Where to Request Your Marriage License Copy
You get a copy of your marriage license from the vital records office in the county where you were married, not from the state capital or a courthouse. That office — sometimes called the clerk of court, register of deeds, or vital statistics bureau — keeps the original record and issues certified copies.
If you do not know which county, check your original marriage certificate or ask your spouse. If neither of you has it, the county clerk's office can search their records by your names and approximate marriage date, though this takes longer and may cost extra.
You do not need a lawyer or a service to request this document. You can contact the office directly by phone, mail, or in person, and most now accept online requests through their website.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the vital records office in the county where you married, which is usually the clerk of court or register of deeds office.
- You will need to provide your full names, the marriage date, and a reason for the request, though most offices do not require proof of reason.
- Certified copies cost between $10 and $30 depending on the county, and processing takes one to two weeks by mail or same-day in person.
- If you do not know which county, call the state vital records office and they can tell you where to send your request.
- Online requests through the county website are often faster than mail and do not require you to visit in person.
How to Find the Right County Office
Start by identifying the county. If you remember the city or town where you married, that tells you the county. If you do not, search online for "[your state] vital records office" and call the state number — they keep an index of all marriages and can tell you which county to contact.
Once you know the county, search for "[county name] clerk of court" or "[county name] vital records." Most county websites have a dedicated page for requesting marriage licenses or certified copies. The page will list the office address, phone number, and whether they take online requests.
If the county website does not have an online request form, call the office directly. Staff can tell you whether to mail a form, visit in person, or use a third-party service the county has partnered with. Some counties use a state-run portal instead of their own system.
What Information You Need to Provide
Have ready your full legal names as they appeared on the marriage license, the date you married, and the city or county. Most offices also ask for your current address and phone number so they can contact you if there is a problem with the request.
You do not usually need to explain why you want the copy. Some offices ask for a reason — "personal records," "name change," or "passport process" are all acceptable — but most do not require proof. If the office asks and you are not sure what to write, "personal records" covers almost any situation.
If you are requesting a copy for someone else, some counties require written consent from the person named on the license, or proof that you are their spouse, child, or legal representative. Call ahead to ask what the county needs.
Cost and Processing Time
A certified copy of your marriage license costs between $10 and $30, depending on the county. Some offices charge extra if you need the copy rushed or if they have to search for the record because you do not have an exact date. A few counties offer the first copy free to residents.
Processing time varies by method. If you request in person at the office, you may get the copy the same day or within a few hours. By mail, expect one to two weeks. Online requests through the county website often process faster than mail — usually three to five business days — because the office can contact you when ready if something is missing.
If you need the copy urgently, call the office and ask whether they offer expedited service. Some will process a request the same day if you pay extra or pick it up in person. A few counties use third-party vendors who charge more but deliver faster.
Requesting by Mail
To request by mail, read the form from the county website or call and ask them to mail you one. Fill in your names, marriage date, and current address. Include a check or money order for the fee — do not send cash. Write your phone number on the check so they can contact you if there is a problem.
Mail the form and payment to the address on the county's vital records page. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so they can mail the copy back to you. This is not required but speeds up the process.
Keep a copy of what you sent. If you do not receive the copy within three weeks, call the office to confirm they received your request. They can tell you the status and whether they need more information.
Requesting Online or In Person
Many counties now have online request forms on their vital records page. You fill in your information, upload a photo of your ID, and pay by credit card. The office emails or mails the copy when it is ready. Online requests are often cheaper than mail requests and process faster because the office has all your information at once.
If you prefer to request in person, visit the county clerk's office during business hours. Bring a photo ID and the fee in cash or check. Staff will search for your record while you wait or tell you when to pick up the copy. Same-day pickup is common if the record is found quickly.
Some counties have multiple locations — a main office and satellite offices in different towns. Call ahead to confirm the office is open and has the records you need, especially if you are traveling to visit.
If You Cannot Find Your Record
If the office cannot find your marriage record after searching, they will tell you. This can happen if the marriage was recorded under a different name, in a different county than you thought, or if the record was lost or damaged.
Ask the office what to do next. Some will search again for free if you provide a different date or spelling. Others will direct you to the state vital records office, which has a statewide index and can search across all counties. A few states allow you to petition a court for a delayed or amended marriage record if the original cannot be found.
If you need the document urgently and the record cannot be located, ask whether the office can issue a letter stating that no record was found. Some employers or agencies will accept this as proof that you searched.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a copy if I do not remember the exact date I married?
Yes. Give the office the year and approximate month, and they will search. The search may take longer and cost extra, but most offices can find the record with just a year and both names. Call first to ask what information they need and whether there is an additional fee.
Do I need the original marriage license or just a certified copy?
For most purposes — passport applications, name changes, remarriage — you need a certified copy, which is an official photocopy with a seal and signature from the vital records office. The original document is yours to keep; the office keeps the record on file.
How many copies should I order?
Order at least two or three. You may need one for a passport, one for a bank or insurance company, and one to keep at home. Ordering multiple copies at once is cheaper than ordering them separately later.
What if my name has changed since I married?
Provide both your current name and the name you used when you married. The office will search under the name on the marriage record and issue the copy under that name, but they can note your current name on the request so there is no confusion.
Can I request a copy if I am not the person named on the license?
It depends on the county. Some allow anyone to request a copy; others require you to be one of the people married, a child, or a legal representative. Call the office and explain your relationship to the people on the license. They will tell you what proof they need.