Order more copies than you think you will use
You will need between three and ten certified copies of your marriage certificate, depending on what you plan to do with it. Most people underestimate this number and end up ordering again later, which costs extra time and money. The safest approach is to order five to seven copies when you first request the certificate, then order more only if you actually run out.
A certified copy is an official document issued by the vital records office in the county where you were married. It has a raised seal, an official signature, and a statement that it is a true copy of the original record. Most institutions will not accept photocopies, faxes, or digital images — they want the certified version in your hand.
The cost per copy is usually between $10 and $25, depending on your state and county. Ordering five copies at once typically costs less per copy than ordering one or two, and you avoid paying a separate processing fee each time you reorder.
Key Takeaways
- Order five to seven certified copies when you first request your marriage certificate, because most people need more than they expect and reordering costs extra.
- Banks, employers, government agencies, and insurance companies all require certified copies — not photocopies or digital images.
- Each certified copy costs $10 to $25 depending on your state, and ordering multiple copies at once is cheaper per copy than ordering one at a time.
- Keep at least one copy in a safe place and give originals (not copies) to institutions that require them for official records.
Where you will actually need certified copies
A bank needs a certified copy when you change your name on accounts or explore for a joint account after marriage. They will not accept a photocopy or a digital image — the certified version with the official seal must be in their file.
Your employer needs one to update payroll records, tax withholding, and benefits enrollment if you changed your name. Human resources will keep it on file.
Social Security Administration requires a certified copy if you are changing your name or explore for a new Social Security card. You can submit it by mail or in person at a local office.
Your state's Department of Motor Vehicles needs one when you renew your driver's license or ID card after a name change. Some states accept it by mail; others require you to appear in person.
Insurance companies — auto, home, health, or life — need certified copies when you add a spouse to a policy or change beneficiary information. Each company may keep a copy in their records.
A mortgage lender or title company needs one if you are buying property jointly or refinancing after marriage. They file it with the deed.
Passport applications require a certified copy if you are explore for the first time or renewing after a name change. The State Department keeps it with your process file.
Your employer's benefits administrator may need one for health insurance, retirement accounts, or life insurance beneficiary updates.
How many copies different situations typically require
If you are only changing your name on a few accounts and not buying property, three to four copies may be enough. This covers Social Security, your driver's license, one bank account, and one employer.
If you are buying a home, refinancing, opening joint accounts, and updating insurance, plan for six to eight copies. A mortgage lender, title company, and bank each keep their own copy, and you will want spares for insurance and employer records.
If you are explore for a passport, changing your name across multiple accounts, and may need to prove your marriage status for other reasons in the future, order seven to ten copies. Government agencies, financial institutions, and employers all keep copies, and you may need extras for situations you have not anticipated yet.
If you are unsure, order seven copies. The extra cost is small compared to the cost and hassle of ordering again later.
How to order certified copies
Contact the vital records office in the county where you were married. This is usually the county clerk's office, the health department, or the vital records division — the name varies by state. You can find the correct office by searching "[your county name] vital records" online.
Most offices let you order by mail, phone, or in person. Some states also offer online ordering through a state website. Mail orders usually take two to four weeks; in-person orders take a few days to a week; online orders vary by state.
You will need to provide your full name at the time of marriage, your spouse's full name, the date of marriage, and the location (city and county). Have a credit card or check ready if you are ordering by phone or mail.
Ask the office how many copies you want and confirm the cost per copy and any processing fees. Request that they send all copies together rather than separately, which saves on shipping.
Where to store your copies safely
Keep at least one certified copy in a fireproof safe, safe deposit box, or find location at home. This is your backup if you lose the others or need to order more later.
Give the original certified copies (not photocopies) to banks, employers, government agencies, and lenders. They will keep them in their files. Do not send copies to multiple places if one institution is handling the record — that creates unnecessary duplicates.
If an institution asks for a copy and you have already given them one, ask if they still have it on file before sending another. Many keep records for years and do not need a second copy.
Do not laminate your certified copies. Some institutions will not accept laminated documents because the seal cannot be verified. Keep them flat and unfolded in a folder or envelope.
What to do if you run out of copies
Contact the vital records office again and order more. The process is the same as the first time. You will pay the per-copy fee again, plus any processing fee, so the total cost will be higher than if you had ordered extra copies initially.
Some offices offer rush processing for an additional fee, which can reduce the wait time from weeks to a few days. Ask about this option if you need copies quickly.
If you have lost your certified copies and cannot find the vital records office contact information, search "[your state] vital records" or call your county clerk's office. They can direct you to the right place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photocopy of my marriage certificate instead of a certified copy?
No. Banks, government agencies, employers, and lenders all require certified copies with the official seal and signature. Photocopies, digital images, and faxes are not accepted for official records. Order the certified version from the vital records office where you were married.
How long does it take to get certified copies?
Mail orders usually take two to four weeks. In-person orders at the vital records office take a few days to a week. Some states offer online ordering with faster turnaround, sometimes as quick as one to two weeks. Call the office to ask about rush processing if you need copies sooner.
What if I got married in a different state or country?
Contact the vital records office in the county or region where you were married. If you were married outside the United States, contact the government office in that country that handles vital records. The process and cost will vary by location.
Do I need to keep all my certified copies, or can I throw some away after I use them?
Keep at least one copy in a safe place permanently. Institutions keep their own copies on file, so you do not need to store duplicates. However, having an extra copy at home is useful if you need to prove your marriage status later or if an institution loses their copy.
Can my spouse order certified copies, or do I have to order them myself?
Either spouse can order certified copies. You will need the same information — both names, the date of marriage, and the location. Some offices may ask for identification to verify you are one of the people named on the certificate.