Where to request your marriage certificate
You request a copy of your marriage certificate from the vital records office in the county or state where you were married, not from the courthouse or your local government office. That office holds the original record and issues certified copies. The name varies by state — it may be called the vital records office, health department, registrar of vital records, or recorder's office — but every state has one.
The fastest way to find the right office is to search "[your state name] vital records office" or "[your county name] marriage certificate." Most states now let you order online, by mail, or in person. Some accept phone orders. A few still require you to visit in person, though this is becoming rare.
You will need to know the year you were married, the county where the marriage took place, and both spouses' full names as they appeared on the marriage license. If you do not know the exact date, most offices can search by year or by a range of years, though this may cost more or take longer.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the vital records office in the county where you married, not your local courthouse or city hall.
- Most states offer online ordering, which is faster than mail and costs between $15 and $35 per copy depending on the state.
- You will need the year of marriage, county, and both spouses' names as they appeared on the license.
- In-person requests at the vital records office usually return a copy the same day or within a few business days.
- Certified copies cost more than informational copies, but certified copies are what you need for legal purposes like name changes or passport applications.
Ordering online or by mail
Most states now offer online ordering through their vital records website. You fill out a form with the marriage details, pay by credit card, and the office mails the copy to you. Turnaround is usually 5 to 10 business days, though some states offer expedited service for an extra fee. Online ordering is often cheaper than mail-in requests because you avoid postage.
If your state does not offer online ordering, you can request by mail. read the process form from the state vital records website, fill it out, and mail it with a check or money order and a copy of your ID. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the office can return the certificate to you. Mail requests typically take 2 to 4 weeks.
When you order, specify that you need a certified copy if you plan to use it for legal purposes like a passport, name change, or remarriage. An informational copy is cheaper but not accepted by government agencies or courts. Ask how many copies you need — ordering several at once is usually more cost-effective than ordering one and coming back later.
Requesting in person or by phone
If you visit the vital records office in person, you can often walk out with a copy the same day. Bring your ID, the marriage details, and cash or a card to pay the fee. Call ahead to confirm the office's hours and whether you need an appointment — some offices now require one.
A few states accept phone requests. Call the vital records office, provide the marriage information, and ask whether they can mail a copy or hold it for pickup. Not all offices do this, so check your state's website first to see if it is an option.
What to do if you do not know the marriage details
If you do not remember the exact date or county, most vital records offices can search for you. You will typically need to provide both spouses' full names and an approximate year or range of years. Some offices charge a search fee even if they do not find a record, so ask about the cost before requesting a search.
If you were married a long time ago or in a different state, the search may take longer. Some older records are stored off-site or on microfilm. If the office cannot locate the record, ask whether it has been transferred to a state archive or whether the marriage was recorded in a different county than you expected.
Cost and processing times by request method
| Method | Cost Range | Processing Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online ordering | $15–$35 | 5–10 business days | When you have time and want the lowest cost |
| Mail request | $15–$35 plus postage | 2–4 weeks | When you prefer not to order online |
| In person | $15–$35 | Same day or next business day | When you need the copy quickly |
| Phone request | $15–$35 plus shipping | 5–10 business days | Only available in some states |
Certified versus informational copies
A certified copy bears an official seal and signature from the vital records office. Courts, government agencies, and employers accept it as proof of marriage. An informational copy is a photocopy without the seal and is not accepted for legal purposes. Certified copies cost more — usually $5 to $10 extra per copy — but you need them for passports, name changes, remarriage, Social Security updates, and insurance claims.
If you are unsure which type you need, ask the agency or organization requesting the certificate. Most will specify "certified copy" if that is what they require. When you order, always request certified copies unless you are certain you only need an informational copy for your own records.
What to do if the office cannot find your record
If the vital records office searches and does not find your marriage record, the record may not have been filed, may have been filed in a different county, or may have been lost or destroyed. Ask the office whether it has a record of the marriage license process, which is sometimes kept separately from the certificate.
If the record truly does not exist, you may be able to petition the court in the county where you married to issue a delayed certificate or certificate of marriage. This requires proof of the marriage — such as a wedding announcement, photos, or testimony from witnesses — and a court hearing. Contact the courthouse in that county to learn about the process and requirements. This is more time-consuming and may require a lawyer, but it creates an official record if the original was never filed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a certified copy of a marriage certificate cost?
The cost varies by state, typically between $15 and $35 per certified copy. Some states charge extra for expedited processing or for searching records when you do not know the exact date. Check your state's vital records website for the exact fee, since it changes periodically.
Can I order a copy of someone else's marriage certificate?
Most states restrict who can order a marriage certificate. Usually only the married couple, their children, parents, or someone with a court order can request a copy. Some states allow anyone to order a copy because marriage records are public. Check your state's vital records website to see who is allowed to request one.
What if I was married in a different state?
Contact the vital records office in the state and county where you were married. Search "[state name] vital records office" to find the correct office and its ordering process. The steps are the same, but fees and processing times vary by state.
How long does it take to get a copy by mail?
Standard mail requests typically take 2 to 4 weeks from the time the office receives your request. Some states offer expedited mail service for an extra fee, which can reduce the time to 5 to 10 business days. Online ordering is usually faster, with copies mailed within 5 to 10 business days.
Do I need the original marriage certificate or just a copy?
For legal purposes, you need a certified copy issued by the vital records office, not the original document. Most agencies and courts will not accept the original because it cannot be easily verified. Order multiple certified copies at once so you have them for different purposes — passport, name change, insurance, and so on.