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. The county clerk keeps the original record, and that office is the only one that can issue certified copies. If you do not remember which county, you can search by the year and both spouses' names — most county clerks have searchable records online or by phone.

Some states allow you to request a copy by mail, in person, or online through the county clerk's website. A few states have centralized vital records offices that handle marriage licenses for the entire state, but even then the request goes to the county where the marriage took place. Call the county clerk's office directly to find out which method they accept and what the current fee is, since fees range from $10 to $30 depending on the county.

If you were married outside the United States, you will need to contact the vital records office in that country or region. Some countries issue marriage certificates through a national registry; others require you to request the document from the local office where the ceremony was recorded. An embassy or consulate can often point you to the right office.

Key Takeaways

  • Request your copy from the county clerk's office in the county where you were married, not your state vital records office.
  • You will need to provide the year of marriage, both spouses' full names, and sometimes the date of birth for at least one spouse.
  • Most county clerks accept requests by mail, phone, or in person, and some now accept online requests through their website.
  • A certified copy costs between $10 and $30 and usually arrives within one to two weeks if you request by mail.

What information you need to provide

The county clerk will ask for the year of marriage and the full names of both spouses as they appeared on the license. Some offices also ask for at least one spouse's date of birth or the exact date of marriage if you know it. Have your ID ready if you are requesting in person, since most clerks will ask to see it.

If you do not know the exact date or one spouse's name has changed since the marriage, tell the clerk what you do know. They can usually search by year and one name alone, though it may take longer. If the marriage took place more than 50 or 75 years ago (the threshold varies by state), the record may be in a historical archive rather than the active files, and retrieval can take several weeks.

How to request by mail

Write a letter or use the county clerk's form if they have one on their website. Include the year of marriage, both spouses' full names, your relationship to the couple (spouse, child, attorney), and the number of copies you need. Include a check or money order for the fee — do not send cash — and your return address. Mail it to the county clerk's office in the county where you were married.

Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the clerk can mail the copies back to you. The turnaround time is usually one to two weeks, but during busy periods it can stretch to three or four weeks. Call ahead to confirm the current fee and mailing address, since some counties have moved offices or changed their procedures.

How to request in person or by phone

Call the county clerk's office during business hours and ask for the vital records or marriage license department. Have the year of marriage and both spouses' names ready. The clerk can often tell you on the phone whether the record exists and how much a copy will cost. Some offices will hold a copy at the desk for you to pick up the same day or within a few days.

If you go in person, bring your ID and a check or money order for the fee. Many county clerk offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some have extended hours one evening per week. A few large counties now accept online requests through their website, which you can submit anytime and pay by credit card.

Certified versus uncertified copies

A certified copy has the county clerk's official seal and signature and is the version you need for legal purposes — changing your name, updating a passport, proving marital status to an employer or insurance company, or settling an estate. An uncertified copy is a photocopy without the seal and is not accepted for official use.

Always request a certified copy unless you are only looking at the document for personal reference. The cost is the same, and the certified version protects you if anyone questions whether the document is genuine. Order at least two or three copies at once, since you may need one for different agencies and it is cheaper to get them all in one request than to order again later.

What to do if you cannot find the record

If the county clerk cannot locate your marriage license after searching, ask them to do a broader search by year alone, or ask whether the record might be filed under a different name if one spouse changed their name before or after the marriage. Some very old records are on microfilm or in storage, and the clerk may need extra time to retrieve them.

If the marriage took place in a different county than you thought, the clerk can sometimes tell you which county is most likely based on where you lived at the time. If you still cannot locate it, you may be able to get a certified statement from the county clerk saying the record does not exist, which some agencies will accept as proof that you were not married in that county. Ask the clerk whether this option is available and what it costs.

Using your copy for name changes and official documents

Once you have your certified copy, you can use it to update your name with the Social Security Administration, your state's driver's license office, your passport, and your employer's human resources department. Each agency has its own process, but most will accept a certified marriage license as proof of the name change. Keep the original in a safe place and submit photocopies when possible.

If you are changing your name after marriage, some states require you to file a separate name change petition with the court, even with a marriage license. Others accept the marriage license alone. Call your state's vital records office or your county clerk to find out what your state requires before you start the process with other agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a copy of my marriage license?

By mail, expect one to two weeks under normal conditions, sometimes longer during busy periods. In person or by phone, many county clerks can have a copy ready the same day or within a few days. Online requests through the county website usually take three to five business days.

Can I get a copy if I do not remember the exact date of marriage?

Yes. Provide the year and both spouses' full names, and the clerk can search from there. If you know the month or season, that helps narrow it down, but the year and names are usually enough.

What if my spouse's name on the license is different from their current name?

Search using the name as it appeared on the license at the time of marriage. If the clerk cannot find it under the current name, try the maiden name or any previous names you know. Tell the clerk about the name change so they know to look in the right place.

Do I need the original marriage license or is a copy acceptable?

A certified copy is acceptable for all official purposes — name changes, passport applications, insurance claims, and legal matters. You do not need the original. Keep your certified copy in a safe place and use photocopies for routine requests.

What if the marriage license was never filed with the county?

This is rare but can happen if the paperwork was lost or misfiled. Ask the county clerk for a certified statement that no record exists. Some agencies will accept this as proof, though others may require you to file a delayed marriage certificate through the court system.