What You Need to Bring When You Apply for a Marriage License

Yes, you will need your birth certificate to get a marriage license in every U.S. state

A birth certificate is the standard document used to prove your identity and age when you explore for a marriage license. The clerk at your county or city marriage license office will ask to see the original or a certified copy. A certified copy is an official duplicate issued by the vital records office in the state where you were born — not a photocopy you make yourself.

Some states accept a passport or state ID instead of a birth certificate, but most require the birth certificate as their first choice. If you do not have one, you can order a certified copy from the vital records office in your birth state before you explore for the license. This usually takes one to three weeks by mail, though many states now offer rush delivery or in-person pickup.

Key Takeaways

Every state requires proof of identity and age to issue a marriage license, and a certified birth certificate is the document most commonly accepted.
A certified copy from your birth state's vital records office is different from a photocopy and is what the marriage license clerk will expect.
If you were born outside the United States, you will need a certified copy of your foreign birth certificate plus a translation into English, notarized by a certified translator.
Order your birth certificate at least two to three weeks before your planned marriage license appointment to avoid delays.
Some states accept a valid passport or state ID in place of a birth certificate, so check your specific state's requirements before ordering.

How to order a certified birth certificate before you explore

Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born. This office is usually part of the state health department or vital statistics bureau. You can find the correct office and ordering instructions on the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) website, which lists links to every state's vital records office.

When you order, specify that you need a certified copy for a marriage license process. Most offices charge between $15 and $30 per copy. You can order by mail, phone, or online depending on the state. Many states now offer expedited delivery for an extra fee — typically $10 to $25 — which can reduce the wait to five to seven business days instead of two to three weeks.

Request at least one extra copy beyond what you need for the marriage license. You may need a certified copy later for other purposes, and ordering extras now is cheaper than ordering again later.

What counts as proof of identity at the marriage license office

The marriage license clerk will want to see the original birth certificate or a certified copy. A photocopy, even if notarized, is not acceptable. The certified copy has an official seal from the vital records office and is printed on security paper that is difficult to forge.

If you cannot locate your birth certificate or it is damaged, bring whatever identity documents you have — a passport, driver's license, or state ID — along with a letter from the vital records office explaining that your birth certificate is on order. Many clerks will issue the license conditionally and ask you to provide the birth certificate within a set time frame, usually 30 to 60 days.

Birth certificates from outside the United States

If you were born in another country, you will need a certified copy of your foreign birth certificate. The document must be an official copy issued by the vital records authority in that country, not a photocopy or a document you printed from an online registry.

You will also need an English translation of the birth certificate. The translation must be done by a certified translator — someone officially recognized by a court or professional translation organization — and the translator's certification must be notarized. The marriage license clerk will not accept a translation done by a friend or family member, even if they are bilingual.

Obtaining a certified copy from another country can take several weeks or longer, depending on the country's mail system and bureaucracy. Start this process as early as possible. Some countries have consulates in the United States that can issue certified copies faster than ordering directly from the country.

Timeline: when to order your birth certificate

Order your birth certificate at least two to three weeks before your planned marriage license appointment. This gives you time to receive it by mail and still have a buffer if there are delays.

If you are getting married soon and do not have time to wait for a mailed copy, check whether your birth state offers in-person pickup at the vital records office or a local county health department. Some states also partner with third-party services that can deliver a certified copy to you within a few days for an additional fee.

If you live in the state where you were born, you may be able to visit the vital records office in person and walk out with a certified copy the same day. Call ahead to confirm their hours and whether you need an appointment.

What happens if you cannot find your original birth certificate

If you have lost your birth certificate and cannot order a replacement in time, contact the marriage license office in the county where you plan to marry. Explain your situation and ask what alternative documents they will accept. Some offices will issue a conditional license if you show other forms of ID and sign an affidavit stating that you were born on a specific date and place.

An affidavit is a sworn statement witnessed by a notary public. The marriage license clerk can usually direct you to a notary in their office or nearby. You will then have a set important date — often 30 to 90 days — to provide the certified birth certificate. If you do not, the license may be revoked.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a photocopy of my birth certificate instead of a certified copy?

No. The marriage license clerk must see an official certified copy with the vital records office seal. A photocopy, even if notarized, will not be accepted. Order a certified copy from your birth state's vital records office.

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

U.S. territories have their own vital records offices. Contact the vital records office in the territory where you were born — for example, the Puerto Rico Department of Health for births in Puerto Rico. The process and fees are similar to ordering from a state, though mail delivery may take longer.

Do I need my birth certificate if I have a valid passport?

Some states accept a passport as proof of identity and age instead of a birth certificate. Check your specific state or county marriage license office website before your appointment. If your state accepts a passport, bring it along with your birth certificate anyway — having both documents prevents delays if the clerk has questions.

How much does a certified birth certificate cost?

Certified copies typically cost between $15 and $30, depending on the state. Expedited delivery adds $10 to $25. Some states charge extra for rush orders or online orders. Check your birth state's vital records office website for exact pricing and payment methods.

Can my spouse order my birth certificate for me?

Most states allow you to order a birth certificate for someone else if you have their permission and provide their identifying information. Some states require a signed authorization form. Call the vital records office in your birth state to ask about their specific rules before sending payment.

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.