Where to Request Your Marriage License Copy
The office that issued your original marriage license is the only place that can provide an official copy. In most states, that is the county clerk's office in the county where you were married. Some states call this office the "vital records office," "registrar," or "recorder's office," but the function is the same.
You cannot get a copy from the state level directly in most places. The state vital records office exists, but it typically refers you back to the county where the marriage took place. Going straight to your county clerk saves time.
If you do not remember which county you were married in, check old documents—your wedding announcements, tax returns from that year, or insurance paperwork often list the location. If you still cannot find it, you can call the state vital records office and give them your name and approximate marriage date; they can tell you which county to contact.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married, not your state capital or a courthouse in your current location.
- You will need to provide your full name, your spouse's full name, and the marriage date; some offices also ask for the maiden name if applicable.
- Certified copies cost between $10 and $30 depending on the county, and processing takes anywhere from same-day to two weeks depending on how you request it.
- You can request a copy by mail, in person, phone, or online depending on what your county clerk's office offers.
- Bring a photo ID if you go in person, and expect to pay by cash, check, or card depending on the office.
How to Find Your County Clerk's Contact Information
Start with a web search for "[your county name] county clerk" or "[your county name] vital records." Most county clerk websites have a dedicated section for marriage license copies, with a phone number and mailing address listed.
If you cannot find the website, call your county's main government line and ask for the vital records or clerk's office. They will transfer you or give you a direct number. County offices are usually open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some offer limited evening or Saturday hours.
Write down the exact mailing address, phone number, and any online portal information before you contact them. Different counties have different procedures, and having this information in front of you prevents mistakes that delay your request.
What Information You Need to Provide
Have these details ready before you call or visit:
- Your full name as it appeared on the marriage license
- Your spouse's full name as it appeared on the marriage license
- The exact date of the marriage (month, day, and year)
- Your maiden name if you changed your name after marriage
- Your current address and phone number
Some counties ask for additional information such as your parents' names or your spouse's date of birth, though this is less common. When you call, the clerk will tell you exactly what they need.
If you cannot remember the exact date, give the clerk the month and year and tell them you are not certain of the day. They can usually search by a range of dates. Avoid guessing at the date, because the clerk may not find the record if you are off by even a few days.
Requesting by Mail, Phone, or Online
By mail: Write a letter to the county clerk requesting a certified copy of your marriage license. Include your name, your spouse's name, the marriage date, and your current address. Include a check or money order for the fee (call first to confirm the exact amount). Mail it to the address the clerk's office provides. Processing by mail typically takes one to two weeks, plus mailing time in both directions.
By phone: Call the county clerk's office and provide the information above. Ask whether they accept payment by credit card over the phone, or whether you need to mail a check. Some offices will hold the copy for you to pick up; others will mail it automatically. Confirm the fee and the expected timeline before you hang up.
By online portal: Many counties now have an online system where you enter your information, upload a photo ID, and pay by card. These systems often process requests in one to three business days. Check the county clerk's website to see if this option is available. Online is usually the fastest method if your county offers it.
In person: Visit the county clerk's office during business hours with a photo ID and payment. Bring the exact fee in cash or a card if they accept it; some offices do not make change. In-person requests are often processed the same day or within a few hours, though you may have to wait in line.
What a Certified Copy Looks Like and Why You Need It
A certified copy is an official document stamped and signed by the county clerk, confirming it is a true copy of the original record on file. It includes both spouses' names, the marriage date, the location, and the clerk's seal and signature. This is different from an informational copy, which some counties provide at a lower cost but which is not accepted for legal purposes.
You need a certified copy for legal matters such as changing your name, updating your Social Security record, explore for a passport, adding a spouse to insurance, or proving your marital status in court. An informational copy will not work for these purposes.
When you request a copy, specify that you need a certified copy. Ask how many copies you should order—many people order two or three at once because you may need them for different agencies, and ordering again later costs time and money.
Common Reasons Your Request May Be Delayed
The most common delay is providing incomplete or incorrect information. If the clerk cannot find your record because the name or date does not match exactly, they will contact you to clarify. This can add a week or more to your timeline. Double-check all information before you submit your request.
Some counties have a backlog, especially if they are processing requests by mail. If you need the copy urgently, ask the clerk how long the current wait is and whether paying a rush fee will speed it up. Not all counties offer rush processing, but many do for an additional fee of $5 to $15.
Occasionally a record cannot be found because it was filed under a different name or location than you remember. If the clerk cannot locate your marriage after a thorough search, ask them what steps to take next. They may direct you to the state vital records office or suggest you contact the courthouse where the marriage took place.
Fees and Payment Methods
Certified copy fees vary by county and typically range from $10 to $30 for the first copy. Additional copies ordered at the same time usually cost $2 to $5 each. Some counties charge extra for rush processing, expedited mail, or online requests, though many do not.
Payment methods depend on how you request the copy. In-person requests usually accept cash and card; some accept checks. Mail requests typically require a check or money order. Online requests accept credit or debit cards. Phone requests may accept card payment or require you to mail a check.
Ask about the fee when you contact the clerk's office so you can prepare the correct payment. If you overpay, the clerk will refund the difference, but this adds time to processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a copy of someone else's marriage license?
Most states allow anyone to request a copy of a marriage record because marriage is a public record. However, some states restrict copies to the people named on the license or their when ready family. Call your county clerk and ask what their policy is. If they do restrict access, you may need written permission from one of the people on the license.
What if I was married in a different state or country?
Contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were married. If you were married outside the United States, you may need to contact the government office in that country that keeps marriage records. Some countries charge fees or require documents to be translated.
How long does it take to get a certified copy?
In-person requests usually take a few hours to same-day. Online requests typically take one to three business days. Phone and mail requests take three to ten business days, depending on the county's current workload. Rush processing, if available, can cut this time in half for an additional fee.
Do I need the original marriage license or just a copy?
For most legal purposes, a certified copy is sufficient and is actually preferred because the original is fragile. You should keep your original in a safe place and use certified copies for official matters.
What if my name has changed since I was married?
Provide both your married name and your current name when you request the copy. The record itself will show the name you had at the time of marriage, but telling the clerk your current name helps them locate you and ensures the copy is mailed to the right address.