Family Law - Marriage License Applications - Appearance and Affidavits

HB 95 (Family Law - Marriage License Applications - Appearance in Court) requires **both parties** to appear in person before a circuit court clerk to apply for a marriage license in Maryland, replacing the current requirement that only one party needs to appear. The bill mandates that both applicants provide full legal names, addresses, birth dates, relationship status, marital history, and documentation (like birth certificates or Social Security numbers) during this in-person visit. Non-resident couples may still use an affidavit sworn in their home jurisdiction, but the affidavit must now include all the same information required for the standard in-person application. This change applies to all marriage license applications processed in Maryland starting October 1, 2026, directly affecting anyone applying for a marriage license in the state.