Iowa Administrative Code
Agency 641 - Public Health Department
Chapter 98 - Marriage Registration
Rule 641-98.5 - License to Marry

(1) Upon receipt and acceptance of a completed application for a license to marry in Iowa, the county registrar may issue the license to marry. When the marriage license valid date is computed, the day of application shall be excluded. The license shall become valid after the expiration of three calendar days after the date of application to marry.

(2) The three-day waiting period may be waived by a district judge in the county's judicial district pursuant to Iowa Code section 595.4. An Application for Waiver of 3-Day Waiting Period form is available from the county registrar. If the waiver is granted, the county registrar shall collect the $5 fee for the waiver pursuant to Iowa Code section 595.4.

(3) When a license is issued, the county registrar shall deliver to the applicant the Certificate of Marriage form and provide instructions to ensure the return of a complete and accurate certificate of marriage for filing.

(4) If the license to marry in Iowa is not retrieved from the county registrar within six months from the date of application, the application is void.

(5) The license to marry is proof that proper application to marry in Iowa has been made. The parties to be married shall present the license to the person who will solemnize the marriage pursuant to Iowa Code section 595.10.