Access Independence Marriage Records
Independence marriage records are on file at the Jackson County Recorder of Deeds, which is located right in Independence at the Historic Truman Courthouse. As the county seat of Jackson County, Independence is home to the only office in the county that issues marriage licenses. Residents of Independence, Kansas City, Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, and every other Jackson County city come here for marriage license services. You can search for existing marriage records online, apply for a new license in person, or order certified copies by visiting the Truman Courthouse. Below you will find the fees, requirements, and steps to get what you need.
Independence Quick Facts
Jackson County Recorder in Independence
The Jackson County Recorder of Deeds has its marriage license office inside the Historic Truman Courthouse on West Lexington Avenue in downtown Independence. This is the sole location for marriage license applications in all of Jackson County. The downtown Kansas City courthouse no longer handles marriage licenses. Everyone in the county comes to Independence for this service.
Jackson County marriage records date back to 1826. The office keeps the original license filings, microfilm records, and a digital index. Staff can search by name, date, or other details. Walk-in searches are handled during business hours. The Recorder also has an online application system so you can fill out some paperwork before your visit.
The Independence city website shows local government resources, though marriage license matters are handled at the county level.
The county Recorder's office is the place to go for all marriage record needs in Independence.
| Office | Jackson County Recorder of Deeds |
|---|---|
| Address |
Historic Truman Courthouse 112 W. Lexington Ave, Suite 30 Independence, MO 64050 |
| Phone | (816) 881-4483 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Independence Marriage License Fees
A marriage license in Jackson County costs $50. Certified copies are $10 when you buy them at the time of application. Later requests for certified copies run about the same. These fees are set by Missouri law under Chapter 451 RSMo and include funds for the Children's Trust Fund and domestic violence programs.
One thing that makes Jackson County different is that couples can file their own completed marriage license after the ceremony. In most Missouri counties, only the officiant can return the signed license to the Recorder. Jackson County gives couples the option to do it themselves. The filing must happen within 15 days of the wedding, regardless of who turns it in.
Search Independence Marriage Records Online
Jackson County provides a free online marriage record search. The Jackson County Marriage Records Search tool lets you look up records by name. The database covers marriage records from 1826 to the present. Online searches are free, though certified copies still cost $10 if you need an official document.
The Missouri Bureau of Vital Records also has marriage data from 1948 onward. The Missouri State Archives holds microfilm of Jackson County marriage records starting from 1826. For genealogy purposes, FamilySearch has indexed some of these records. All marriage records in Missouri are open to the public under the Sunshine Law.
Marriage License Requirements
Both applicants must appear together at the Truman Courthouse. Each person needs a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. You also need your Social Security number. Applicants must be 18 or older. If either person was previously married, provide the month and year that marriage ended. Jackson County does not strictly enforce the 30-day post-divorce waiting period that applies under Missouri law.
There is no blood test. No waiting period. You can get the license and use it the same day. The license stays valid for 30 days and works for ceremonies performed anywhere in Missouri. Two witnesses are required to sign the license at the wedding. After the ceremony, return the completed license to the Recorder's office within 15 days.
You can start your application online at the Jackson County website before visiting the Truman Courthouse. This saves time at the counter. Missouri's marriage requirements are set by state statute, but the application process is handled locally at the county level. Independence residents have the advantage of living in the same city as the Recorder's office.
Historical Independence Marriage Records
Independence has a rich collection of marriage records thanks to its role as the Jackson County seat since the early 1800s. The Recorder's office has files going back to 1826. These early records are available on microfilm at the Truman Courthouse. Genealogists and family researchers use these records regularly. The Missouri State Archives also holds microfilm copies if you prefer to search there.
Under Chapter 193 RSMo, Missouri has maintained a central marriage index since 1948. Records before that date exist only at the county level and through the state archives. The Missouri Recorders Association provides a directory of all county Recorders in the state, which can help if you need marriage records from multiple counties. For Independence residents who need certified copies of more recent records, the Truman Courthouse is the most convenient option at $10 per copy.
Nearby Cities
These Jackson County cities all use the same Recorder of Deeds office in Independence for marriage records. Kansas City residents travel to the Truman Courthouse as well since the downtown KC office no longer processes licenses.
Jackson County Records Page
Visit the Jackson County page for the complete overview of marriage records, including all office details and search tools that serve Independence and the rest of the county.