What to bring when you request a marriage certificate

To request a marriage certificate, you will need to bring a photo ID, proof of your relationship to the person on the certificate, and payment. The exact documents depend on whether you are the person who was married, a spouse, a parent, or someone else requesting the record. Most vital records offices also require you to specify which certificate you want — an original, a certified copy, or an uncertified copy — because the price and processing time differ.

The vital records office that holds your certificate is almost always in the county or city where you were married, not where you live now. You can request by mail, in person, or online if your state offers it. Some states let you order through a third-party vendor, though this usually costs more and takes longer than going directly to the county.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a government-issued photo ID and proof of your connection to the marriage (such as being one of the people married or a child of the couple).
  • The vital records office is located in the county or city where the marriage took place, not your current address.
  • Payment is required and varies by state and county, typically ranging from $10 to $30 per copy.
  • You must specify whether you want an original, certified copy, or uncertified copy, as each has different uses and costs.
  • Processing times range from same-day in-person service to several weeks by mail, depending on the office and method you choose.

Photo ID and proof of identity

Bring a current government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The name on your ID should match the name you are using to request the certificate. If your name has changed since the marriage, bring both your old ID and a document showing the legal change — a divorce decree, court order, or marriage certificate from a later marriage.

Some offices will accept a copy of your ID by mail or fax instead of the original. Call the vital records office ahead of time to confirm what they accept, because policies vary by county.

Proof of your relationship to the marriage

You must show why you are allowed to request this record. If you are one of the two people who were married, bring your ID. If you are requesting on behalf of a spouse, bring your marriage certificate or a document showing you are married to that person. If you are a child of the couple, bring your birth certificate showing both parents' names, or a court document establishing parentage.

If you are requesting the certificate for a different reason — you are a genealogist, a lawyer, or you need it for a legal proceeding — you may need to bring a letter explaining why, a court order, or documentation of your professional role. Some states restrict who can request a marriage certificate. Call ahead to confirm whether your reason is one the office recognizes.

Payment information

Marriage certificates are not free. The cost varies significantly by state and county. Most certificates cost between $10 and $30 per copy. Some counties charge more for rush processing or for copies requested by mail versus in person. A few states charge different prices depending on whether you want an original or a certified copy.

Payment methods vary. In-person requests usually accept cash, check, or card. By-mail requests typically require a check or money order. Online requests usually accept credit or debit card. Ask the office what they accept before you send payment, and include the exact amount — many offices do not give change on checks or money orders.

Specifying which type of certificate you need

When you request, you must tell the office which version you want. An original certificate is the document created and signed at the time of marriage. Most vital records offices no longer release originals to the public — they keep them in storage and issue certified copies instead. A certified copy is a photocopy stamped and signed by the vital records office, stating it is a true copy of the original. This is what you need for legal purposes such as changing your name, updating a passport, or proving marital status. An uncertified copy is a plain photocopy with no official seal. It is cheaper and faster but has no legal weight.

For almost all purposes — immigration, passport applications, name changes, remarriage — you need a certified copy. Ask the office or the organization requesting the certificate which type they require before you order.

Information about the marriage itself

Have the following details ready when you contact the vital records office: the full names of both people who were married, the date of the marriage, and the city and county where it took place. If you do not know the exact date, provide the year or a range of years. If you do not know the county, the office can sometimes search across the state, though this takes longer and may cost more.

Some offices ask for additional details such as the names of the parents of the people who were married, or the name of the person who performed the ceremony. These details help the office locate the correct record if multiple marriages with similar names occurred in the same year.

How to submit your request

Most counties offer three ways to request: in person at the vital records office, by mail with a completed form, or online through the county website. In-person requests are usually processed the same day or within a few hours. By-mail requests typically take one to three weeks. Online requests vary — some counties process them within days, while others take two weeks or longer.

To request by mail, read the form from the county vital records website or call and ask them to mail you one. Fill it out completely, include your ID copy, proof of relationship, and payment, and mail it to the address on the form. Keep a copy for your records. To request online, go to the county website, create an account if required, enter the marriage details, upload your ID and proof of relationship as image files, and pay by card. You will receive the certificate by mail at the address you provide.

Common documents you do not need

You do not need to bring the original marriage license, though it can help if you have it. You do not need a notarized letter or a lawyer. You do not need to prove you have a "reason" for wanting the certificate in most states — the office will issue it to you or your spouse without asking why. You do not need to contact the courthouse where you were married; the vital records office is a separate department that handles certificates.

If the vital records office tells you that you need something not listed here, ask them to explain in writing why it is required. Policies do vary by county, and it is worth confirming before you make a trip or mail documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a marriage certificate if I do not know the exact date of the marriage?

Yes. Provide the year or a range of years, and the county where you were married. The office will search records within that timeframe. Searches across a wider range take longer and may cost more, so the more specific you can be, the faster the process.

What if my name has changed since I was married?

Bring both your current ID and a document showing the legal change, such as a divorce decree, court order, or a later marriage certificate. The office needs to confirm that you are the same person on the original marriage record.

Do I need the original marriage license to get a certificate?

No. The vital records office has its own copy on file. The original license is a separate document issued at the time of marriage and is not required to request a certificate.

How much does a marriage certificate cost?

Cost varies by state and county, typically between $10 and $30 per copy. Some counties charge more for rush processing or for copies requested by mail. Contact your county vital records office for the exact fee.

Can someone else request a marriage certificate on my behalf?

It depends on your state and county. Some offices allow a spouse or when ready family member to request on your behalf if they bring a signed letter from you, a copy of your ID, and proof of their relationship to you. Others require you to request in person or sign a power of attorney form. Call ahead to confirm your county's policy.