How to get a copy of your marriage license
You get a copy of your marriage license from the county clerk's office where you were married, not from a state office or the courthouse. The county clerk keeps the original record, and you can request certified copies by mail, in person, or sometimes online. Most counties charge between $10 and $25 per copy and take one to two weeks to mail it to you, though in-person pickup is usually faster.
You will need to know the county where the marriage took place, the year it happened, and both spouses' full names as they appeared on the license. If you do not know the county, you can search your old documents, ask family members, or contact the state vital records office for help locating which county has the record.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the county clerk's office in the county where you were married, not your current county or the state.
- Have ready the year of marriage, both spouses' full names, and the county name before you request a copy.
- Most counties accept requests by mail, phone, or in person, and some now accept online requests through their website.
- Certified copies cost $10 to $25 and typically arrive within one to two weeks by mail, or the same day if you pick up in person.
- If you do not know which county, the state vital records office can search their index to tell you where the record is filed.
Finding the right county clerk's office
The first step is identifying which county clerk to contact. If you remember the city or town where you were married, you can search online for "[city name] county clerk" or "[county name] clerk of court." Most county clerk websites list their address, phone number, and hours.
If you do not remember the county, call your state's vital records office and give them the year of marriage and both spouses' names. They maintain an index of all marriages filed in the state and can tell you which county has your record. You can find your state vital records office by searching "[your state] vital records office" or visiting the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) website, which links to every state.
Requesting a copy by mail
Most county clerk offices accept mail requests. Write a letter or use the county's request form (if they have one on their website) that includes: the year of marriage, both spouses' full names as they appeared on the license, your relationship to the couple (spouse, child, attorney, etc.), and the number of certified copies you need. Include a check or money order for the fee, your return address, and a phone number in case the clerk needs to reach you.
Mail the request to the county clerk's office address. Processing time varies by county but typically takes one to three weeks. Some counties are slower during peak seasons (summer months and around tax time). If you need the copy urgently, call the clerk's office first to ask about their current processing time and whether they offer expedited service for an extra fee.
Requesting a copy in person or by phone
If you live near the county or can visit, going in person is the fastest option. Bring a photo ID and cash or a check for the fee. The clerk can often print a certified copy while you wait, sometimes within minutes. Call ahead to confirm their hours and whether you need an appointment.
Some county clerk offices accept phone requests and will mail the copy to you, though they usually still need payment by check or money order. Call the clerk's office directly and ask whether they take phone requests and what information they need from you. Be ready to provide the marriage year, both names, and your mailing address.
Ordering online through the county website
A growing number of county clerk offices now accept online requests through their website. Search "[county name] clerk online records request" or visit the county clerk's website directly and look for a link to order vital records. Online systems typically let you pay by credit card and sometimes offer faster processing than mail requests.
Not all counties have online ordering yet, and the process varies widely. Some counties use their own website, while others use a third-party vendor. If you cannot find an online option, call the clerk's office and ask whether they plan to offer it or whether they recommend a particular vendor.
What to do if you cannot locate the record
If the county clerk's office cannot find your marriage record after searching, the record may be filed in a different county than you thought, or it may not have been recorded. Ask the clerk to search a wider time range (sometimes records are filed the year after the marriage took place). You can also contact the state vital records office and ask them to search their statewide index.
If the record truly does not exist in the county system, you may need to contact the courthouse where the marriage took place, as some older records are kept there instead of the clerk's office. In rare cases, you may need to file a delayed registration or work with an attorney to establish the marriage through other documents.
Understanding certified versus uncertified copies
A certified copy has an official seal and signature from the county clerk and is accepted by government agencies, banks, and courts. An uncertified copy is a photocopy without the seal and is not accepted for official purposes. Always request certified copies unless you only need the document for personal reference.
When you order, specify that you need certified copies. The clerk will ask how many you need — order at least two, since some agencies keep the copy you submit. Certified copies cost slightly more than uncertified ones, usually $2 to $5 extra per copy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a copy of someone else's marriage license?
Most counties restrict who can order a copy. Typically, the spouses themselves, their children, attorneys, and people with a documented legal reason can order. Call the county clerk and explain your relationship to the couple — they will tell you whether you can order and what proof you may need to provide.
How much does a certified copy cost?
Fees range from $10 to $25 per certified copy depending on the county. Some counties charge extra for rush processing or online orders. Call the county clerk's office or check their website for the exact fee before you send payment.
What if I was married in another country?
You cannot get a U.S. marriage license for a marriage that took place outside the United States. You would need to contact the vital records office or government agency in the country where you were married. Some countries have online request systems; others require you to visit in person or hire a local agent.
How long does it take to get a copy by mail?
Most counties take one to three weeks to process and mail a copy. Some are faster; others slower depending on staffing and how busy they are. Call the clerk's office and ask about their current processing time before you mail your request.
Do I need the original license or just a copy?
You need a certified copy, not the original. Most government agencies and institutions accept certified copies and do not require the original document. Keep your original in a safe place at home.