florida marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from the effective date. The marriage ceremony must be performed between the effective date and the expiration date on the license.
http://www.hillsclerk.com/publicweb/Marriage_FAQ.aspx
http://www.hillsclerk.com/publicweb/Marriage_Fees.aspx
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Also, when changing your name on documents, mainly the DMV, call ahead to find out what documents you need. Currently, I am trying to change my name and address and I need my birth certificate, current license, marriage license, 2 bills and/or bank statments with my new address and my new social security card with my married name. When I talked to a manager at the DMV last week, she said Homeland Security is cracking down on things and they now require all this just to change your name.