Marriage License Requirements
Do You Need a Divorce Decree to Get Married in Las Vegas?
A plain-English guide for previously married couples who want to understand divorce, annulment, widowhood, name matching, and prior-marriage details before applying for a Las Vegas marriage license.
Quick answer
You usually do not need to show a divorce decree to get married in Las Vegas if your current valid government-issued photo ID already matches the name you want on the marriage license. Clark County says it does not need to see a divorce decree unless the decree grants you the ability to use a name different from what appears on your current valid government-issued photo ID.
Start here
The main rule: you must be currently unmarried
If you were previously married, the key requirement is that you must not be currently married when you apply for a Nevada marriage license. A prior marriage is not a problem by itself. The issue is whether that prior marriage legally ended before you apply.
Clark County’s basic marriage license requirements include being at least 18 years old, providing government-issued identification to prove name and age, not being currently married, and meeting Nevada’s relationship restrictions.
You can apply if your prior marriage legally ended in divorce before your new marriage license application.
Prior annulment or widowhood does not prevent a new marriage if you are currently unmarried.
If a prior marriage has not legally ended, you are not eligible for a new marriage license.
If you are still learning the full license process, start with our Las Vegas marriage license guide.
Short answer, with exception
When does Clark County need to see a divorce decree?
For many previously divorced applicants, Clark County does not need to see the divorce decree. The important exception is name-related. If your divorce decree gives you the ability to use a name that is different from what appears on your current valid government-issued photo ID, then the decree may be needed to support that name.
This matters because the marriage license and marriage certificate are issued using the name shown on the identification or documents presented to prove your name and age. If your ID already shows the legal name you want on the marriage record, the decree is usually less likely to be an issue.
| Situation | Do you usually need the decree? | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Your current ID matches the name you want on the license | Usually no | Clark County generally uses the name shown on your current valid government-issued photo ID. |
| You want to use a different name granted by the decree | Possibly yes | The decree may be needed if it grants the ability to use a name different from your current ID. |
| You are unsure how your name should appear | Ask before applying | Name corrections after the ceremony can be more complicated than asking before the license is issued. |
Bring it if you are unsure
If your name history is complicated, it is safer to bring the divorce decree or contact Clark County before you go. A document you do not need is easier to ignore than a document you needed but left at home.
Application details
What prior-marriage information goes on the application?
The Clark County marriage license application asks about current marital status and prior marriages. If you select a status other than “never married,” the application will ask for additional prior-marriage information.
Clark County explains that the “number of this marriage” should include your prior marriages, including annulments, plus the new marriage you are applying for now. For example, if you were married once before, this new marriage would be your second marriage.
Fill out the application carefully, but do not panic if you make a mistake before the license is issued. Corrections can usually be made in person when you obtain the license.
Divorced applicants
If you were divorced before your Las Vegas wedding
If you were divorced, make sure the divorce is final before applying for a new marriage license. A pending divorce or separation is not the same as being legally unmarried.
When filling out the application, use your current legal information and enter the prior-marriage details as accurately as possible. If you do not know the exact date your divorce became final, Clark County says to enter the date that is closest to your recollection.
Do not apply for a new marriage license unless your previous marriage has legally ended.
Enter your current marital status, prior-marriage count, and last marriage end details carefully.
If your name does not match the name you want on the license, ask whether supporting documents are needed.
If you notice a name or prior-marriage mistake later, review our guide to mistakes on a Las Vegas marriage license or certificate.
Other prior-marriage statuses
What if you were annulled or widowed?
The application also accounts for people whose prior marriage ended by annulment or death of a spouse. Clark County says that if you were divorced, had an annulment, or are widowed and do not know the exact date, you should enter a date closest to your recollection.
Clark County also says it does not need to see a copy of a death certificate if you are widowed. For annulments, the application counts annulments as part of the prior-marriage count when calculating the number of this marriage.
| Status | What to enter | Document note |
|---|---|---|
| Annulled | Enter prior-marriage details and count the annulment when calculating number of this marriage. | Have accurate details ready in case questions come up. |
| Widowed | Enter the closest date to your recollection if you do not know the exact date. | Clark County says it does not need a copy of a death certificate if you are widowed. |
| Divorced | Enter the closest date to your recollection if you do not know the exact date. | A decree is generally not needed unless it supports a name different from your current ID. |
Name matching
Why your ID name matters more than couples expect
The name printed on your Las Vegas marriage license and certificate is based on the identification or documents you present to prove your name and age. That means your driver’s license, passport, state ID, or other accepted document matters.
If you were divorced and changed names afterward, or if your divorce decree restored a former name that your ID does not currently show, ask questions before the ceremony. Name issues are easier to address before the license is issued than after the certificate is filed.
For name-change planning after the ceremony, read our guide to changing your name after getting married in Las Vegas.
If you need records
How do you get a copy of a divorce decree in Clark County?
If your divorce was filed in Clark County and you need information about the divorce or a copy of the divorce decree, Clark County directs people to Family Court. The County Recorder notes that it can only record a divorce that has already been filed with Family Court.
If your divorce happened in another county, state, or country, you may need to contact the court or records office where that divorce was granted. Do not assume Clark County can provide a decree for a divorce that happened somewhere else.
Different offices handle different records
Marriage licenses and proof of marriage are handled through the County Clerk. Divorce decrees are court records. If you need a decree copy, start with the court or county where the divorce was granted.
If you are only trying to prove a Las Vegas marriage after the wedding, you may need certified proof of marriage instead of a divorce decree. Start with our Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate vs. Proof of Marriage guide.
Common Questions
Divorce decree and Las Vegas marriage FAQs
Do I need a divorce decree to get married in Las Vegas?
Usually no. Clark County says it does not need to see a divorce decree unless the decree grants you the ability to use a name different from what appears on your current valid government-issued photo ID.
Can I get married in Las Vegas if I was divorced?
Yes, as long as your prior marriage has legally ended and you are not currently married. You will need to enter prior-marriage details on the marriage license application.
What if I do not remember the exact date of my divorce?
Clark County says that if you were divorced, annulled, or widowed and do not know the exact date, you should enter a date that is closest to your recollection.
Do widowed applicants need to bring a death certificate?
No. Clark County says it does not need to see a copy of a death certificate if you are widowed.
Do annulments count as prior marriages on the application?
Yes. Clark County says the number of this marriage should include prior marriages, including annulments, plus the new marriage you are applying for now.
What if my divorce decree restored a former name?
If the decree grants you the ability to use a name different from what appears on your current valid government-issued photo ID, Clark County may need to see the decree. Bring it or ask the Clerk’s Office before applying.
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