Richland County Marriage License Search

Richland County marriage license records are handled by the Probate Court in Mansfield. Both new applications and copies of past records go through this office.

Richland County Probate Court

The Richland County Probate Court is the Probate Division of the Common Pleas Court. The office is at 50 Park Avenue East, 2nd Floor, Mansfield, OH 44902. Call (419) 774-5583 to reach the court. The fax number is (419) 774-5565. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Note the 3:45 closing time, which gives staff 15 minutes to close out before the end of the day.

Both applicants must come together. There are no exceptions. ORC 3101.05 requires each person to appear in person at the probate court. At least one person must be a Richland County resident if you plan to get married somewhere else in Ohio. If neither of you lives in the state, you can still apply here, but the ceremony has to happen in Richland County.

Each person needs a current driver's license, state ID, or passport. You also need a Social Security card or other proof of your Social Security number. If the address on your ID is different from where you live now, bring proof of your current Richland County residency. The court may ask for a utility bill, lease, or similar document.

Fee and Payment Rules

The marriage license fee in Richland County is $60. Cash only. No exceptions. There is no ATM on site, so bring exact cash. The court is very clear about this rule. Do not show up with a credit card or check and expect them to make an exception. They will not.

Ohio has no waiting period. That changed in 2001 when the state dropped its old five-day wait. Once you pay the $60 and the application is approved, the license is good right away. Your Richland County marriage license stays valid for 60 days from the issue date. That comes from ORC 3101.07, and the expiration date is printed on the license. If you miss the 60-day window, the license expires and you need to start the whole process over.

What You Need to Bring

Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. Bring a current driver's license, state ID, or passport. You also need your Social Security card or some other document that shows your Social Security number. Under ORC 3101.051, the number goes on the application but is removed from the public record.

Were you married before? Bring a certified copy of the most recent Divorce or Dissolution Decree. If a former spouse died, bring a certified death certificate. The application also asks for your father's full name and your mother's full maiden name. If either person is 17 years old, juvenile court consent is required under ORC 3101.04, along with proof of marriage counseling. The court will not process the application without all required documents.

Ceremony Requirements

Ohio law lists specific people who can perform a marriage. Under ORC 3101.08, ordained or licensed ministers registered with the Ohio Secretary of State can officiate. County and municipal court judges, probate judges, and mayors of any Ohio city also qualify. Religious groups may perform ceremonies in keeping with their own traditions.

After the ceremony, the officiant signs the certificate and must return it to the Richland County Probate Court within 30 days. ORC 3101.13 sets that deadline. Failing to return it on time is a minor misdemeanor with a possible $50 fine. A pre-addressed envelope comes with the license. The marriage is not officially on record until the signed certificate is filed with the court.

Richland County Marriage Records

Marriage records in Richland County are public. ORC 149.43 guarantees anyone the right to view and copy them. The court provides copies at a reasonable cost. Social Security numbers are always removed before records go out. You do not need a written request or a stated reason.

The Richland County Probate Court has a dedicated marriage license page on the county website. Below is a screenshot showing the court's marriage license information.

Richland County Public Health also operates in the area, though they handle birth and death certificates, not marriage records. Below is a screenshot of the Richland County Public Health website.

For older marriage records, the Ohio History Connection may have archived some Richland County documents. The Ohio Department of Health keeps a statewide marriage index from September 7, 1949 to the present, covering all 88 Ohio counties.

Cities in Richland County

Mansfield is the county seat and largest city in Richland County. If you live in Mansfield or nearby communities, the Richland County Probate Court on Park Avenue East is where you go for marriage license matters. You can find more information about marriage license services specific to the city on the Mansfield marriage license page.

The Ohio Legal Help website provides free resources for Richland County residents, including guidance on marriage requirements and a county court directory. The Ohio Supreme Court site has standardized probate forms that apply across all 88 counties.

Nearby Counties

Browse marriage license records in neighboring Ohio counties.