Marriage License Information

Appointments when applying for  Marriage Licenses is required. 

Please plan appropriately.  No walk-ins. 

*All documents that are in a foreign language must have a certified translation.  Persons who do not speak English must bring an independent interpreter not related to either party with them when they apply. 

*Must be 18 years of age to marry. May marry between ages of 16 and 18 with parental/custodial consent.

*Persons closer in relationship than 2nd cousins may not marry in Wisconsin unless they are older than 55 or they submit a signed affidavit by a physician stating that either party is permanently sterile.

*If both applicants are Wisconsin residents, the application must be made in the county where one party has resided for the last 30 days.

*If both parties are not Wisconsin residents, application must be made in the county in which the marriage is to take place.

*Divorced persons may not remarry until 6 months has passed from date of judgment of divorce.

Items required to apply for a marriage license:

     *Photo ID or Driver's License showing proof of

       residency.

     *Certified copy of birth certificate.  Hospital certificates

     (with footprints) are not acceptable.

      *Certified copy of divorce decree or death certificate.

      *Social Security Numbers (no card needed if you know

Waiting Period & Expiration

There is a 5 day waiting period that is required by law.  This may be waived at the discretion of the County Clerk for an additional $25.00. NOT all waiver requests  are granted.

The license is valid for 30 days after date of issuance and must be performed within that time period. 

APPOINTMENT

Appointments are required.  We do not take walk-ins.  The office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.  The last marriage license appointment is at 4:00 p.m.  If you are the last appointment of the day and are late you will need to reschedule.

* Any ordained clergyman, judge of a court of record or family court commissioner may perform the ceremony.  Two competent witnesses 18 years of age or older are required.  All entries on the license must be made in black ink.  

*The cost of the marriage license is $75.00 (cash only) and is non-refundable. 

Domestic Partnership 

Agreement Pamphlet

Appointments when applying for  Domestic Partnership Agreements or Terminations is required.  

Please plan appropriately.  No walk-ins. 

Items required to apply for a Domestic Partnership Agreement: 

     *Photo ID or Driver's License showing proof of

       residency.

     *Certified copy of birth certificate.  Hospital certificates

     (with footprints) are not acceptable.

      *Certified copy of divorce decree, death certificate, or

      Certified Copy of Domestic Partnership Agreement

      Termination.

      *Social Security Numbers (no card needed if you know

*Must be 18 years old.

*Must live in Buffalo County

*$75.00 (cash only) application fee.

*Both parties must apply together.

APPOINTMENT

Appointments are required.  We do not take walk-ins.  The office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.  The last license appointment is at 4:00 p.m.  If you are the last appointment of the day and are late you will need to reschedule.

*There is a 5 day waiting period that is required by law.  This may be waived at the discretion of the County Clerk for an additional $10.00.  NOT all waiver requests  are granted.

All documents that are in a foreign language must have a certified translation.  Persons who do not speak English must bring an independent interpreter not related to either party with them when they apply. 

Timber Cutting Notice

Dog License Information

Section 95.21(2) of WI Statutes requires dog owners to have a veterinarian vaccinate each dog against rabies and provide that information to the municipal treasurer.

Section 174.05 requires a dog 5 months of age or older be license annually.  The license year begins January 1 and ends December 31.

Buffalo County Ordinance sets the dog license tax at $5 for a neutered male or spayed female dog and $12 for an unneutered male or unspayed female dog.  Kennel license tax is $55 for a kennel of 12 or fewer dogs and $5 for each dog in excess of 12.

Your city, town or village treasurer issues dog licenses and will require owners to apply the dog license or kennel license tax. 

Other Duties of the County Clerk

DNR LICENSES ~The County Clerk's Office sells DNR licenses for residents and nonresidents.  These would include all the hunting and fishing licenses.

Transferring ownership of boats, ATV's and snowmobiles is also available.  Decals and titles are available the same day. You may also purchase replacement decals. 

RECORD KEEPER ~ The County Clerk’s Office is the official record keeper of contracts, ordinances, minutes, agendas, and resolutions.

COUNTY BOARD STAFF ~ The Clerk also acts as the Clerk of the County Board of Supervisors. This function includes posting and maintenance of agendas, minutes and proceedings as well as publishing the appropriate legal notices. 

HOLDER OF COUNTY PROPERTY ~ Per the Wisconsin Statutes, all county property is held in the name of the County Clerk and the Clerk also acts as legal custodian of the County’s property.

ELECTION ADMINISTRATION ~ Election Administration is another area of responsibility. This involves accumulating the results of each election and canvassing the election returns for each federal, state and county office. The coordination of election programming, ballot preparation, and election notices for the federal, state and county elected offices. Statewide Voter Registration Services for 22 of the 23 county municipalities is also a major priority of the County Clerk's Office.

License for trailers or heavy trucks is done through the Sheriff's Department and are issued a temporary plate.