Application Instructions

• Please submit your completed marriage application at least two weeks before your anticipated ceremony date.
• Open the PDF links titled Application for License to Marry and Marriage Address-Instructions (found above), use the fillable fields, and print. Note, you must fill in all boxes unless it is specified as "optional".
• Each party needs to sign application in presence of a Notary. Photo identification (drivers license or state ID) is required. A Notary can be found at most banks, credit unions, and some libraries.
• Ensure you have the completed Application for License to Marry, Marriage Address form and a local check** or money order for $35 made payable to the Scott County Recorder, before submiting. Incomplete applications may cause significant delays in processing times.
• Mail the completed forms to Scott County Recorder's Office at 600 W. 4th St., Davenport, IA 52801, or deposit in the county drop box (west side of Admin. Bldg.).

** Check number must be equal to or greater than 500.

Common Errors

• #1 error, in the Notary Public section on the line for “Write name exactly as appears on I.D.”, the Notary needs to put the applicant name, NOT the notary name.
• #2 error, in the Party A and Party B sections, when asked for Last Name Prior to ANY Marriage, put in your childhood/maiden name before ANY marriages. This applies to all parties, male and female.
• #3 error, your witness must be over the age of 18 and can not officiate the ceremony.

When Application Is Received by the Recorders Office

• In Scott County, the Marriage License is issued when the application is received. However, there is a four (4) day waiting period before the actual marriage may occur.
• The date marriage license is valid appears on the license.
• Once the Certificate of Marriage has been returned to the Recorder's office and placed on record, a certified copy will be mailed to the newlyweds.