Find Marriage License Records in Dundalk
Dundalk marriage license applications go through the Baltimore County Circuit Court in Towson, not Baltimore City. Dundalk is an unincorporated community on the southeastern edge of Baltimore County, and all marriage records for the area are handled at the county courthouse. This guide covers the application process, what to bring, fees, civil ceremony options, the waiting period, and how to look up existing Dundalk marriage license records.
Dundalk Marriage License Overview
Which County Handles Dundalk Marriage Licenses
A common point of confusion: Dundalk is in Baltimore County, not Baltimore City. The two are separate jurisdictions in Maryland. Many people assume Dundalk falls under Baltimore City government, but it does not. Dundalk has no incorporated municipal government of its own either. As an unincorporated community, it falls entirely under Baltimore County jurisdiction. That means all marriage licenses for Dundalk residents are issued by the Baltimore County Circuit Court in Towson.
You do not apply at a Baltimore City office. You go to the Baltimore County courthouse at 401 Bosley Avenue in Towson. This is about 8 miles northwest of Dundalk. The License Division is on the second floor. For full county-level information including contact details, extended procedures, and related records, visit the Baltimore County marriage license page.
Dundalk Marriage License Office Location
The Baltimore County Circuit Court handles all marriage license applications for Dundalk. From Dundalk, you can take Route 151 north and connect to I-695 westbound toward Towson. The drive is typically 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. The courthouse is easy to find in downtown Towson near Towson University. Free or paid parking is available nearby.
| Court | Baltimore County Circuit Court, License Division |
|---|---|
| Address | 401 Bosley Avenue, 2nd Floor Towson, MD 21204 |
| Phone | 410-887-2607 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM (applications) Ceremonies: 8:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 3:30 PM |
| Website | mdcourts.gov/clerks/baltimorecounty/marriage |
The Maryland Courts website at mdcourts.gov/clerks/baltimorecounty has the clerk's office contact details and links for Baltimore County services. The Baltimore County government site at baltimorecountymd.gov also covers circuit court services.
How to Apply for a Dundalk Marriage License
Only one person from the couple needs to appear in person to apply for the Dundalk marriage license at the Towson courthouse. Both applicants must provide identification and their Social Security numbers, but only one person has to be physically present at the counter. The Social Security numbers are collected for internal records but do not appear on the marriage license itself.
Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID for both applicants. A driver's license, state ID, or passport all work. If either applicant was previously married, bring documents that show how that marriage ended. A certified copy of a divorce decree or a death certificate works. Staff will review your paperwork and complete the application at the counter. No appointment is needed for the application portion of the visit.
Maryland law under § 2-401 of the Maryland Code sets the requirements. No blood test is required. No witnesses are needed when you apply. There is no residency requirement in Maryland, so non-residents can apply in Baltimore County. The $35 fee is due at the time of application. Baltimore County accepts cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, personal checks, and money orders. Out-of-state personal checks are not accepted.
Note: The ceremony must take place in Baltimore County, the same county where the license is issued, as required under Maryland law.
Waiting Period for Dundalk Marriage Licenses
After you get your marriage license, Maryland law requires a 48-hour wait before the ceremony. The 48-hour period starts at 6:00 a.m. on the second calendar day after the license is issued. This is not exactly 48 hours from the moment you apply. If you apply on a Tuesday, the earliest you can hold the ceremony is Thursday at 6:00 a.m.
The license stays valid for six months from the date of issue. If the ceremony does not happen within that window, the license expires. You would need to apply again and pay the fee a second time. Most Dundalk couples plan the ceremony date well before the license expires, but it is worth keeping track of the timeline.
Maryland does not allow anyone under age 17 to marry. A 17-year-old can marry with a court order. Maryland recognized same-sex marriages starting January 1, 2013. There are no witness requirements and no requirement for a justice of the peace.
Civil Ceremony for Dundalk Couples
The Baltimore County Circuit Court offers civil marriage ceremonies at the Towson courthouse. For Dundalk residents who want a simple, official ceremony without arranging a separate venue or officiant, this is a practical option. The civil ceremony fee is $25 on top of the $35 license fee. Appointments are required for ceremonies. You can book a ceremony slot online at picktime.com/ccbaltcoclerk.
Ceremonies take about 15 minutes and allow a maximum of 7 guests. The courthouse ceremony is performed by a clerk or authorized court official. If you want more guests or a different setting, you can hold the ceremony anywhere in Baltimore County. An authorized officiant, judge, minister, or other legally recognized person may perform the ceremony. The People's Law Library at peoples-law.org covers who can officiate a marriage in Maryland and what their duties are.
Searching Dundalk Marriage License Records
Marriage license records for Dundalk are part of the Baltimore County Circuit Court record system. They are public records, and anyone can request access. To search in person, visit the clerk's office at the Towson courthouse. Bring the names of both parties and the approximate year. Staff can look up the record and provide certified copies for $5.50 each. Call 410-887-2607 to ask about specific records before making the trip.
The People's Law Library resource at peoples-law.org covers officiation rules and the broader marriage license process in Maryland. It is a useful reference for understanding what the records contain and how the licensing system works. This page from the Maryland Courts site explains the system that Dundalk records fall under.
The People's Law Library is an official resource from the Maryland Courts system and covers the full picture of Maryland marriage law, including who can officiate and what the license process involves for communities like Dundalk.
For older historical records, the Maryland State Archives maintains marriage records going back many years. Their guide at guide.msa.maryland.gov explains what is available by county and time period. Baltimore County records are well represented in their collection. The Maryland Judiciary's Case Search at casesearch.courts.state.md.us provides online access to court records including those tied to marriage proceedings in Baltimore County.
The Maryland Courts legal help page covers the marriage license process statewide and is a reliable starting point when searching records or understanding how the system works for Dundalk residents.
Non-residents who want to apply for a marriage license in Baltimore County can use the Non-Resident Marriage License Form from the Maryland Courts website. This form covers out-of-state applicants who want to marry in Maryland.
Note: Certified copies of marriage license records for Dundalk are $5.50 each, a fee set by state law and consistent across all Maryland counties.
Baltimore County Marriage License Records
Dundalk is in Baltimore County, and all marriage licenses are issued through the Baltimore County Circuit Court in Towson. For full details on the county court, fees, related records, and additional resources, visit the Baltimore County marriage license page.
Nearby Maryland Cities
These nearby communities also go through Baltimore County or Baltimore City for their marriage licenses.