Where to Request Your Marriage License Copy

You get a copy of your marriage license from the county clerk's office in the county where you were married, not from the state. That office keeps the original record and issues certified copies. If you do not remember which county, you can search by the year and names of both people married, or contact the state vital records office for help locating the right county.

Most county clerks now accept requests by mail, email, phone, or in person. Some offer online ordering through their website. The fastest method is usually in person if the office is near you — you can often walk out with a copy the same day. By mail typically takes one to three weeks. Online ordering through the county website, when available, usually takes five to ten business days.

You will need to provide the names of both people married, the date of the marriage, and sometimes the location within the county. A government-issued photo ID is required if you pick it up in person. If you are requesting by mail, include a photocopy of your ID.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the county clerk in the county where you were married, not your state vital records office, because counties keep the original marriage records.
  • If you do not know which county, call your state vital records office and give them the year and both names — they can tell you where to request the copy.
  • In-person pickup is fastest (often same day), while mail requests take one to three weeks and online orders take five to ten business days.
  • You will need both people's names, the marriage date, and a photocopy of your ID if requesting by mail.
  • Certified copies cost between $5 and $25 depending on the county, and most offices accept check, card, or cash.

How to Find the Right County Clerk

If you know the county, search "[county name] clerk marriage records" or "[county name] vital records" to find the office website and phone number. Most county clerk websites have a dedicated section for ordering vital records with instructions and fees listed.

If you do not know the county, call your state vital records office. You can find the number by searching "[your state] vital records office" or visiting the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) website, which lists contact information for every state. Tell them the year of marriage and both names, and they will tell you which county to contact.

Some states also allow you to order through the state vital records office directly, which then retrieves the record from the county. This is slower than ordering from the county itself but works if you cannot locate the county clerk or prefer a single point of contact.

What Information You Need Before You Request

Gather these details before you contact the county clerk: the full names of both people married (as they appeared on the license), the date of marriage, and the city or town where the marriage took place. If you have the marriage license itself, the county name is printed on it.

If you do not have the license and cannot remember the exact date, provide the year and approximate month. Most clerks can search by year and names alone, though it may take longer. If you do not know the county, you will need to contact your state vital records office first to locate it.

Ordering by Mail or Email

To order by mail, write a letter or use the county clerk's form (if one is posted on their website) that includes both names, the marriage date, the county, and how many certified copies you need. Include a photocopy of your government-issued ID and a check or money order for the fee. Mail it to the address listed on the county clerk's website.

Some counties accept email requests through a dedicated email address on their vital records page. Follow their format exactly — they usually ask for the same information as a mail request, plus a scanned copy of your ID. Email is often faster than mail but slower than in-person or online ordering.

Keep a copy of your request and the tracking number if you mail it. Most counties will send the copy back by regular mail unless you pay extra for expedited shipping. Expect one to three weeks for delivery.

Ordering Online or In Person

Many county clerk websites now have an online ordering system. Search "[county name] clerk order marriage license online" or look for a "vital records" or "order records" link on the clerk's main website. You will enter both names, the marriage date, and how many copies you need, then pay by card. Processing usually takes five to ten business days, and the copy is mailed to you.

If you go in person, bring your government-issued photo ID and the cash or card to pay the fee. Ask the clerk how many certified copies you need — most people need one or two, but some situations (like passport applications or name changes) may require more. The clerk can tell you on the spot. You will usually receive the copy within minutes to an hour.

Cost and Payment Methods

Certified marriage license copies cost between $5 and $25 per copy depending on the county. The fee is usually lower if you order in person or by mail and higher if you order online or by phone (because of processing fees). Most counties accept cash, check, and card, though some mail-in requests require check or money order.

If you need the copy urgently, some counties offer expedited processing for an extra fee, usually $10 to $20. This shortens the processing time by a few days but does not may provide next-day delivery. Ask the clerk whether expedited processing is available and what it costs before you submit your request.

What Happens If the Record Cannot Be Found

If the county clerk cannot locate your record after searching, they will tell you in writing. This can happen if the marriage was recorded in a different county than you thought, if the names on the license differ from what you provided, or if the record was never filed (rare, but it happens).

If the record is not found, contact your state vital records office and ask for help locating it. You can also try contacting the county where you were married in person and speaking with a clerk directly — they may be able to search more thoroughly or suggest other places the record might be kept. Some states keep older records in a state archive rather than the county clerk's office.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many certified copies should I order?

Order at least one extra copy beyond what you think you need. Certified copies are inexpensive, and you may need them later for passport applications, name changes, or other legal matters. Most people order two to four copies at once to avoid ordering again.

Can someone else pick up my marriage license copy for me?

It depends on the county. Some allow anyone to pick up a copy if they have written permission from you and a photo ID. Others require the person named on the license to pick it up in person. Call the county clerk and ask what their policy is before you send someone on your behalf.

What if my name has changed since the marriage?

Bring your current government-issued ID to prove who you are. The marriage license will show your name as it was at the time of marriage, not your current name. The clerk does not need a legal name change document — your current ID is enough to verify you are the person requesting the record.

Can I order a marriage license copy if I am not the person who was married?

Most counties allow anyone to order a copy of a marriage record because marriage licenses are public records. However, some counties restrict copies to the people named on the license or their when ready family. Call the county clerk and ask whether they have restrictions before you request.

What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate?

A marriage license is the document you signed before the wedding. A marriage certificate is the document issued after the wedding showing it was performed. Most people need a certified copy of the marriage certificate, not the license itself. The county clerk will issue the correct document — just ask for a "certified copy of the marriage record" and they will know what you need.