What Documents You Need to Get a Marriage License

Yes, you will need a birth certificate to get a marriage license in all 50 states

Every state requires you to show a birth certificate when you explore for a marriage license. The state uses it to verify your identity and confirm your age — you must be at least 18 in most states, though a few allow 16 or 17 with parental consent. Your birth certificate is the official document that proves both of these things.

The birth certificate must be an official certified copy, not a photocopy or a hospital record. It needs to have the state seal and the registrar's signature. If you do not have one, you will need to order it from the state where you were born before you can explore for the license.

Key Takeaways

You must bring an official certified birth certificate to the marriage license office; photocopies and hospital records will not be accepted.
If you were born in the United States, order your birth certificate from the vital records office in the state where you were born.
If you were born outside the United States, you will need a certified copy of your foreign birth certificate, usually translated into English by a certified translator.
Plan to order your birth certificate at least two to four weeks before your marriage license appointment, since processing times vary by state.
You will also need a photo ID, proof of residence, and in some states a blood test result or health screening, depending on where you live.

How to order a birth certificate if you do not have one

Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born. Each state runs its own vital records system, so there is no single national office. You can find the correct office by searching "[your state] vital records" or by visiting the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics website, which lists links to every state's office.

You will usually order by mail, phone, or online. Most states charge $15 to $30 for a certified copy. Processing takes anywhere from one to four weeks depending on the state and whether you pay for rush service. Some states offer rush processing for an extra fee if you need the certificate quickly.

When you order, specify that you need a certified copy for a marriage license. Some states issue different versions of the birth certificate, and you want the one that is valid for legal purposes. Ask how many copies to order — getting two or three is often wise, since you may need one for the marriage license office and another for other purposes later.

What to do if you were born outside the United States

You will need a certified copy of your foreign birth certificate. Contact the vital records office or equivalent agency in the country where you were born. Processing times and costs vary widely by country.

Most U.S. states require that a foreign birth certificate be translated into English by a certified translator before you submit it to the marriage license office. A certified translator is someone officially recognized by a court or professional organization as may have access to to translate documents. You cannot use a friend or family member, even if they speak the language fluently. Expect to pay $50 to $200 for a certified translation, depending on the document's length and complexity.

Some states also require that the translation be apostilled — a special certification that confirms the translator's credentials are legitimate. An apostille is issued by the Secretary of State's office in the state where the translator is certified. Ask the marriage license office whether you need an apostille before you pay for the translation.

Timeline for getting everything ready

Start by checking what your state requires. Search "[your state] marriage license requirements" or call the county clerk's office where you plan to get married. Ask specifically what documents they need and whether they have a checklist you can print.

If you need to order a birth certificate, do that first — it takes the longest. Order at least four weeks before your marriage license appointment if possible. If you were born outside the United States and need a translation, add another two to three weeks for that process.

Once your birth certificate arrives, gather your photo ID and proof of residence. Make an appointment at the marriage license office if your state requires one, or find out their walk-in hours. Bring all documents in originals — do not send copies by mail unless the office specifically asks you to.

What happens if your name does not match across documents

If your name on your birth certificate is different from the name on your ID or the name you use now, bring documentation explaining the change. Common reasons include marriage, divorce, or a legal name change through the courts.

If you changed your name through marriage, bring the marriage certificate from that marriage. If you changed your name through divorce, bring the divorce decree showing your new name. If you changed your name by court order, bring the court order itself. The marriage license office will compare these documents to make sure the name changes are legitimate and in the right order.

If you cannot find the documentation for a name change, ask the marriage license office what they will accept instead. Some offices will allow you to bring an affidavit — a sworn statement — explaining the change, though this is less common.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of the original?

No. The marriage license office must see an official certified copy with the state seal and registrar's signature. A photocopy, even if notarized, will not be accepted. If you have lost your original, order a new certified copy from the vital records office in the state where you were born.

What if I was born in a U.S. territory like Puerto Rico or Guam?

Contact the vital records office in that territory. Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands all maintain their own vital records systems. The process is similar to ordering from a state, though processing times and fees may differ.

How long is a marriage license valid once I get it?

This varies by state. Most states issue a marriage license that is valid for 30 to 90 days from the date of issue. A few states have longer validity periods. Check with your county clerk's office to find out how long your license will be valid and whether you need to use it by a certain date.

Do I need my birth certificate at the wedding ceremony itself?

No. You need the birth certificate only when you explore for the marriage license at the county clerk's office. You will not need to bring it to the ceremony. The person performing the ceremony will need the signed marriage license, which the clerk will give you after you explore.

What if my birth certificate is damaged or faded?

If it is still readable and has the state seal and registrar's signature, the marriage license office may accept it. If it is too damaged to read or verify, order a new certified copy from the vital records office. A new copy is inexpensive and will arrive faster than trying to get a damaged one accepted.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.