The Buchanan County Courthouse is now issuing same-sex marriage licenses.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday to legalize same-sex unions across the nation.
In anticipation of the ruling the Buchanan County Recorder’s Office had everything ready to go to issue the licenses as soon as the ruling was announced.
“We have prepared the license application and license accordingly. The changes have been first party, second party,” said Judy Anderson, Chief Deputy Recorder. “Now that it has been upheld in the Supreme Court and it’s come forth we are ready to go.”
As of noon Friday no same-sex licenses had yet to be issued. However, Anderson said there have been numerous calls.
“We’re anticipating we’ll have quite a few people coming in,” she said. “We’ve received quite a few calls inquiring.”
In order to apply for a license same-sex couples have to follow the same guidelines as everyone else.
“They both have to come into the office together to apply, the marriage license fee is $51-dollars in cash, we do them at a certain time during the week, the have to have a valid photo ID and social security,” Anderson said. “They get it the same day and they can use it in the State of Missouri only. So the biggest change has just been from bride and groom to first party/second party.”
The office is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.