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 level or any federal office. That office is usually called the County Clerk, Recorder of Deeds, or Vital Records Department — the exact name depends on your state and county. You can request a copy by mail, in person, or sometimes online, and the process typically takes one to four weeks depending on how you submit it.

The county keeps the original record on file, and you can order certified copies (which have an official seal) or uncertified copies (which don't). Most institutions that need proof of marriage — banks, insurance companies, courts — require a certified copy with the county seal.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the vital records office in the county where you married, not your state capital or any federal agency.
  • You will need to provide your full names as they appeared on the license, the date of marriage, and sometimes a photo ID.
  • Certified copies with the official county seal cost between $10 and $30 per copy, depending on the county.
  • Mail requests usually take two to four weeks; in-person requests at the county office can sometimes be completed the same day.
  • If you do not know which county you married in, you can search online using your names and marriage year, or contact your state vital records office for guidance.

Finding the Right County Office

Start by identifying which county issued your license. If you remember the city or county where you married, search online for "[County Name] vital records" or "[County Name] clerk office." Most counties now have websites with instructions and sometimes online request forms.

If you do not remember the county, you have two options. First, contact your state vital records office — each state maintains a directory of all counties and can tell you how to search their records. Second, search online using your full name, your spouse's name, and the year you married; many county records are now searchable by the public. Once you find the right county, note its mailing address, phone number, and website.

What Information You Will Need to Provide

When you request a copy, the county office will ask for specific details to locate your record. Have ready your full name as it appeared on the license, your spouse's full name, the exact date of marriage, and the city or town where the ceremony took place. Some counties also ask for your date of birth or your parents' names, especially if your name has changed since the marriage.

You will also need to prove your identity. If you are requesting in person, bring a photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. If you are requesting by mail, include a photocopy of your ID. Some counties accept requests online through their website and may ask you to upload a photo of your ID electronically.

Requesting by Mail

To request by mail, write a letter or fill out the county's request form (if they have one online) with the information listed above. Include a check or money order for the fee — typically $10 to $30 per certified copy, though this varies by county. Include a photocopy of your ID and a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the county can return the copies to you.

Mail the request to the address listed on the county's website. Processing time is usually two to four weeks, though some counties are slower during busy periods. If you need the copy urgently, call the county office first to ask about expedited processing or rush fees, which may be available for an additional cost.

Requesting in Person or Online

If you live near the county courthouse or vital records office, you can visit in person. Bring your ID, the information about your marriage, and payment (usually cash or check, though some offices accept cards). Many counties can produce a certified copy on the spot or within a few hours. Call ahead to confirm their hours and whether you need an appointment.

Some counties now offer online request systems through their websites. You fill out a form, upload a photo of your ID, and pay by credit card. Processing time for online requests is typically one to two weeks. Check your county's website to see if this option is available.

What to Do If You Cannot Find Your County

If you have no record of which county you married in, start with your state vital records office. Each state has a central office that can search statewide records or direct you to the correct county. Search online for "[Your State] vital records office" or "[Your State] department of health vital records." You will likely need to provide your names and approximate marriage date.

Another option is to contact the courthouse in the city where you believe you married and ask them to search their records. Court staff can often tell you whether a marriage license was filed there and direct you to the correct county if it was not. This is a free service and usually takes a phone call or two.

Certified Versus Uncertified Copies

A certified copy has an official seal or stamp from the county and is signed by the vital records officer or clerk. This is the version you need for legal purposes — changing your name, updating insurance, proving marriage in court, or explore for spousal benefits. Most institutions will not accept an uncertified copy.

An uncertified copy is a photocopy of the record without the official seal. It is cheaper and faster to obtain but has no legal weight. Order certified copies unless you have a specific reason to order uncertified ones, and order at least two or three copies so you have extras for different institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a certified copy cost?

Certified copies typically cost between $10 and $30 per copy, depending on the county. Some counties charge extra for rush processing or online requests. Call your county vital records office or check their website for exact pricing.

Can I request a copy if I was married outside the United States?

No. If you married outside the U.S., you will need to contact the vital records office in that country or region. Some countries have their own online request systems; others require you to visit in person or work through a government liaison office.

What if my name has changed since I married?

Provide both your current name and the name you had at the time of marriage. The county office will use the name on the license to locate the record, then issue the copy in the name that appears on the original document. You may need to bring documentation of your name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order) if the office asks for it.

How long does it take to get a copy by mail?

Processing time is typically two to four weeks from the date the county receives your request. Mail delivery adds another week on each end. If you need the copy faster, ask about in-person pickup or expedited mail options when you contact the office.

Do I need the original license or just a copy?

You need a certified copy with the official county seal. The original license is a document you keep for your records; the county keeps the official record on file. Certified copies are what institutions accept as legal proof of marriage.