How to Get a Marriage Certificate for Immigration (Green Card, Visa)

If you’re filing a spousal green card (Form I-130), a K-1 fiancé visa, a CR1/IR1 marriage-based visa, or any other family-based immigration petition, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires a certified copy of your marriage certificate. Here’s what that means, what USCIS accepts, and how to get one quickly.

What Kind of Marriage Certificate Does USCIS Accept?

USCIS requires a certified copy of your marriage certificate, issued by the state or county where the marriage took place. This is different from:

• A marriage license — the document that authorized the wedding to take place. This is not sufficient for immigration.
• A commemorative or keepsake certificate issued by the officiant or wedding venue. These are not legal documents.
• An informational copy — some states issue these without the legal status of a certified copy. USCIS requires the certified version.

A certified marriage certificate has the official seal or stamp of the issuing state or county. For a full explanation of the difference, see our guide on marriage license vs. marriage certificate.

How Many Copies Do You Need?

For most immigration petitions, you’ll submit one certified copy with your application. However, you may want to order two or three copies because:

• USCIS does not return submitted documents
• You may need additional copies for the consular interview abroad (for visas processed through a U.S. embassy)
• You may need copies for the Social Security Administration, driver’s license updates, or other name-change processes after approval
• Other agencies (I-9 verification, banks, immigration attorney) may request a certified copy

Do You Need a Translated Marriage Certificate?

If you were married in the United States, your marriage certificate is already in English and no translation is needed.

If you were married abroad, and the certificate is in a language other than English, USCIS requires:

• The original certified foreign marriage certificate
• A full English translation
• A certification of translation signed by the translator, declaring that they are competent to translate the document and that the translation is accurate

Do You Need an Apostille for Immigration?

For U.S.-based immigration filings with USCIS, an apostille is generally not required — USCIS accepts certified copies directly from U.S. state and county offices.

However, if you are applying for a visa at a U.S. embassy abroad, or if you need your U.S. marriage certificate for another country’s immigration process, you may need the document apostilled.

How to Get a Certified Marriage Certificate

1. Identify the state or county where the marriage license was issued
2. Gather information — both spouses’ full legal names, date of marriage, location, your ID, and reason for request (“immigration petition” is acceptable)
3. Submit your application through VRO, the state vital records office, or the county clerk
4. Choose expedited handling if you need the document quickly — USCIS processing is time-sensitive and a missing document can delay your petition

In California and Montana, VRO is an approved vendor filing applications electronically directly into the state’s system — a faster option than paper mail.

Common Immigration Scenarios

Spousal Green Card (Form I-130)

Submit a certified copy of your marriage certificate as the primary proof of a bona fide marriage. Include supporting evidence of the marriage’s legitimacy (joint finances, photos, shared lease, etc.).

CR1 / IR1 Marriage-Based Visa

For marriages that took place abroad, submit the foreign-issued certified marriage certificate with a full English translation.

K-3 Spousal Visa

Requires a certified marriage certificate alongside Form I-130 and Form I-129F.

Name Change After Marriage (for immigration documents)

If one spouse is changing their name after marriage, the certified marriage certificate is the primary legal basis. You’ll need copies for your Social Security card, driver’s license, and U.S. passport updates. See our guide on changing your name with a marriage certificate.

Tips for Immigration Applicants

• Never send originals you can’t replace. Always order certified copies specifically for immigration filing, keeping your original safely stored.
• Order multiple copies at once. It’s cheaper than ordering again and you’ll likely need extras.
• Don’t laminate. USCIS may reject a laminated certificate; the seal must be clearly verifiable.
• Start early. Standard processing can take 4 to 8 weeks in many states — order well before your USCIS deadline.

Ready to Order?

Start your certified marriage certificate order through VRO. We process applications from every U.S. state and can expedite handling for immigration deadlines.

Related FAQs

• Marriage License vs. Marriage Certificate
• How to Replace a Lost Marriage Certificate
• Do You Need a Marriage Certificate to Change Your Name?
• How to Apostille a Marriage Certificate