How to Find Marriage Records
Find out where the state in which you were married keeps vital records., Have your identification information ready., Give all information required and pay the fee.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Find out where the state in which you were married keeps vital records.
Different states have different ways of keeping vital records, including marriage records.
In Pennsylvania, you’ll find marriage records at the Marriage License Clerks division of the county courthouse in the county where you were married.
In Florida, you can find marriage records through the Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics.
You can search online for the state’s name and “marriage records” or “vital records.” The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has information on how to find vital records in each state.
This part of their website can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm.
Always be sure to look on official websites that contain “.gov” in the web address for the correct information.
There are other sites that claim to find marriage records for free or for a fee; these may not be reliable sources. -
Step 2: Have your identification information ready.
You will most likely need your social security number and a state- or federal- issued ID (driver’s license or passport) in order to get a copy of your marriage license.
Have this information ready to save time in the process. , In addition to personal identification information, most states do charge a fee for obtaining duplicate copies of your marriage license.
Fees for copies of your marriage records range typically range from $5 to $34, depending on the state where the marriage occurred.
Many states use VitalChek.com as a way to order copies of your own vital records.
If you are redirected to this location during your search online, this is a valid and trusted source to use. -
Step 3: Give all information required and pay the fee.
Detailed Guide
Different states have different ways of keeping vital records, including marriage records.
In Pennsylvania, you’ll find marriage records at the Marriage License Clerks division of the county courthouse in the county where you were married.
In Florida, you can find marriage records through the Department of Health’s Bureau of Vital Statistics.
You can search online for the state’s name and “marriage records” or “vital records.” The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has information on how to find vital records in each state.
This part of their website can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.htm.
Always be sure to look on official websites that contain “.gov” in the web address for the correct information.
There are other sites that claim to find marriage records for free or for a fee; these may not be reliable sources.
You will most likely need your social security number and a state- or federal- issued ID (driver’s license or passport) in order to get a copy of your marriage license.
Have this information ready to save time in the process. , In addition to personal identification information, most states do charge a fee for obtaining duplicate copies of your marriage license.
Fees for copies of your marriage records range typically range from $5 to $34, depending on the state where the marriage occurred.
Many states use VitalChek.com as a way to order copies of your own vital records.
If you are redirected to this location during your search online, this is a valid and trusted source to use.
About the Author
Dorothy Bailey
Brings years of experience writing about lifestyle and related subjects.
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