This site is not compatible with browsers older than Internet Explorer 10.
Please Contact Us for more ordering options:
888-733-7882
How Do I Get a Certified Copy of a Marriage Certificate?
Requesting a certified copy of your marriage certificate can be confusing, especially if you're unsure where to begin.
Whether it’s for a legal name change, government forms, or personal records, you’ll likely need a certified copy at some point.
This guide explains what it is, where to get it, and how to complete the request properly.
What Is a Certified Copy of a Marriage Certificate?
A certified marriage certificate is the official document that proves you’re married.
A government office gives it to you and adds a seal or signature to make it legally valid. You’ll usually need it for things like applying for benefits, updating your records, or proving you’re married.
Different from a marriage license, which authorizes the marriage to take place. You get the certificate after the ceremony, and it’s basically proof that the marriage happened.
Where Do I Request One?
You need to contact the vital records office or county clerk in the state or county where the marriage took place.
Some states handle these at the state level. Others keep them at the county level. You can also order a certified copy online.
What Information Do I Need to Provide?
Most state or county offices will request the following information:
- Full legal names of both spouses (including any previous names)
- Date of the marriage
- City or county where the marriage took place
- Your relationship to the individuals listed on the certificate
- A valid photo ID (in most cases)
Some jurisdictions may also require the form to be notarized before processing the request.
How Can I Request It?
Most offices offer three ways:
1. Online
Many counties and states have request forms on their websites. Some use outside services like StateVitalRecords.org.
2. By Mail
You download a form, fill it out, include your ID, and mail it with a check or money order.
3. In Person
You walk into the office, show your ID, and request it. Some places let you get it the same day.
How Much Does It Cost?
The place where you got married and how you ask for it affect the cost of a certified marriage certificate. In most cases, you’ll pay between $5 and $30 per copy.
Additional charges may apply for:
- Rush processing
- Mail delivery
- Online service fees
- Notarization, if required
If you're ordering multiple copies, each one usually costs the same amount. Make sure to check your state’s official fee schedule before you pay. This is important if you are mailing a check or money order.
How Long Does It Take?
- In person: often same day
- Online: usually 5–10 business days
- By mail: 2–4 weeks
If they need more info or if there’s a backlog, it could take longer.
What If My Marriage Was Confidential?
In states like California, confidential marriage records are only available to the couple. You must request it from the County Clerk’s Office, not the state.
What If I Got Married Outside the U.S.?
You’ll need to contact the embassy or consulate of that country. Some foreign marriage certificates may need to be translated or notarized for use in the U.S. (USA.gov)
Why Do I Need a Certified Copy?
Used for:
- Changing your name (Social Security, DMV, etc.)
- Getting health or life insurance
- Filing taxes
- Applying for immigration benefits
- Proving your relationship in court or to government agencies
Ordering more than one certified copy is a good idea.
How to Request One on SVR (StateVitalRecords)
We make it fast, simple, and secure to order certified vital records online, without the hassle.
Need Your Vital Records?
Receiving your vital records through our website only gets better from here. You can receive a state-issued birth certificate, death certificate or any other information needed regarding vital information.
Here’s how State Vital Records works:
- Order online – Submit an application through our online order form. This may all be
- Location - Order is completed by the jurisdiction that holds the record.
- Receiving Documents - You’ll receive the requested information by mail.
- A. Upload Your Document
- B. Verify Your Identity
- C. Connect Online With An Online Notary
- D. Download Your Notarized Document Through Email.
- If you require assistance in notarizing your document, please contact [email protected]. Interested in the notarization process? Click here to learn more.
Looking to order your state vital records? Click here to make a request. Have any questions? Contact us!
- Simple. Safe. Legit.
Need It Notarized?
In some states, you’ll need to get your application notarized before you can request your record. You can use an online notary service like NotaryLive to complete that part without going anywhere.
COMMON QUESTIONS
ARE THE CERTIFICATES OFFICIAL?
- Yes. The certificates are issued by departments of public health and are recognized and accepted by all state and federal agencies.
WHAT KIND OF PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?
- We accept Visa, MasterCard, JCB, American Express and Discover. Please contact us for more payment options.
WHAT KIND OF VITAL RECORDS CAN I RECEIVE/ORDER?
- State Birth Certificate
- State Death Certificate
- Marriage Certificate
- Divorce Certificate
- Fetal Death and Stillbirth Certificates
ARE YOU AFFILIATED WITH A LOCAL, STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY?
- We are a privately-owned site, but trusted and contracted by the Department of Public Health.