Where to request your marriage license copy

You request a copy of your marriage license from the vital records office in the county where you were married, not from the state level or any federal office. That office is usually called the County Clerk, Recorder, or Register of Deeds — the exact name varies by state and county. The office that issued your original license is the only one that has your record on file.

You can find the correct office by searching "[your county name] vital records" or "[your county name] marriage license copy." Most counties now let you request by mail, email, or in person. Some offer online ordering through their website. A few still require you to visit in person, though this is becoming less common.

The process is straightforward once you know which office to contact: you provide identifying information about the marriage, pay a fee (usually $10 to $30), and wait for the copy to arrive. The whole thing typically takes one to three weeks by mail, though some counties offer rush service for an extra fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the County Clerk or vital records office in the county where you were married — not your current county, and not a state office.
  • You will need to provide the names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and sometimes the location of the ceremony.
  • Fees range from about $10 to $30 per copy, and you may need to pay by check, money order, or credit card depending on the county's method.
  • Most counties accept requests by mail, email, or online form, and delivery takes one to three weeks unless you pay for rush service.
  • Bring a photo ID if you request in person, and expect to show it even if you request by mail or email.

What information you need to provide

The vital records office will ask for the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and usually the city or county where the ceremony took place. If you were married under a different name, provide both the name you had then and your current name. Some offices also ask for the husband's and wife's dates of birth, though this is less common.

If you do not remember the exact date, provide the month and year, or even just the year. The office can search by partial information, though a complete date speeds things up. If you are not sure which county the marriage took place in, you can call the vital records office and ask — they can often tell you based on the names and approximate date.

How to request by mail or email

Most counties accept written requests by mail. You write a letter or fill out a form (available on the county website) that includes the information above, your name and address, the number of copies you want, and how you will pay. Include a check or money order for the fee, or provide credit card information if the county accepts it. Mail it to the address listed on the vital records office website.

Some counties now accept email requests. You send the same information to the email address listed on their website, along with a photo of your ID. Payment is usually by credit card or electronic check. Email is faster than mail — you may hear back within a few days — but not all counties offer it.

Keep a copy of your request for your records. Include a phone number so the office can contact you if they need more information. If you do not hear back within three weeks, call the office to check on the status.

Requesting in person at the county office

If you go to the vital records office in person, bring a photo ID and the information listed above. You will fill out a form at the counter, pay the fee, and usually receive the copy the same day or within a few days. Some offices have a walk-up window; others require you to take a number and wait.

Call ahead to confirm the office's hours and whether you need an appointment. Some counties now require appointments even for in-person requests. Ask whether they can print the copy while you wait or whether you need to return to pick it up.

Online ordering through county websites

A growing number of counties let you order a marriage license copy through their website. You create an account, enter the marriage information, upload a photo of your ID, and pay by credit card. The copy is mailed to you or sometimes made available for pickup at the office.

Online ordering is usually the fastest method if your county offers it. Search "[your county name] vital records online order" to see if yours does. The fee is the same as by mail, though some counties charge a small extra fee for the online service itself.

Rush service and expedited delivery

If you need the copy quickly, ask about rush service when you request. Many counties offer it for an additional fee — typically $5 to $15 extra — and will process your request within a few days instead of one to three weeks. Some counties also offer overnight or two-day shipping for an extra cost.

Rush service is useful if you need the copy for a passport process, name change, or other time-sensitive purpose. Ask the vital records office what their rush timeline is before you pay for it. Some offices can have a copy ready for pickup the next business day if you request in person and pay the rush fee.

What to do if you cannot find the right office

If you are not sure which county issued your license, or if you married outside the United States, start by calling the vital records office in the county where you think you were married. They can tell you whether they have the record. If they do not, they can usually direct you to the correct office.

If you married in another country, you will need to contact that country's vital records office or the equivalent government agency. The process varies widely by country. If you need the copy for a U.S. purpose like a passport or name change, the U.S. agency may accept a certified copy from the foreign country, or they may require you to have it translated into English by a certified translator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a marriage license copy cost?

Fees range from about $10 to $30 per copy, depending on the county. Some counties charge more for rush service or for certified copies (which have an official seal). Call or check the county website to find the exact fee before you request.

Do I need a certified copy or just a regular copy?

Most purposes — like changing your name, updating your Social Security record, or explore for a passport — require a certified copy, which has the county's official seal and signature. A regular photocopy is not accepted. Ask the agency that needs the copy whether they require certification before you request.

Can someone else request a copy on my behalf?

Yes, but the person requesting usually needs to provide a signed letter from you giving them permission, along with a copy of your ID. Some counties have specific rules about who can request on behalf of someone else. Call the vital records office to ask what they require.

What if the county says they do not have my marriage record?

Ask the office to search again using different information — a nickname instead of a full name, or a different spelling. If they still cannot find it, the record may be filed in a different county, or it may not have been recorded. You can contact the courthouse where you were married to ask whether the record exists and where it is filed.

How long does it take to get a copy by mail?

Standard mail requests usually take one to three weeks from the time the office receives your request. This includes processing time and mailing time. Rush service can cut this to a few days, and some counties offer overnight shipping for an extra fee. Call the office to ask their current timeline.