LAWTON – The coronavirus pandemic has prompted modification of marriage license application procedures at the Comanche County Court Clerk’s office.
For one thing, “We will issue marriage licenses only to Comanche County residents and to Fort Sill Army personnel,” Court Clerk Robert Morales said. Proof of residency will be required.
Because of the health crisis, “We have to insist on social distancing and require face masks, and we can accommodate only two people at a time at our counter,” Morales said.
Also, “Until further notice there will be no courthouse marriages performed by a judge,” he noted. Those have been suspended indefinitely “until we get back to ‘normal’, whatever that will be.”
Additionally, the Comanche County Courthouse, in downtown Lawton, will be open to the public for shorter hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. instead of the former 8-5.
Couples wanting a marriage license will need to download the application from the Court Clerk’s website and complete it. Both will need to provide their full first, middle and last names by which they will be known after the marriage. Print clearly or type the information, Morales advised.
Both applicants must provide their telephone number on the application.
Also, if the couple has had premarital counseling, verification must be submitted with the application.
Submit the completed application via email to robert.morales@oscn.net, or by postal mail to the Comanche County Court Clerk, 315 SW 5TH Street, Room 205, Lawton, OK 73501.
After completing and sending the application to the Court Clerk, “You must call this office (580-250-5093) to verify that we have received it, and at that time schedule an appointment for the parties to be sworn in,” Morales said.
A payment will be required, either by credit/debit card, money order or cashier’s check payable to the Comanche County Court Clerk. The marriage license costs $50 for couples who have not undergone premarital counseling, or $5 with proof of a Premarital Counseling Certificate.
In addition, both applicants must provide proof of identity and age via a birth certificate, driver’s license, ID card, passport or visa, military ID, “or any other certificate license or documents issued by” any nation or state or one of its political subdivisions. The names provided on the application must match the names as they appear on the ID, Morales advised.
The original marriage license should be returned to the Comanche County Court Clerk within five days after the ceremony, for recording purposes. Provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope “and we will return the original and three certified copies,” Morales said.
Prior to applying for a marriage license, “have your wedding date set; have your Officiant chosen; have two witnesses 18 years of age or older; and after the ceremony sign your full name ‘to be known as’ exactly as printed on your marriage certificate,” Morales said. Each witness’s signature must be legible.
Call 580-250-5093 with any questions or concerns.