A marriage license is a public record typically archived in the county of marriage, and includes basic information about the two spouses. There are a number of reasons for requesting a copy of a marriage license, including tax purposes, filing for a divorce or for an insurance settlement. Begin your search for a free copy of a marriage license by contacting the Office of Vital Statistics in the county where the marriage occurred.
Step 1
Contact the spouses or relevant family members involved, and create a list of necessary information to help in researching and locating the correct marriage license. Pertinent information can include the full name of each spouse, the wife's maiden name, the county where the license was filed and the date of the marriage.
Step 2
Write or visit the Office of Vital Statistics in the county of marriage and request a document retrieval form for receiving new copies of the marriage license. Fill out the identification form by providing detailed information of the bride, groom and date of the wedding. Many counties offer free marriage license copies as a benefit to county residents, and you may be able to obtain multiple copies in person from the proper office. A certified copy of the license, which will have a raised seal, will show the signature of the State Registrar, and will be printed on security paper, may be required for a divorce, a last name change or to obtain benefits. You will be asked to indicate whether or not you need a certified copy.
Step 3
Create two copies of the license with a copy machine or computer scanner, and keep one for document storage in case you require it in the future. Scanning the file to your computer may also help if you are filling out an online application for an insurance company or tax accountant.
Tips and Warnings
- Contact your local attorney if you are unsure about any legal matter that may involve marital assets or joint custody.
- Keep track of all documents that include personal information, such as the Social Security numbers of each spouse, to reduce the risk of identity theft.
Things You'll Need
- Document retrieval form
