HB 386 Ohio House · 136th Legislature (2025-2026)

Require photo identification when applying for a marriage license

HB 386 would require applicants to present a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, when applying for a marriage license in Ohio. This requirement would apply to all individuals seeking a marriage license through county probate courts. The bill amends Ohio Revised Code section 3101.05 to add this photo ID verification step to the standard application process. It does not change existing requirements for other documents or fees associated with obtaining a marriage license.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jul 2025
Committee Review
Jun 2026
House Passage
Nov 2025
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Jul 1, 2025 Last action Jun 3, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

As Introduced As Passed by the House · 6 edits · Nov 5, 2025
MODERATE
This bill amends Ohio's marriage license laws to require applicants to verify their identity using specific forms of photo identification and to provide documentary proof of age. It also clarifies procedures for applicants who cannot appear in person due to illness or disability and establishes penalties for false statements on applications.
REQUIREMENT

Added a mandatory requirement for applicants to present current, valid documentary proof of identity, such as a passport, driver's license, or government-issued ID showing their date of birth.

Added a mandatory requirement for applicants to present documentary proof of age, listing specific acceptable documents like birth certificates, baptismal records, or immigration records.

Modified the affidavit process for applicants unable to appear in court due to illness or disability, requiring them to file a detailed affidavit with the court at the time of application.

ENFORCEMENT

Added a specific penalty stating that knowingly making a false statement on a marriage license application is guilty of falsification under the Revised Code.

Added a provision stating that any fines collected for violations of this section must be paid to the county for use together with prosecution costs.

TECHNICAL

Removed the requirement for applicants to state their father's name and mother's maiden name on the marriage license application.

Floor votes · House Nov 6, 2025

How they voted

872
Passed
Total votes 89
Nov 6, 2025
D Democratic27
27 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican62
60 Yea 2 Nay
96% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
8
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Jun 3, 2026
Committee
Re-referred
upper
Nov 18, 2025
Committee
Referred to committee
upper
Nov 10, 2025
Introduced
Introduced
upper
Nov 6, 2025
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (87-2)
house
Nov 5, 2025
Lower · Passed
Passed
lower
Sep 15, 2025
Committee
Referred to committee
lower
Jul 1, 2025
Introduced
Introduced
lower
2 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors