Table of Contents:
- Why Do You Need Multiple Copies of a Marriage Certificate?
- A Step-By-Step Look at How to Get a Copy of Your Marriage Certificate
- Find the Records Issuer
- Gather Your Supporting Information
- Complete Your Application
- Confirm Your Certified Copy
- Can You Get a Copy of Your Marriage Certificate Online?
As many married people will tell you, there’s much to take care of after tying the knot. And we’re not talking about planning where to spend your honeymoon. After most marriages, someone will need to obtain copies of their marriage certificate.
Let Vital Records Online explain how to get a copy of your marriage certificate. You’ll also learn why people need multiple copies of this document and if you can get a copy of your marriage certificate online.
Why Do You Need Multiple Copies of a Marriage Certificate?
There are several situations where having this vital document can be helpful. Keeping multiple copies on hand ensures you’re ready when you must provide proof of your marriage.
For a Legal Name Change
A marriage certificate is a crucial piece of paper for legally proving your new surname. Because of that, you must present certified copies of your marriage certificate for name change purposes to:
- The Social Security Administration (SSA)
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Your employer
- Your bank
- Insurance providers
- The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Utility companies
- Passport agencies
If you change your name post-marriage, your new name must be on your driver’s license, REAL ID, debit cards, and credit cards. You must also update your name on any current loans on bills in your name. Getting a copy of your marriage certificate makes these name-related changes possible.
Obtaining Benefits
A perk of marriage for some people is having access to spousal benefits. You’ll need to present proof of your eligibility before that can happen. Whether applying for pension benefits, health insurance, or Social Security spousal payments, knowing how to get a certified copy of your marriage certificate is a required prerequisite. Failing to do so can mean delays in having access to sometimes crucial benefits.
Personal Reasons
So far, we’ve covered that companies and government agencies require marriage certificate copies to verify name change information. However, there’s no law against you or your spouse wanting a copy of this document for personal reasons. A few examples could include framing a marriage certificate for display or storing this copy in a scrapbook.
A Step-By-Step Look at How to Get a Copy of Your Marriage Certificate
Getting copies of vital records can seem daunting. Fortunately, it’s fairly straightforward.
1. Find the Records Issuer
Typically, states or counties record marriages by issuing and storing marriage certificates. Because of that, the first step in getting a copy of your marriage certificate is finding out the office responsible for handling this request. A few examples of agencies that handle these requests include county clerks’ offices and vital records offices.
2. Gather Your Supporting Information
Before starting your application, have important details ready that may include:
- Full names
- The date of your marriage
- Where your marriage took place
- Your government-issued IDs
- Payment information to cover state or county fees
3. Complete Your Application
Most government offices allow applicants to apply in a few ways, including in person, by mail, or online. Understandably, due to its convenience, most people prefer to complete this process on their computers, smartphones, or similar devices. However, not all jurisdictions offer online applications. You must also present a payment that covers all applicable fees.
With everything complete, review your application. This crucial step lets you double-check that everything is correct. Rushing this process could result in a declined application and having to resubmit it.
4. Confirm Your Certified Copy
Knowing when your certified marriage certificate copy will be ready is impossible. The issuing agency’s workload determines when you get this document. Whether you get your certificate copy online, by mail, or in person, it’s wise to ensure this document’s information is correct to avoid further delays.
Can You Get a Copy of Your Marriage Certificate Online?
Yes. While local governments have the final word, most jurisdictions allow online applications for married individuals. The best way to find this information is by checking with the vital records office where your marriage happened and was recorded.
While applying for and ordering your marriage certificate online is much more convenient than completing this task by mail or in person, it can still be a complex process to handle by yourself. Vital Records Online is here to help. Our streamlined and secure process removes the confusion of getting certified copies of vital records.
You can get a copy of your marriage certificate online by choosing Vital Records Online (VRO). Our simple and secure application process takes the time and hassle out of record retrieval. You provide a bit of information, and Vital Records Online takes care of the rest.
With Vital Records Online, there’s no need to spend money traveling to an issuing agency, waiting in long lines, or dealing with often confusing government websites. Start your request today to get your vital records fast.