Access Bowie Marriage License Records
Bowie marriage license applications are filed at the Prince George's County Courts in Upper Marlboro. Bowie is one of Maryland's largest incorporated cities, located in Prince George's County east of Washington D.C. All marriage license records for Bowie are issued and stored by the Prince George's County court system. This page covers how to apply, what to bring, the $70 fee, the 48-hour waiting period, civil ceremony options, and how to search existing Bowie marriage license records.
Bowie Marriage License Overview
Which County Handles Bowie Marriage Licenses
Bowie is an incorporated city in Prince George's County. All marriage licenses for Bowie residents are issued by the Prince George's County Courts. This court system operates somewhat differently from others in Maryland. Prince George's County uses its own court portal at princegeorgescourts.org rather than the standard mdcourts.gov system used by most Maryland counties. Everything from applications to certified copy requests runs through that county-specific site.
The courthouse is in Upper Marlboro, the county seat. From Bowie, take US-50 or MD-214 west toward Upper Marlboro. The drive is typically 15 to 25 minutes. At $70, the Prince George's County marriage license fee is among the higher rates in Maryland. It reflects the county's own fee schedule, which is set independently. For full county-level information, visit the Prince George's County marriage license page.
Bowie Marriage License Office Location
The Prince George's County courthouse is in Upper Marlboro, about 15 miles west of Bowie. The area has parking available near the courthouse. Route 4 (Pennsylvania Avenue) and US-301 are the main roads connecting Bowie and Upper Marlboro. The clerk's office handles walk-in applications during business hours. Ceremonies require a separate appointment.
| Court | Prince George's County Courts |
|---|---|
| Address | 14735 Main Street Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 |
| Website | princegeorgescourts.org/225/Marriage-License |
Prince George's County Courts marriage license page at princegeorgescourts.org covers requirements for Bowie and all Prince George's County residents. This is the primary resource for current fees, hours, and application details.
The marriage license page on the Prince George's County Courts site is where Bowie residents should check for the latest requirements and any changes to the application process.
The Prince George's County Courts main website at princegeorgescourts.org provides access to all court services including marriage license applications for Bowie residents.
The courts main site is a hub for all Prince George's County court services and gives Bowie residents a starting point for marriage licenses, certified copies, and related records.
Note: Applications are walk-in. Civil ceremony appointments must be scheduled in advance by contacting the clerk's office.
How to Apply for a Bowie Marriage License
One person from the couple must appear at the Prince George's County courthouse to apply. Both applicants must provide valid government-issued photo ID and Social Security numbers. The Social Security numbers are required under state law but do not appear on the issued marriage license. Only one applicant needs to be physically present at the clerk's counter.
Bring a driver's license, state ID, or passport for each applicant. If either person was previously married, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or the death certificate proving the prior marriage ended. Staff at the courthouse will process the application and collect the $70 fee. Prince George's County does not use the standard statewide mdcourts.gov system for marriage licenses, so check the county's own site for the most current payment options accepted.
Maryland law at § 2-401 of the Maryland Code sets out the requirements for all Maryland counties including Prince George's. No blood test is required. No witnesses are needed at the application. There is no residency requirement, meaning non-residents can apply in Prince George's County. The ceremony must be held in Prince George's County, the same county where the Bowie marriage license is issued.
Bowie Marriage License Waiting Period
Maryland's 48-hour waiting period applies to all marriage licenses, including those issued for Bowie. The 48 hours begins at 6:00 a.m. on the second calendar day after the license is issued. If you apply on a Thursday, the earliest you can hold the ceremony is Saturday at 6:00 a.m. Factor this into your wedding plans.
The license is valid for six months from the date of issuance. If the ceremony does not occur within that time, the license expires and you must apply again. You would pay the $70 fee a second time. Bowie is a large city with many wedding venues and officiants, so six months is typically enough time to arrange everything and use the license before it expires.
Maryland prohibits marriage for anyone under age 17. A 17-year-old can marry only with a court order. Same-sex marriage has been legal in Maryland since January 1, 2013. There is no requirement for a justice of the peace in Maryland. Any person authorized under Maryland law may perform the ceremony.
Civil Ceremony Options for Bowie Residents
The Prince George's County Courts offer civil marriage ceremonies at the courthouse in Upper Marlboro. For Bowie couples who want a fast, official ceremony without arranging a separate venue, this is a straightforward option. The civil ceremony fee is $25 in addition to the $70 license fee. Ceremonies require an appointment, so contact the clerk's office or check the county courts website to schedule.
The courthouse ceremony is performed by an authorized court official and is a brief, formal proceeding. Guest numbers may be limited, so ask when you call to schedule. Bowie residents who prefer a larger ceremony can hold it anywhere in Prince George's County with an authorized officiant. The People's Law Library at peoples-law.org explains who can legally perform a marriage in Maryland and what their obligations are.
Searching Bowie Marriage License Records
Marriage license records for Bowie are part of the Prince George's County Courts record system. They are public records. You can search them in person at the courthouse in Upper Marlboro. Bring the names of both parties and the approximate year of the marriage. A certified copy costs $5.50. To request a certified copy online, use the county's dedicated form at princegeorgescourts.org/143/Apply-For.
For older historical marriage records, the Maryland State Archives maintains a collection from around the state. Their guide at guide.msa.maryland.gov describes what records are available by county and how far back they go. Prince George's County records from earlier decades are part of that archive system and can be useful for genealogy or legal research involving Bowie marriages.
The Maryland Judiciary Case Search at casesearch.courts.state.md.us provides online access to court records statewide. You can search by name, case number, or date. While Prince George's County uses its own court portal, the statewide case search may still surface relevant records. For official certified copies of Bowie marriage licenses, the county courts system is the direct source.
Non-residents who want to apply for a marriage license in Prince George's County can reference the Non-Resident Marriage License Form from the Maryland Courts website, which covers the process for out-of-state applicants marrying in Maryland.
Note: Certified copies of Bowie marriage license records are $5.50 each, the uniform rate set by Maryland state law for all counties.
Prince George's County Marriage License Records
Bowie is in Prince George's County, and all marriage licenses are issued through the Prince George's County Courts in Upper Marlboro. For the full county-level picture on fees, procedures, related records, and additional resources, visit the Prince George's County marriage license page.
Nearby Maryland Cities
These nearby communities are also in Prince George's County or neighboring counties for marriage license purposes.