Maryland § 2-402
Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 2-402, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2-402.
(a) An applicant for a license may apply to the clerk only at the office of the clerk during regular office hours.
(b) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, to apply for a license, one of the parties to be married shall:
(1) appear before the clerk and give, under oath, the following information, which shall be placed on an application form by the clerk:
(i) the full legal name of each party;
(ii) the place of residence of each party;
(iii) the date of birth of each party;
(iv) whether the parties are related by blood or marriage and, if so, in which degree of relationship;
(v) the marital status of each party; and
(vi) whether either party was married previously, and the date and place of each death or judicial determination that ended any former marriage;
(2) sign the application form; and
(3) provide the clerk with:
(i) the Social Security number of each party who has a Social Security number; and
(ii) a copy of an official government–issued birth certificate or other official government–issued document or record demonstrating the age of each party.
(c) The Social Security numbers of the parties:
(1) shall be included in the electronic file for the marriage license application; and
(2) except as provided in § 4–334 of the General Provisions Article, may not be disclosed as part of the public record of the marriage license application.
(d) (1) If the parties to be married are not residents of the county where the marriage ceremony is to be performed, the clerk shall accept, instead of the application specified in subsection (b) of this section, an affidavit from one of the parties to be married.
(2) The affidavit required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall:
(i) contain the information required by subsection (b) of this section; and
(ii) be sworn to under oath before a clerk or other comparable official in the county, state, province, or country where the party resides.
(e) Until a license becomes effective, a clerk may not disclose the fact that an application for a license has been made except to the parent or guardian of a party to be married.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 2-402
What does Maryland Code § 2-402 cover?
Section 2-402 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maryland § 2-402?
A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 2-402" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maryland law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.
How does Maryland § 2-402 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.