Where Do I Get a Certified Copy of My Marriage Certificate

Published Sept 20, 2021

Have you been wondering, “where do I get a certified copy of my marriage certificate?” for the past few days? Are you in need of its copy for something important? Or have you misplaced your original and require a replacement?

Here’s a brief overview of what marriage certificates are and where you can get a copy of them.

Defining Marriage Certificate

A marriage certificate is an official document that attests to the fact that you got married. It is not the same with your marriage license, which is a piece of paper issued prior to your wedding as an authorization for marriage.

Following the wedding, your officiant (the person who officiated the ceremony) will return your marriage license to the county office it was issued in the first place.

Your marriage certificate is issued and mailed to you by the county office. It should arrive between two and four weeks following your wedding.

Marriage Certificate: What Does It Look Like?

A marriage certificate is a formal-looking document that contains information about your marriage. It will contain the date, time, and place of your wedding, as well as signatures from all guests.

They come in different shapes and sizes. However, the words ‘Marriage Certificate’ will always be prominently displayed.

Marriage Certificate: Why Does One Need It?

• To legally change their name

After marriage, your marriage certificate enables you to legally change your name. The first step is to take your marriage document to the Social Security Administration and request that your name be changed on your Social Security Card. Then you can begin updating your driver’s license, US passport, and personal accounts –– such as banks and credit cards. Without it, you cannot change your name.

• If adding themselves or a spouse to a benefit plan

Many employer-sponsored benefit plans require proof of marriage in order to enroll a spouse.

• If planning to take out a loan

Lenders may need you to provide a copy of your marriage certificate to establish your marital status.

• If getting audited by the IRS

The Internal Revenue Service will seek to confirm your marital status.

Where Do I Get A Certified Copy of My Marriage Certificate?

To obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate, contact the county office that issued your marriage license.

A certified copy is an exact replica of your original marriage certificate, which was issued directly by the county office where you obtained your marriage license.

The cost of each certified copy usually is between $5 and $20, and the majority of offices can fulfill your request within a few working days.

If you are unable to contact the county clerk’s office where your license was issued, you may contact the state’s vital records office where you were married. They will be able to assist you with obtaining a copy.

The guidelines are different in every state, but every request should include:

• Spouses’ full names (at the time of marriage)
• Day, month, and year of the marriage
• Marriage location (county, city or town, and state)
• The purpose for requesting a certified copy of a marriage certificate
• Daytime telephone number (also include area code)