Order a certified copy of a marriage record
Mississippi marriage records are maintained by state and county officials. You can order a copy of a marriage record from MSDH, and you can
have us search for the county in which the marriage license was issued.
Mississippi law requires a blood test in order to obtain a marriage license.
Where to be tested
A blood test can be done by your private physician, at one of our county health department locations,
or in any other state or U.S. territory where the medical requirements are not less than those of Mississippi's.
Who needs to be tested
Both applicants for the marriage license must be tested. They do not have to have their tests at the same time, and they can
choose different doctors or clinics if they please.
When to be tested
A completed blood test is required before you can apply for a marriage license. You must apply for the license within 30 days of your
blood test, however, and no later.
What we test for
We screen blood samples for syphilis only. We do no testing for HIV or other sexually-transmitted diseases. Other screenings are available
from the Department of Health if you decide you want them.
Your blood sample is sent to our Public Health Laboratory in Jackson, and all testing is performed there.
If the applicants are younger than 21 years of age, other restrictions may apply; check with your county courthouse
for the legal issues involved.
We charge a small fee for testing. To find the exact amount, contact your local health office.
If your testing is done by a private physician, they will set their own fee.
Getting your results and a marriage license
Upon receipt of the blood test results, a medical
certificate will be issued from the health department. If you choose to
go to a private physician, the physician will issue the medical
certificate. Both applicants must secure a medical certificate and take
them to the circuit clerk's office to apply for the marriage license in
any Mississippi county. Most people apply in their county of residence.
The application for the license must be made within 30 days of
the date of the blood test.
Out of state tests: If your blood test is done outside of Mississippi, the results may be taken to any Mississippi county health department for review and issue of certificate, if approved.
