Newport News Marriage License
Marriage licenses in the City of Newport News are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk at 2400 Washington Avenue. Both applicants must appear together, bring valid photo ID, and pay the $30 fee.
Newport News Overview
Newport News Circuit Court Clerk
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for the City of Newport News is the only office authorized to issue marriage licenses here. Under Virginia Code § 20-14, all Virginia marriage licenses must be issued by a circuit court clerk or deputy clerk. Newport News is an independent city in Virginia, which means it operates its own circuit court separate from any surrounding county. The clerk's office is at 2400 Washington Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607.
Virginia law has no residency requirement for marriage licenses. You do not have to live in Newport News to get a license there. Any couple can walk in, apply, and receive their license the same day. Both people must appear together in person. No proxy or mail-in applications are accepted. The clerk processes applications during regular business hours. Plan to have all required documents ready so your visit goes smoothly.
Newport News sits at the mouth of the James River on the Virginia Peninsula in southeastern Virginia. It is one of Virginia's largest cities. The courthouse on Washington Avenue serves the entire city. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call (757) 926-8565 with any questions before your visit.
| Office | Newport News Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 2400 Washington Avenue Newport News, VA 23607 |
| Phone | (757) 926-8565 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| Virginia Courts | vacourts.gov |
As an independent city, Newport News has its own circuit court and clerk entirely separate from York County and James City County, the counties that border it. The clerk here has no connection to those county court offices. If you are unsure whether to apply in Newport News or a nearby jurisdiction, know that you may apply at any Virginia circuit court clerk's office regardless of where you live or where the ceremony will take place.
Out-of-state ministers who plan to officiate a ceremony in Newport News must apply to the clerk for authorization. They must post a $500 bond and take an oath before the clerk. Virginia-ordained ministers and judges are already authorized by law and need no further local approval. Contact the clerk early if your officiant is from another state.
Marriage License Requirements in Newport News
Both applicants must go to the clerk's office together. Each person needs a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, U.S. passport, state ID card, or military ID is accepted. Expired IDs will not work. Call (757) 926-8565 before your visit if you are unsure whether your ID qualifies.
You must provide your Social Security number. The card itself is not required, but the number is needed on the application. Under Virginia Code § 20-16, the clerk also requires the full legal names of both applicants' parents, including each mother's maiden name. Have this information ready ahead of time. If a parent's name is unknown, ask the clerk for guidance on how to proceed.
Both applicants must be at least 18 years old. Virginia Code § 20-48 sets 18 as the minimum age with no exceptions. Virginia's former law allowing younger applicants with parental consent was repealed. Your photo ID establishes proof of age. Bring a certified birth certificate if there is any question about your age.
No blood test is required and there is no waiting period. You can apply and receive the marriage license on the same day you visit the clerk's office.
Marriage License Fees in Newport News
The marriage license fee is $30. Virginia Code § 20-15 sets this statewide. Of the $30, $20 is the state license tax and $10 goes to the Virginia Department of Social Services to fund domestic violence services. The clerk collects this fee when you apply. Call (757) 926-8565 to confirm accepted payment methods before your visit.
The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. Under Virginia Code § 20-14.1, if no ceremony occurs within 60 days the license expires. There is no extension and no refund. If the wedding is delayed past that window, you must apply again and pay the full fee. The ceremony must take place within Virginia. A Newport News license cannot be used in North Carolina, Maryland, or any other state.
After the ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage certificate and returns it to the Newport News clerk. The clerk records it and forwards a copy to the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records. Certified copies are then available from the clerk for $2.50 each.
Newport News Marriage Records and Certified Copies
Certified copies of Newport News marriage records are available from two places. The Circuit Court Clerk at 2400 Washington Avenue holds copies of licenses issued in Newport News. Copies cost $2.50 each. You can request them in person or by mail. For mail requests, include both spouses' full names, the approximate marriage date, and a self-addressed stamped envelope with your payment.
The VDH Office of Vital Records in Richmond holds all Virginia marriage records since 1853. Their fee is $12 per certificate. You can submit requests online, by mail to P.O. Box 1000, Richmond, VA 23218, or in person at 8701 Park Central Drive. Phone: (804) 662-6200. For expedited service, contact VitalChek at 1-877-572-6333.
Under Virginia Code § 32.1-271, certified copies are restricted to immediate family members for 25 years after the marriage. After that period, records become public. Social Security numbers are always removed from copies regardless of the record's age.
The Virginia Department of Health maintains Newport News marriage records as part of the statewide vital records system.
Historical Newport News Marriage Records
Virginia began requiring statewide recording of marriages in 1853. Newport News was chartered as an independent city in 1896. The Library of Virginia holds marriage registers from Newport News and the surrounding Peninsula region on microfilm, covering records from the late 19th century onward. Researchers can request microfilm through interlibrary loan at no cost.
FamilySearch has digitized many Virginia marriage registers and made them searchable online for free. Virginia residents can also access Ancestry.com through the Library of Virginia's Finditva.com service using a public library card. For records after 1935, contact VDH directly or search the Ancestry Virginia marriage index.
Before Newport News became an independent city, the area was part of Warwick County and Elizabeth City County. Early marriage records from those predecessor jurisdictions are held at the Library of Virginia. The Virginia Judicial System website has current contact details for the Newport News clerk's office for any historical record inquiries.
Nearby Cities
These independent cities are close to Newport News. You may apply at any Virginia circuit court regardless of where you live.
Nearby Counties
These counties border or are close to Newport News. Each has its own circuit court clerk who can also issue marriage licenses.