The state of Missouri recently enacted legislation that significantly changes the age requirements for marriage within the state, said Teresa L. Allen, recorder of deeds for Audrain County, in a news release.

Last session, Sen. Tracy McCreery sponsored House Bill 737/Senate Bill 43, which banned child marriage in the state. Gov. Mike Kehoe recently signed the bill into law.

These legislative changes went into effect on Aug. 28 and raise the minimum age for marriage in Missouri to 18 years old, prohibiting the issuance of marriage licenses to anyone under that age. There are no exceptions, Allen said in the release.

Advocates for the legislation argue that minors who are married become more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation, including human trafficking, the release stated. It has also been said that minors in marriages lack the legal rights of adults, which makes initiating a divorce or access to support services for victims of abuse more difficult. Plus, the previous law did not align with international human rights standards with a minimum marriage age of 18.

The Recorders Association of Missouri has stated that county recorders of deeds will update their office policies to comply with the new law, and applicants will continue to be required to provide proof of age through certified copy of birth certificate, passport or other government-issued identification