Family Law - Marriage License Applications - Appearance in Court

SB 355 changes Maryland's marriage license application process by requiring both individuals planning to marry to appear in person at a circuit court clerk's office, rather than allowing just one party to apply. This affects all couples applying for a marriage license in Maryland, as both must now provide personal details like names, addresses, birth dates, and marital history during the application. The bill preserves existing options for non-resident couples (who can use an affidavit from one party in their home county) but updates the standard process to mandate both parties' physical presence. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.