Monroe County Clerk’s Office

Services

Marriage License Requirements
1. Both must be 18 years old or older (if either party is under 18, please see requirements below).
2. There is no waiting period, blood test or physical requirement.
3. The marriage license is valid for 30 days, including the date issued.
4. The marriage license is valid anywhere in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Minister Requirements:
The “recognition” of a Minister can take the form of ordination or license or any other form which expresses clearly the fact that a religious group recognizes the person or looks to the person as a Minister of that specific group. Currently, there is not a registration process for a Minister to perform ceremonies in Kentucky.

Payments Accepted:
Cash, certified check, cashier’s check, money order, personal check, Visa, Discover, AMEX or MasterCard.

Requirements to marry a person under the age of 18:
1. Both parties must be 16 years of age. If either party is under the age of 16 a marriage license can not be issued without an order from the District Court. The bride must be pregnant before the court will issue an order.
2.  A female minor must make an application in the county of her parent’s residence but can get married in another county after she has completed the requirements for the license.
3.  A Consent to Marriage Form (84-FCC-501) is required. This must be completed, witnessed, signed by the parents or legal guardian* of the minor, and sworn by the Deputy Clerk. (A guardian must bring the document affirming guardianship).
4.  One parent or legal guardian* and two witnesses 18 years old or older, must sign the Consent to Marriage Form for each minor.
5.  If the parents of either minor are divorced, custody papers are required to sign the Consent to Marriage Form.
6.  Birth Certificate and Driver’s License/State ID.

*NOTE: Legal guardian must have full guardianship. Kentucky does not marry minors whose parents reside outside the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Prohibited and Restricted Marriages:
1. Marriages between persons who are nearer of kin to each other by blood, than second cousins.
2. Marriages between first cousins.
3. Marriages with a person mentally incompetent.
4. Marriages where one of the parties living, from whom the person marrying has not been divorced.
5. Marriages not solemnized or contracted in the presence of an authorized person or society.
6. Common law marriages.
7. Proxy marriages.

Solemnization of Marriage:
1. Marriages shall be solemnized only by Clergy, Justices and Judges of the Court of Justice; retired Justices and Judges of the Court of Justice, except those removed for cause or convicted of a felony; County Judge/executives; such Justices of the Peace and Fiscal Court Commissioners as the Governor or the County Judge/Executive authorizes, and certain religious societies.
2. At least two persons, in addition to the parties and the person solemnizing the marriage, must be present at every marriage.
3. There are no residency requirements or licensing requirements applicable to Ministers or Priests who wish to perform marriages in Kentucky.
4. A Minister or Priest, all Justices and Judges of the Court of Justice, Justices of the Peace and Fiscal Court Commissioners may perform marriages anywhere in Kentucky.

Where are marriage licenses issued?
The parties may go to any county in Kentucky to get a marriage license if both are 18 years of age or older. Marriage licenses may be used in any Kentucky county and cannot be used anywhere but in Kentucky. If the marriage is not solemnized within the 30-day period, the parties must apply for a new license. Both must be present to obtain a license.

Who issues marriage licenses?
The County Clerk issues marriage licenses. Marriage licenses are valid for 30 days, including the date it is issued, and after that time it is invalid. Therefore, if the marriage is not solemnized within the 30-day period, the parties must apply for a new license.

How can we obtain our marriage license?
1. Both parties must apply for the license together.
2. Identification is required. Both must present an acceptable form of ID, Acceptable forms of ID in accordance with the statue and KCCA’s recorder’s manual include: Drivers’ license, government issued picture ID, original birth certificate, passport, or social security card.
3. Both parties must be 18 years old or older.
4. Correct spelling of father’s full name and mother’s full maiden name (first, middle and last)
5. There is a $50.00 fee for a marriage license.
We accept Cash, certified check, cashier’s check, money order, personal check, Visa, Discover, AMEX or MasterCard.

Where can I return my marriage license after the ceremony?
You can return your marriage license to the County Clerk’s Office at:
Monroe County Clerk
Monroe County Courthouse
200 N Main St., Suite D
Tompkinsville, KY 42167

Is there a waiting period or blood test requirement?
No.

Do I need to bring my birth certificate?
No, unless you’re under 18.

