(COLUMBUS, OHIO) - Ohio lawmakers are considering a bill that would require photo identification to obtain a marriage license, adding a stricter identity check to the probate court process.
The proposal, House Bill 386, would require applicants to show a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, state-issued ID, government photo ID or school-issued identification when applying.
Under current Ohio law, applicants must verify their age, but that can still be done with documents that do not include a photograph, such as birth or baptismal records.
Supporters say the change is meant to close fraud loopholes and better protect against coercion and forced marriages.
The bill already passed the Ohio House by an 88-to-2 vote and is now pending in the Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee.
If approved, the measure would update Ohio marriage license law to make photo-based identity verification the statewide standard.