Where to request your marriage license copy

Your marriage license is held by the vital records office in the county where you were married, not by the state. That office is usually called the County Clerk, Recorder, or Register of Deeds — the exact name varies by state and county. You can request a certified copy by mail, in person, or sometimes online, depending on what that county offers.

Start by searching "[your county name] vital records" or "[your county name] marriage license copy" to find the right office and their current process. Many counties now list their fees and turnaround times on their websites, and some let you order online and pay by credit card.

If you do not know which county you were married in, you can contact the state vital records office — they keep an index of all marriages in the state and can tell you which county to contact. A few states let you order directly from the state office instead, but most require you to go through the county.

Key Takeaways

  • Your marriage license is kept by the county clerk in the county where you were married, and you must request it from that specific office.
  • You will need to provide your full names as they appear on the license, the date of marriage, and sometimes a photo ID or notarized request form.
  • Certified copies cost between $10 and $30 depending on the county, and processing takes anywhere from a few days to several weeks by mail.
  • Many counties now accept online orders with credit card payment, which is faster than mailing a check or money order.
  • If you cannot remember which county you were married in, the state vital records office can search their index and direct you to the right location.

What information you need to provide

When you request a copy, have ready your full name and your spouse's full name exactly as they appear on the license — including middle names and any name changes. You will also need the date of marriage and the city or county where the ceremony took place.

Some counties ask for your date of birth or your spouse's date of birth to confirm your identity. A few require a notarized request form if you are ordering by mail, especially if you are not the person named on the license. Check the county's website or call ahead to see what they specifically need before you send anything.

Ordering by mail, in person, or online

By mail: read the request form from the county clerk's website (if one exists) or write a letter stating your full name, your spouse's full name, the marriage date, and the city where you were married. Include a check or money order for the fee, a copy of your photo ID, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail it to the county clerk's office and expect to wait two to four weeks, sometimes longer.

In person: Visit the county clerk's office during business hours with your photo ID and payment. You can usually walk out with a certified copy the same day or within a few days. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment.

Online: A growing number of counties offer online ordering through their website or a third-party service. You create an account, enter your information, pay by credit card, and the office mails the copy to you. This usually takes one to two weeks and costs a few dollars more than ordering in person, but you avoid a trip to the office.

Fees and how long it takes

Certified copy fees range from $10 to $30 per copy depending on the county. Some offices charge extra if you need the copy rushed or if you order online instead of in person. A few counties offer a discount if you order multiple copies at once.

Processing time varies widely. In-person requests are often completed the same day. Mail requests typically take two to four weeks, though some rural counties take longer. Online orders through the county website usually arrive within one to two weeks. If you need the copy urgently, call the county clerk and ask whether they offer expedited processing — some do for an additional fee.

What a certified copy looks like and what it proves

A certified copy is an official photocopy of your original marriage license, stamped and signed by the county clerk to confirm it is a true record. It has the county seal on it and a signature from the clerk or a deputy. This is the version you need for legal purposes — changing your name, updating your Social Security record, explore for a passport, or proving your marital status.

A plain photocopy you make yourself is not certified and will not be accepted by government agencies or courts. Always request a certified copy unless the office specifically tells you otherwise.

If you cannot find the right county or the office has no record

If you do not remember which county you were married in, contact your state vital records office and give them the names, approximate year, and state. They can search their index and tell you which county holds the record. This search usually takes a few days and may cost $10 to $20.

If the county office says they have no record of your marriage, the license may have been lost, misfiled, or never recorded. Ask the office what their procedure is for searching older records — some keep archives in a separate location. You can also contact the courthouse where the marriage was performed; they sometimes keep a copy. If the record truly cannot be found, you may need to file for a delayed registration or obtain a court order, which requires a lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many certified copies should I order?

Order at least two or three. You will need one for your own records, and you may need additional copies for name changes, passport applications, or other legal matters. Ordering extras now is cheaper than requesting them again later, since you will have to pay the fee and wait time each time.

Can I order a copy if I am not the person on the license?

It depends on the county. Most allow a spouse, adult child, or parent to order a copy with proof of relationship and a photo ID. Some require a notarized request form. A few restrict copies to the people named on the license. Call the county clerk and ask what they allow before you submit a request.

What if my name has changed since I was married?

Provide both your current name and the name you had on the marriage license. The office will search under the name on the license itself. You do not need to prove the name change — just tell them what name appears on the document.

Do I need a certified copy or will a regular photocopy work?

Government agencies, courts, and most employers require a certified copy with the county seal and clerk's signature. A regular photocopy will not be accepted for legal purposes. Always order certified unless the specific organization tells you otherwise.

Can I order online from any county?

Not all counties offer online ordering yet. Check the county clerk's website to see what methods they accept. If they do not have an online system, you can order by mail or visit in person. Some counties use third-party services like VitalChek, which offer online ordering and mailing for a higher fee.