Ministers/Other Persons Authorized
Applications and Forms

In order to apply for a Certificate of Authority to Solemnize Marriages in the State of Nevada, click on the appropriate application below. Applications cannot be submitted online or faxed. They must be mailed or brought into the Clerk's Office.

Permanent Certificate of Authority (Local Applicants Only)
For first time applicants or previous certificate holders residing in Washoe County, Nevada who have been removed, changed churches or religious organizations.

Temporary Certificate of Authority (Out-of-State Applicants Only)
For out-of-state applicants: NRS 122 provides that a licensed, ordained or appointed minister, or other person authorized to solemnize a marriage in good standing with his church or religious organization, or who is retired if he had active charge of a church or religious organization for a period of at least 3 years, whose residence and church or religious organization is in another state may perform marriages in the county if authorized to do so by the county clerk. A separate authorization is required for each marriage performed. Such a minister or other person authorized to solemnize marriages may perform not more than five marriages in this state in any calendar year.

Affidavit of Authority (For Permanent, Retired, Temporary Replacement Applicants)
This document must be signed by someone in your church or religious organization that has authority to speak on behalf of your church or religious organization and can verify that you are in good standing within that church or religious organization and must be submitted in conjunction with the Application for Permanent Certificate of Authority. This cannot be signed by the applicant and must be signed before a Notary Public or Deputy County Clerk.

Affidavit of Authority (For Temporary Out-of-State Applicants)
This document must be signed by someone in your church or religious organization that has authority to speak on behalf of your church or religious organization and can verify that you are in good standing within that church or religious organization and must be submitted in conjunction with the Application for Temporary Certificate of Authority. This cannot be signed by the applicant and must be signed before a Notary Public or Deputy County Clerk.

Temporary Replacements (For Local Applicants Only)
A temporary certificate may be obtained for a local applicant filling in for another minister or other person authorized to solemnize marriages during an absense for a period not to exceed 90 days.

Retired Status Certificate of Authority (Local Applicants Only)
For current certificate holders wishing to change their certificate to "Retired Status" or applicants who wish to file an initial application for a "Retired Status" Certificate. NRS 122 states that the fact that a minister is retired does not disqualify him from obtaining a certificate of authority to perform marriages if, before his retirement, he had active charge of a church or religious organization for a period of at least 3 years.

Military Chaplain in the Armed Forces (Local Applicants Only)
For military chaplains in the Armed Forces of the United States stationed in Nevada. The application must be accompanied by proof of military status and current assignment as a military chaplain.

Retired Minister - Change of Address Form to Another County in the State of Nevada
Retired ministers who are moving to another county in the State of Nevada are not required to reapply for authorization to solemnize marriages so long as they retain the authority through their churches or religious organizations. However, such person must provide his or her new address in writing to the county clerk in the county to which the minister or other person authorized to solemnize a marriage has moved.

Change of Address Form
Address changes for church or religious organization or the minister's home address require completion of a Change of Address form. Please notify us of address changes on the appropriate form and return it to the address listed to the left. Certificate holders will need to reapply if they change to a new church or religious organization.

Affidavit of Revocation
The religious organization with which a minister or other person authorized to solemnize marriage is affiliated must submit an Affidavit of Revocation of Authority to Solemnize Marriages within five (5) days following any one or more of the occurrences listed below:

1. If minister or other person authorized to solemnize marriages is no longer in good standing as herein stated;
2. If minister or other person authorized to solemnize marriages has ceased to be a member of the church or religious organization;
3. If minister or other person authorized to solemnize marriages has ceased to be a minister or other person authorized to solemnize marriages of the church or religious organization;
4. If the minister or other person authorized to solemnize marriages moves his/her residence from Washoe County;
5. If the aforementioned church or religious organization changes address or location; or
6. If the church or religious organization is dissolved or otherwise terminated or changes its existence.