What is a certified copy of my marriage certificate? How do I get one?

A certified copy is a duplicate of your original marriage certificate issued directly from the county or courthouse where you received your marriage license.

To obtain a certified copy, contact the county or courthouse office that issued your marriage license. Fees range from $5-20 each. Most offices will be able to process your request in a few business days.

If you are unable to remember the county or courthouse office where your marriage license was issued, contact the Vital Records office in the state where you were married - cdc.gov/nchs/w2w. 

If you don't feel comfortable putting your original marriage certificate in the mail, we recommend obtaining at least one certified copy.  

You need your original marriage certificate or a certified copy to begin the last name change process.