Though getting a certified or official copy of your marriage license is usually not difficult, state procedures can vary widely and require you to contact various state or local agencies, officials or departments. There is no single place or agency you can contact to get a certified copy of your marriage license, so you'll have to make sure you contact the correct state representative.
Step 1
Gather information. You'll need specific information before you can get a copy of your marriage license, such as your name and your spouse's name, dates of birth, the date you applied for the license, the date you were married and the place you were married. If you don't have all this information, collect as much as you can.
Step 2
Contact your local county courthouse. Marriage records are kept by state or local government agencies, but it isn't always easy to find out who to contact. Start by contacting the clerk of the civil court in your local county courthouse. They can tell you where to get certified copies of official documents.
Step 3
Contact your state department of health. If the court clerk was no health, you can also contact the state health department or similar agency. Ask for the department that handles documents or marital records information.
Step 4
Request a certified copy. You can usually get a marriage license copy either in person, by mail or by fax. You'll likely have to pay a fee for this service, so make sure you have the proper amount and pay in the method allowed.
Tips and Warnings
- If you have kept your marriage license, you can sometimes use photocopies of the original. However, never give away your original copy. If you need a certified copy, keep the original for yourself and get a copy from the appropriate state agency.
