Marriage Laws - United States - Blood Test Requirements

Every couple that wishes to marry must comply with a state's formal requirements. Only a few states require a blood test or a blood test and physical examination before marriage to show whether one party is infected with a venereal disease. In some statutes, for example, the clerk is forbidden to issue a marriage license until the parties present the results of the blood test.

Here's a summary of each state's laws regarding premarital procedures, including blood tests, waiting periods before marriage and the like. However, because state laws in this area have been changing rapidly -- many states have recently eliminated blood tests, for example -- you should check with your county clerk's office before you rely on these rules.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

To notify us of corrections or additions send an email to update@usmarriagelaws.com.  Please include the state and county information.

State Directory	Waiting Period	Blood Tests
Alabama	None	No.
Alaska	3 days from time of application	No.
Arizona	None	No.
Arkansas	None	No.
California	None	No.
Colorado	None	No.
Connecticut	None	Yes.
Delaware	1 day for residents; 4 days for nonresidents	No.
District of Columbia	5 days	No.
Florida	None.	No.
Georgia	None	No.
Hawaii	None	No.
Idaho	None	No.
Illinois	1 day	No.
Indiana	None.	Yes.
Iowa	3 days from time of application	No.
Kansas	3 days from time of application	No.
Kentucky	None	No.
Louisiana	72 hours. Out-of-state couples no waiting.	No.
Maine	3 days from time of application	No.
Maryland	2 days	No.
Massachusetts	3 days from time of application	No.
Michigan	3 days from time of application	No.
Minnesota	5 days from time of application	No.
Mississippi	3 days	Yes.
Missouri	None.	No.
Montana	None	Yes.
Nebraska	None	No.
Nevada	None	No.
New Hampshire	3 days from time of application	No.
New Jersey	72 hours	No.
New Mexico	None	No.
New York	24 hours from time of application	No.
North Carolina	None	No.
North Dakota	None	No.
Ohio	None	No.
Oklahoma	None	No.
Oregon	3 days	No.
Pennsylvania	3 days from time of application	No.
Rhode Island	None	No.
South Carolina	1 day from application	No.
South Dakota	None	No.
Tennessee	None	No.
Texas	72 hours	No.
Utah	None	No.
Vermont	None	No.
Virginia	None	No.
Washington	3 days from time of application	No.
West Virginia	None	No.
Wisconsin	6 days from time of application	No.
Wyoming	None	No.