Licensing Procedures

Ministers interested in obtaining a license to solemnize marriages must:

• Obtain an application:  Available here (PDF), or by calling us at (614) 728-9200.
• Review the Ohio minister licensing laws, Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3101.

• Complete the application:
  • Your name on the application must be identical to the name on your credentials.
  • The name of the congregation for whom you are a regular pastor or minister must be identical and appear on both your credentials and application. 
  • Complete your address and telephone number.
  • Date and sign the application.

• Provide proper credentials (Whichever you provide must be from the religious society/congregation you are serving and representing when you perform a marriage.)  Provide ONE of the following:
  • Copy of your license, with original signatures of certification (and annual fellowship card, if required); or
  • Copy of your ordination, with original signatures of certification (and annual fellowship card, if required); or
  • A letter from the religious society to which you are affiliated stating that you are duly ordained or licensed as a minister in good standing, serving the congregation in a ministerial capacity.  An official of the religious society, with his/her title, must sign this letter.  (This can include trustees, elders, deacons, or directors).
• Send a check or money order in the amount of ten dollars ($10.00) made payable to the "Ohio Secretary of State."
• Mailed documents are processed within 2 to 3 business days.
• Mail to: Secretary of State, Client Service Center, Continental Plaza, 180 E. Broad St., Suite 103, Columbus, OH 43215
• Walk-in filings may be delivered to: Ohio Secretary of State, Client Service Center, Continental Plaza, 180 E. Broad Street, Suite 103, Columbus, Ohio 43215

For directions to Client Service Center, please visit the directions page.