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 capital or a courthouse. That office—sometimes called the county clerk, registrar, or health department—holds the original record and issues certified copies.

If you do not know which county, check your original license or marriage certificate. The county name appears on both documents. If you have lost that information, you can contact the state vital records office to find out which county has your record on file, though this adds a step and usually costs extra.

Most counties now accept requests by mail, phone, email, or in person. A few still require mail only. The fastest method is usually in person if the office is near you, because you walk out with the copy the same day. By mail typically takes one to three weeks. Phone and email requests vary widely by county.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the vital records office in the county where you married, not your state capital or a courthouse.
  • You will need to provide your full names as they appeared on the license, the marriage date, and proof of identity.
  • Certified copies cost between $10 and $30 per copy depending on the county, and you can order multiple copies at once.
  • In-person requests usually take minutes; mail requests take one to three weeks; phone and email vary by county.
  • If you do not know which county has your record, the state vital records office can search for you, though this costs extra and takes longer.

What information and documents you need to provide

The vital records office will ask for your full names exactly as they appeared on the marriage license, the date you were married, and the county. Have your driver's license or passport ready—most offices require proof of identity, especially if you are requesting someone else's record.

If you are requesting a copy for your spouse, child, or parent, you will need to show your relationship to them. A birth certificate, divorce decree, or court order proving custody usually works. If you are requesting a record for a deceased person, bring a death certificate.

Some counties ask whether you want a certified copy (with an official seal and signature, required for legal purposes like passport applications) or an informational copy (cheaper, but not valid for official use). Always order certified copies unless you are certain you will never need one for a legal document.

Cost and how many copies to order

A certified copy of your marriage license costs between $10 and $30 per copy, depending on the county. Some counties charge less for the first copy and more for additional copies ordered at the same time. A few counties offer a discount if you order multiple copies together.

Order at least two copies even if you only think you need one. Marriage licenses are required for passport applications, name changes, some insurance claims, and proving marital status. Having a spare copy at home saves you a trip back to the vital records office if you lose the first one or need it for an unexpected purpose.

Payment methods vary by county. In-person requests usually accept cash, check, or card. Mail requests typically require a check or money order. Some counties that accept phone or email requests will bill your card or accept payment by mail. Ask when you contact the office.

How to find your county vital records office

Search online for "[county name] vital records" or "[county name] clerk marriage license copy." The county government website will have a phone number, mailing address, and often an online request form. If you married in a large city, the city health department may handle vital records instead of the county office.

If you cannot find the office online or do not know which county to contact, call your state vital records office. Every state has one, usually run by the health department. They can search their index to find which county has your record, then give you that county's contact information. This search costs $5 to $15 extra and takes a few days.

The National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems maintains a directory of state vital records offices with links to each state's website. That is a reliable starting point if you are searching from out of state or do not know where to begin.

Requesting by mail

Write a letter to the vital records office that includes your full names as they appeared on the license, the marriage date, the county, how many certified copies you want, and your daytime phone number. Include a copy of your driver's license or passport (not the original). Sign and date the letter.

Enclose a check or money order for the correct amount. Call the office first to confirm the current fee, because prices change. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for the office to return your copies. Mail everything to the address listed on the county website.

Keep a copy of your letter and note the date you mailed it. Most offices respond within two to three weeks, but some take longer during busy periods. If you do not hear back after four weeks, call the office to confirm they received your request.

Requesting in person

Bring your driver's license or passport, the marriage date, and the county name. If you do not have the exact date, bring the year and the names of both people married. The staff will search the records while you wait, usually in minutes.

Ask how many copies you want before you pay. Most offices will print multiple copies at once for a lower per-copy cost than ordering them separately later. Pay at the counter, and the office will hand you the certified copies with official seals before you leave.

Call ahead to confirm the office's hours and whether you need an appointment. Some counties require appointments during certain hours, especially if staffing is limited. A quick phone call prevents a wasted trip.

What to do if the record cannot be found

If the vital records office searches and cannot find your marriage record, ask them to check whether the record was filed in a different county. Sometimes a couple marries in one county but files the license in another. The office can usually search the state index at no extra charge.

If the record still is not found, ask the office whether the marriage was recorded at all. Some very old marriages or marriages performed by certain religious organizations may not have been filed with the county. In that case, you may need an affidavit of marriage signed by a witness to the ceremony, or a certified copy of a religious record, depending on what you need the license for.

If you believe the record exists but was misfiled or lost, ask the office how to file a complaint or request a search by a supervisor. Some counties will do a more thorough search if you explain why you need the record and why you are certain it was filed.

Getting a copy for someone else

You can request a copy of someone else's marriage license only if you have a legal relationship to them—you are a spouse, child, parent, or legal representative. You will need to prove that relationship with a birth certificate, adoption papers, court order, or similar document.

If you are requesting a record for a deceased person, bring a death certificate. Some counties allow anyone to request a deceased person's record; others restrict it to family members. Call ahead to ask.

If you are requesting a record for a minor child, bring your birth certificate or adoption papers proving you are the parent or guardian. If you are a legal representative acting on someone's behalf, bring a power of attorney or court order authorizing you to request vital records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a copy of my marriage license online?

Some counties allow you to order online through their website and pay by card, then pick up the copy in person or have it mailed to you. Others have no online system and require phone, mail, or in-person requests. Check your county's vital records website to see whether online ordering is available.

How long does a certified copy take to arrive by mail?

Most counties mail certified copies within two to three weeks of receiving your request. Some take longer during busy periods. Call the office after four weeks if you have not received your copies, because mail can be delayed or lost.

What if I do not remember the exact date I was married?

Provide the year and the names of both people married. The vital records office can search by year and names. If multiple marriages match, they may ask you to narrow it down by providing the city or county where the ceremony took place.

Do I need a certified copy or will an informational copy work?

Always order a certified copy unless you are absolutely certain you will never need it for a legal purpose. Certified copies have an official seal and signature and are required for passports, name changes, and proving marital status. Informational copies are cheaper but not valid for official use.

What if my name has changed since I was married?

Bring your current driver's license showing your new name, and tell the vital records office your married name as it appeared on the license. The office will find the record under your married name and issue the certified copy showing that name. You do not need a separate name-change document.