MD HB95

Both parties to be married must now appear before the circuit court clerk to apply for a marriage license, changing from the previous requirement of only one party appearing

Non-resident couples marrying in a county where neither resides may submit affidavits from both parties instead of appearing in person, with at least one affidavit sworn before an official where that party resides

A new exception allows clerks to accept affidavits from both parties when one party cannot appear due to military service, hospitalization, incarceration, or other good cause shown

Affidavits submitted under the hardship exception must state the specific reason for inability to appear, be sworn under oath, and use a form provided by the court administrator

Effective date: October 1, 2026