Do I need to bring my divorce decree?
No.

Do I need to bring my social security card?
No.

Can I get a marriage license in one county in Kentucky and marry in another county in Kentucky?
Yes!

What do we do after we are married?
• The officiant will return the signed marriage application to the Monroe County Clerk’s Office. It will be filed with the County Clerk and a Marriage License will be issued to the couple.
• When changing your maiden name, you will take your marriage license to the Social Security Administration. Information about the Social Security Office located at: 2724 Chandler Drive, Bowling Green, KY 42104
• Upon receiving clearance from the Social Security Administration, then you may change your name on your driver’s license.

Need a copy of a marriage license?
By Mail
Send written notice to:
Monroe County Clerk
Monroe County Courthouse
200 N Main St., Suite D
Tompkinsville, KY 42167

• Include in the written notice the following information: brides maiden name, grooms name and date of marriage(year) if before June 26, 2020; After June 25, 2020 partner 1 or partner 2 maiden name and date of marriage (year).
• A certified copy is $6.00 by mail.

In Person
A certified copy of a marriage license can also be obtained in person at the Monroe County Clerk’s Office. The fee to obtain a certified copy of the marriage license in person is $5.00.
Monroe County Clerk
Monroe County Courthouse
200 N Main St., Suite D
Tompkinsville, KY 42167

Who can be a Notary?
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be of good moral character.
• Must be capable of discharging duties imposed by law.
• Must not be a convicted felon.

Apply to be a Notary
• An Application for Appointment for Notary State at Large must be completed and signed by the applicant.
• Applications to become a notary should be submitted through the Secretary of State’s website: web.sos.ky.gov
• Once approved, the applicant will be notified by mail that a “Certificate of Appointment” has been mailed to the Monroe County Clerk’s Office. The notice will indicate a thirty (30) day time period for the applicant to go to the Monroe County Clerk’s Office and complete the process.
• There is a $19.00 recording fee.
($10.00 for recording the bond, $4.00 for taking/preparing the bond, and $5.00 for administering the oath)
• A surety bond in the amount of $1,000.00 is required.
• An insurance company may sign as surety. (Check with the insurance agency of your choice to request notary bond information) The bond must cover the entire period of the notary appointment.

Fishing & Hunting Licenses are available at various local vendors. For a list of local licenses, agents call 1-800-858-1549. Since August 30, 2000, licenses can be purchased toll-free by phone at 1-877-KYTAG01 (1-877-598-2401) or on the Internet at http://fw.ky.gov.

Below is a summary of hunting & fishing regulations along with fees for the many licenses & permits available. If you cannot find the information you need at this site, the Department of Fish & Wildlife (KDFWR) Web site has more detailed information.

Fishing License Requirements & Exemptions

– A resident is anyone who has established permanent & legal residence in Kentucky and resided here at least 30 days immediately prior to applying for a license. Full-time students enrolled in an educational institution for at least a six-month term & service personnel on permanent assignment in Kentucky are also classified as residents.

– All others are non-residents and are required unless under age 16, to purchase nonresident licenses.

All persons must fill out & carry the proper license & permit to fish any Kentucky waters except (For permit requirements see Trout Permit):

1. The resident owner of farmlands, his spouse, and dependent children may fish on their land without a license. Tenants, their spouses, and dependent children may fish without a license on farmlands where they
live and work.
2. Resident servicemen on furlough of more than three days may fish statewide without a license but must carry proper identification and papers showing furlough status.
3. Residents and non-residents under the age of 16.

Senior/Disabled License Discount

Senior/disabled hunting & fishing license are required of Kentucky residents who are: 65 and older, American veterans 50% disabled as a result of a service-connected disability or declared permanently disabled by the Federal Social Security Administration, a workers’ claim board, or the United States Railroad Retirement Board.

Disabled persons must obtain an authorization card from the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources before buying the discounted license. Call 1-800-858-1549.

Persons 65 & older must show proof of age & residency to buy a senior/disabled license.

A senior/disabled license entitles the holder to hunt & fish for all species including trout, deer, turkey, migratory birds, and waterfowl without additional state permits. (Federal waterfowl stamp is required.) The holder of this license must carry proof of residency and age (driver’s license) or disability.

