Find a Marriage License in Portsmouth, Virginia

Marriage licenses in the City of Portsmouth are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk at 1345 Court Street, Suite 101. Both applicants must appear together, bring valid photo ID, and pay the $30 fee.

Portsmouth Circuit Court Clerk

The Clerk of the Circuit Court for the City of Portsmouth is the office that issues marriage licenses here. Under Virginia Code § 20-14, all Virginia marriage licenses must come from a circuit court clerk or deputy clerk. Portsmouth is an independent city in southeastern Virginia, located across the Elizabeth River from Norfolk. It has its own circuit court separate from any county. The clerk's office is at 1345 Court Street, Suite 101, Portsmouth, VA 23704.

Virginia has no residency requirement for marriage licenses. You don't need to live in Portsmouth to apply here. Both applicants must appear together in person. No proxy applications are accepted. The clerk processes applications the same day during regular business hours. Have all required documents with you when you arrive.

Portsmouth sits along the Elizabeth River and is part of the Hampton Roads metro area. The city has its own independent court system separate from Norfolk and Chesapeake. The clerk's office on Court Street is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (757) 393-8671 with questions before your visit.

Portsmouth is an independent city, so its circuit court operates separately from any county. Nearby cities like Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach each have their own independent circuit courts as well. You can apply for a marriage license at any of them regardless of where you live. Virginia law does not limit you to the clerk nearest your home or where your ceremony will be held.

Out-of-state ministers who plan to officiate ceremonies in Portsmouth must apply to the clerk for authorization, post a $500 bond, and take an oath. Virginia-licensed ministers and judges are already authorized by state law. Contact the clerk well before the ceremony date if your officiant is from outside Virginia.

Marriage License Requirements in Portsmouth

Both applicants must visit 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 all qualify. Expired IDs are not accepted. Call (757) 393-8671 before your visit if you are unsure whether your document will work.

You must provide your Social Security number. The physical card is not required, but the number must go 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. Gather this information before your visit. If a parent's name is unknown, ask the clerk for guidance.

Both applicants must be at least 18. Virginia Code § 20-48 sets this as a firm minimum with no exceptions. Virginia's former law allowing younger applicants with parental consent has been repealed. Your photo ID proves your age. Bring a certified birth certificate if there is any question.

Marriage License Fees in Portsmouth

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 for domestic violence services. The clerk collects payment when you apply. Call (757) 393-8671 to confirm accepted payment methods ahead of time.

The license is valid for 60 days from issue. Under Virginia Code § 20-14.1, if no ceremony takes place within 60 days, the license expires. No extension is available and no refund is given. If the wedding is delayed, you must reapply and pay the full fee. The ceremony must occur in Virginia. A Portsmouth license is not valid in North Carolina or any other state.

After the ceremony, the officiant signs the marriage certificate and returns it to the Portsmouth clerk. The clerk records it and sends a copy to the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records. Certified copies are then available through the clerk for $2.50 each.

Portsmouth Marriage Records and Certified Copies

Certified copies of Portsmouth marriage records are available from two sources. The Circuit Court Clerk at 1345 Court Street holds copies of licenses issued in Portsmouth. Copies cost $2.50 each. Request them in person or by mail. For mail requests, include both spouses' names, the approximate marriage date, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

The VDH Office of Vital Records in Richmond holds all Virginia marriage records since 1853. Their fee is $12 per certificate. 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 faster service, use 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, records become public. Social Security numbers are always redacted regardless of the record's age.

The Virginia Department of Health maintains Portsmouth marriage records as part of the statewide vital records system.

Historical Portsmouth Marriage Records

Virginia began requiring statewide recording of marriages in 1853. Portsmouth is one of Virginia's older cities, with marriage records going back to the mid-1800s. The Library of Virginia holds Portsmouth marriage registers on microfilm from 1853 onward. Researchers can borrow microfilm through interlibrary loan at no cost.

FamilySearch has digitized many Virginia marriage registers and made them freely searchable online. Virginia residents can also access Ancestry.com through the Library of Virginia's Finditva.com service with a public library card. For more recent records, contact VDH or search the Ancestry Virginia marriage index.

The Virginia Judicial System website has current contact details for the Portsmouth clerk for historical record inquiries.

Nearby Cities

These independent cities are near Portsmouth. Each has its own circuit court clerk who can issue marriage licenses.