Kenton County Marriage License
Kenton County has two clerk locations: downtown Covington and Independence. Most couples in NKY will find Independence significantly faster and easier — here's what you need to know about both.
Office Locations — Which One to Choose
Independence Branch — Recommended for Most Couples
| Address | 5272 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (859) 392-1650 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Closed | All Kentucky state and federal holidays |
| Parking | Free, ample — surface lot directly adjacent |
| Wait Time | Typically 5–15 minutes |
Why Independence is better for most couples: The Independence branch handles the same services as Covington but serves a smaller walk-in volume. Free parking directly at the door, no courthouse security to navigate, and staff at this location are used to moving marriage license applications efficiently. If you live in Taylor Mill, Erlanger, Villa Hills, Edgewood, or anywhere along KY-17 — this is your office.
Covington Main Office — Downtown
| Address | 1840 Simon Kenton Way, Covington, KY 41011 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (859) 392-1650 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Closed | All Kentucky state and federal holidays |
| Parking | Street parking or nearby paid garage; metered spots on adjacent streets |
| Wait Time | Varies — can be 20–40 minutes during busy periods |
The Covington office is centrally located and handles a high volume of foot traffic — not just marriage licenses but vehicle titles, voter registration, and more. If you're already in downtown Covington or coming directly from Cincinnati across the river, it's convenient. But for marriage licenses specifically, Independence is almost always faster.
What You Need to Bring
- Valid government-issued photo ID — both applicants Driver's license, state ID, or passport. Expired IDs are not accepted. Both people must bring their own — one person's ID cannot cover both.
- Social Security number — both applicants Kenton County requires your SSN. You don't have to bring the card, but you must know the number. If there's any chance you don't know it by heart, bring the card.
- Payment — $35.50 Cash or check is reliable. Credit/debit card acceptance can vary by day and cashier — if paying by card is important to you, call (859) 392-1650 first to confirm.
- If previously married: divorce decree, death certificate, or annulment Kenton County staff will ask how any prior marriage ended. Bring the final signed document — not just the filing date or a case number.
Step-by-Step: Getting Your Kenton County License
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1
Decide which office to visit
Independence for speed and easy parking. Covington if you're already in the area. Both issue the same license.
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2
Arrive before 3:45 PM
Both offices close at 4:00 PM sharp. Processing a marriage license takes 10–20 minutes — arriving at 3:50 PM risks being turned away.
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3
Both applicants present IDs and complete the application
The clerk will enter your information, ask about prior marriages, and verify your Social Security numbers. This is a brief interview, not an interrogation — it typically takes 5–10 minutes.
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4
Pay $35.50 and receive your license
No waiting period. You can use the license immediately.
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5
Have your ceremony within 30 days
The license expires 30 days from the issue date — not from the ceremony date. Plan accordingly.
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6
Officiant returns the completed license
After the ceremony, your officiant signs the license and must return it to the Kenton County Clerk's office — either location — within 30 days.
Kenton County — Local Tips
No meters, no garages, no circling. If parking stress is a factor, Independence wins every time.
Some counties are flexible about the Social Security card — Kenton County is not. Know your number or bring the card.
The Covington office shares foot traffic with all county government services. Go mid-morning (9–11 AM) or early afternoon (1–2 PM) for shortest waits.
Don't apply too early. If you pick up the license 5 weeks before your wedding and don't realize Kentucky's window is only 30 days, you'll need a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions — Kenton County
Which Kenton County office is better for a marriage license?
Independence, in almost every case. Same license, same fee, significantly shorter wait, free parking. The only reason to go to Covington is geographic convenience if you're already there.
Can we apply in Kenton County even though we live in Boone County?
Yes. There is no residency requirement in Kentucky. You can get your license from any Kentucky county clerk. Many couples pick whichever office is closest or most convenient, regardless of where they live.
Does the license have to be returned to the same office that issued it?
It should be returned to the Kenton County Clerk — either the Covington or Independence location. The officiant handles this, not the couple.
We're getting married in Cincinnati. Do we need an Ohio license?
Yes. If your ceremony takes place in Ohio, you need an Ohio marriage license from an Ohio Probate Court. A Kentucky license is only valid for ceremonies in Kentucky.
What if one of us has a name that differs from our ID due to a recent change?
Call the office ahead of time at (859) 392-1650. Name discrepancies between documents can slow things down — staff can advise what additional documentation to bring before your visit.