A marriage certificate is vital for a married couple. Like a marriage license, this piece of paper is a requirement for those wanting to marry legally. A marriage certificate is a non-expiring piece of paper couples receive after their wedding ceremony concludes. However, the excitement of having a marriage certificate can quickly turn to confusion and despair if it contains errors. Don’t panic. This issue is more common than you might think. How do you correct an error on your marriage certificate? Let Vital Records Online walk you through the marriage certificate correction process.
Why Errors Happen on Marriage Certificates
Mistakes can happen in many ways on a marriage certificate. It could contain a simple misspelling. Sometimes, these documents include multiple errors. Marriage certificate-related mistakes can happen due to clerical mistakes.
Rushing through the application process can lead to errors caused by an applicant. Filling out a paper form with sloppy handwriting can also cause mistakes on a certificate. In other cases, an applicant provides false information unintentionally based on incorrect sources or misremembering.
How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?
The exact steps required to correct a marriage certificate vary based on where you live. Specifically, states and counties in the U.S. can have differing requirements for how someone can amend marriage-related documents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the marriage certificate correction process.
Gather Your Supporting Documents
The first step required for correcting a marriage certificate involves proving your identity. Only certain people are eligible to request and view this document by law.
That typically includes:
- The couple named on the certificate
- Either party’s legal representatives
- The marriage’s officiant
- An official government investigator
If you fall within one of the previously mentioned groups of people, you have the legal right to receive a copy of a marriage certificate. The next task is to present supporting documents verifying your identity.
Supporting documents can include your:
- Driver’s license
- State ID
- Passport
- Birth certificate
These are general requirements. Before you move further in correcting your marriage certificate, visit the appropriate vital records office in person or online. This agency will have a clear list of what supporting documents it will accept. Having this information can prevent you from making mistakes that can delay your correction from becoming official.
Complete and Submit Necessary Paperwork
With your supporting information handy, you’re ready to complete your state’s official paperwork. This paper is typically a named form your vicinity offers for those with mistakes on their marriage certificates. However, form names vary by state.
During this time, you’ll likely need to explain what needs correcting. For instance, you could present a recent bill or a birth certificate that lists your correctly spelled name. After filling out your form, submit it per the requirements of your local vital records department. Most locations typically let people complete the marriage certificate correction process in person or online.
Pay Any Required Fees
We can’t fully answer “How do I correct a mistake on my marriage certificate?” without discussing fees. In most cases, your state will require a small payment to process your request to update a marriage certificate. Correcting a marriage certificate typically costs $10 to $40 in most states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Have to Correct a Marriage Certificate in Person?
Not always. It depends on your state’s requirements. One state may require both parties in a marriage to be present and submit their request in person. Other states allow eligible parties to complete their request and receive their information online or by mail.
However, not all agencies that require in-person visits allow walk-ins. Therefore, contacting your local vital records office to learn if they accept walk-in visits is essential before stopping by in person. You may also consider visiting this agency during non-peak hours to avoid long lines and excessive wait times.
How Long Does It Take to Correct Marriage Certificate Errors?
After completing the steps required to correct a mistake on a marriage certificate, wondering how long it takes is understandable. There’s no way to give an exact timeline. However, expect the appropriate agency to take a few weeks to complete your request.
How Can I Prevent Future Errors on My Documents?
Unfortunately, preventing another person or agency from making errors is difficult. However, you can help avoid this by taking your time when filling out information on your vital record-related forms. Also, ensure you use clear handwriting. Another bright idea is to reread all completed forms before submitting them.
Correcting a marriage certificate might seem daunting. However, it’s a relatively simple process. If you need to present copies of your vital records, including birth, death, divorce, and marriage certificates, choose Vital Records Online. We hope you receive your corrected certificate soon.