Trout Permit

1. Residents with a senior or disabled Kentucky combination hunting/fishing license.
2. Resident owner of farmlands, their spouses, and dependent children while fishing on their own land.
3. Tenants, their spouses & dependent children fishing on farmlands where they live and work.
4. Persons under 16.

Hunting License & Permit Requirements

Unless exempt, hunters must carry a valid Kentucky annual or short-term hunting license on their person while in the field. Unless exempt hunters are required to possess & carry additional permits to hunt deer, turkey, and migratory birds in Kentucky.

Any hunter less than 16 years old may purchase a junior hunting license instead of a regular license. A junior hunting license shall not be issued without the written permission of a parent, guardian, or person having custody of the junior hunter. A parent, guardian, or person having custody of a junior hunter shall sign the junior hunter’s license to signify consent. A junior hunting license is valid from the time of purchase through the end of February, regardless of whether the purchaser turns 16 after having bought a junior license.

All hunting licenses, permits, and authorization numbers are non-transferable. Licenses and permits must be signed and the hunter information portion filled out completely before going afield.

Hunters who own land in Kentucky, but reside outside the state, must purchase nonresident licenses.

Senior/Disabled Combination Hunting & Fishing License is available for purchase at a discount ($5.00). Kentucky residents who are 65 years old or older, are eligible, as well as, Kentucky residents with permanent disability (See Senior/Disabled License for qualifications above). Holders of this license are not required to purchase any other state permits to hunt deer, turkey, or waterfowl. However, holders must purchase a federal waterfowl stamp to hunt waterfowl. Holders of Senior/Disabled Combination Licenses, if qualifying for the license due to disability, must carry both the license and authorization card while hunting.

Exemptions

Only the following may hunt without purchasing a license:

1. Kentucky residents and their spouses and dependent children are allowed to hunt upon their own farmlands.
2. Tenants, their spouses, and dependent children hunting upon farmlands where they reside and work.
3. Kentucky residents on military furlough of more than 3 days who carry identification and papers showing their furlough status.

Only the following may hunt deer, turkey, and migratory birds without purchasing a state permit:

1. Residents and their spouses and dependent children are allowed to hunt upon their own farmlands.

2. Hunters who hold a senior/disabled combination license.

Trapping License Requirements

A trapping license is required of all trappers, regardless of age, residency, or physical condition.

Resident landowners, tenants and their dependents trapping on their own property must possess a valid trapping license. A landowner/tenant trapping license may be used only by a landowner, tenant, or his/her dependents trapping on their own property. Trapping licenses are available from hunting license agents across the state.

Replacement License Procedure

Persons who need a license or permit replaced have these options:

• Purchase the same type of license or permit from any license provider, or ask them for a license refund form.
  -If they get a license refund form, please fill it out and mail it to the following address:

fill it out and mail it to:
KDFWR Licensing
#1 Sportsman’s Lane
Frankfort, KY 40601

• You will receive a refund minus a $5.00 handling fee.
• Send $5.00, your name, address, and the ID number (Social Security or Driver’s License) you used to purchase the lost license/permit (identify what you want) to:

KDFWR Licensing
#1 Sportsman’s Lane
Frankfort, KY 40601

• KDFWR will replace what you lost, once verification of the original purchase occurs.
• Contact the KDFWR Licensing Branch regarding the replacement of lost authorization numbers.

Hunter Education Requirements

All hunters required to carry a Kentucky hunting license and born on or after January 1, 1975, must carry a valid hunter education course completion card while hunting. A bowhunter not in possession of a firearm while hunting may carry a valid National Bowhunter Education Program course completion card instead of the hunter education course card.

Children under 10 years old may hunt without a hunter education card, but must be accompanied by an adult who shall be in a position to take immediate control of the child’s bow or firearm at all times while the juvenile is hunting. One adult shall not accompany more than two children at one time.

Hunter education cards are not required in order to purchase licenses or permits but must be in the hunter’s possession when in the field. Hunter education cards obtained in other states are valid in Kentucky. Course information is available by contacting KDFWR.

Click the following link for more information on KDFWR Hunter Education.

License & Permit Fees

A listing of fees is available at the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources website.