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. Each county keeps its own records. If you were married in Cook County, Illinois, you contact Cook County. If you were married in Maricopa County, Arizona, you contact Maricopa County. The county clerk's office is usually in the courthouse or a separate records building downtown.

You do not need to go in person. Most county clerks accept requests by mail, phone, email, or through their website. Some counties use a third-party vendor to handle requests — the county's website will direct you to the right place. A few counties still require you to appear in person, but this is rare.

If you do not know which county, check your marriage announcement, your tax return from that year, or ask your spouse. If you truly cannot find it, you can call the state vital records office and they will tell you which county has the record, though they cannot pull the document itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the county clerk in the county where you were married, not your state capital or a federal office.
  • Most counties let you request by mail, phone, email, or online portal without visiting in person.
  • You will need to provide your full names as they appeared on the license, the date of marriage, and sometimes a photo ID.
  • Processing takes one to four weeks by mail; online or in-person requests are often faster.
  • Certified copies cost between $10 and $30 depending on the county; some counties charge extra for rush service.

How to find your county clerk's office

Search "[county name] county clerk" plus your state. The clerk's website will have a vital records or marriage license section with instructions specific to that county. Some examples: if you were married in King County, Washington, you search "King County clerk vital records." If you were married in Harris County, Texas, you search "Harris County clerk marriage records."

The website will tell you the mailing address, phone number, email, and whether they have an online request form. A few large counties like Los Angeles and New York City have their own dedicated vital records portals where you can upload your request and pay online. Smaller counties may only accept mail or phone calls.

What information you need to provide

Have ready your full name as it appeared on the license, your spouse's full name, and the date of marriage. Some counties also ask for the city or town where the ceremony took place, your date of birth, or your spouse's date of birth. A few ask for the name of the officiant or the license number if you have it.

You will usually need to show a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID. If you are requesting on behalf of someone else (a parent requesting for an adult child, for example), some counties require a notarized letter of authorization or proof of relationship. Check the county's website or call ahead to ask what they need.

Cost and processing time

A certified copy of your marriage license costs between $10 and $30, depending on the county. Some counties charge $12 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy if you order more than one at the same time. A few counties charge extra if you need it rushed — typically $5 to $10 more for processing within three to five business days instead of the standard one to four weeks.

By mail, expect one to four weeks. By phone or email, some counties can process the same day or next business day, though they may charge a rush fee. In-person requests at the clerk's office are usually ready within an hour or a few business days. Check the county's website for their current processing times, as these change based on volume.

Requesting by mail

Write a letter or fill out the county's form with your name, your spouse's name, the date of marriage, and the city where you were married. Include a copy of your photo ID. Write a check or money order for the fee (do not send cash). Address it to the county clerk's vital records office at the address on their website.

Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so they can mail the copy back to you. Some counties ask you to include two envelopes — one for the certified copy and one for any paperwork they send back. Mail it certified if you want proof it arrived, though this is not required. Keep a copy of your letter for your records.

Requesting online or by phone

If the county has an online portal, you upload a photo of your ID, fill in the information, and pay by credit card. The certified copy is mailed to you or sometimes available for pickup. Processing is usually faster than mail — three to ten business days.

By phone, call the county clerk's vital records line. They will ask the same questions and take payment by credit card or debit card. Ask whether they will mail it to you or whether you can pick it up in person. Some counties require you to pick up in person; others will mail it. Confirm the mailing address they have on file before you hang up.

If the county has no record

If the county clerk says they have no record of your marriage, the ceremony may have taken place in a different county than you thought. Call your state's vital records office — search "[state name] vital records" — and they can search statewide records and tell you which county has it. This search is usually free.

If the marriage took place outside the United States, you will need to contact the vital records office in that country or region. For example, if you were married in Canada, contact Vital Statistics in the province where the ceremony took place. If you were married in Mexico, contact the civil registry (Registro Civil) in that state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a certified copy or will a regular copy work?

Most uses require a certified copy — one with the county seal and the clerk's signature. Banks, employers, and government agencies will not accept a photocopy or an uncertified version. Always order certified copies unless the county clerk tells you otherwise.

How many copies should I order?

Order at least two or three. You may need one for a name change, one for your records, and one for a future use you have not thought of yet. Ordering multiple copies at once is cheaper than ordering one now and another later. Most counties charge $5 to $10 per additional copy when ordered together.

Can I get a copy if I was married decades ago?

Yes. County clerks keep marriage records going back to the 1800s in most places. Very old records may be on microfilm or in storage, which can add a week or two to processing time, but they are still there. Call the county clerk and ask about records from that year.

What if my name has changed since the marriage?

The copy will show your name as it was on the license at the time of marriage. You do not need to change it. If you need the copy to prove your current legal name, bring a name change decree, divorce decree, or adoption papers along with the marriage license copy.

Can someone else pick up my copy in person?

Some counties allow it; others do not. Call ahead and ask. If they do allow it, they usually require a notarized letter from you authorizing that person to pick it up, or they may require the person to show your ID plus their own ID. Rules vary widely by county.