Blood Test
Contents
Laws requiring a blood test to be performed on couples wishing to marry rarely exist. In a state where a blood test is required, a marriage license will not be issued until a blood test is performed.
Why do we have to have blood tests?
Laws requiring blood tests were enacted to prevent persons with venereal and other sexually transmitted diseases from obtaining a marriage license and passing the disease to a spouse or children of the marriage. In most states, blood tests can be waived for people over 50 and for other reasons, including pregnancy or sterility.
If the test is positive, what happens next depends on the state in which the marriage will take place. Some states may refuse to give you a marriage license while other states will allow you to marry as long as you are both notified that the disease is present.
Do we both have to be tested before getting a marriage license?
Yes. Where required by state law, both marriage license applicants must have a blood test performed.
I had a blood test last year during my annual physical. Is that sufficient?
No. Laws require the blood test to be done within a matter of days before or after applying for the marriage license. Typically, the blood test must be performed within 30 days of the application.