Get your certified Ohio Marriage Certificate

Yes, you can order a Ohio marriage certificate online through VitalRecordsOnline.com. The online process allows you to submit your application, provide required information, and pay securely. Online orders are typically processed faster than mail-in requests. You will need to provide identifying information about both spouses and the date and location of the marriage.

A marriage license is the document you obtain before your wedding that legally authorizes you to marry in Ohio. A marriage certificate is the official record proving your marriage took place. After your ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to the appropriate office for filing. Once recorded, it becomes the official marriage certificate. You need the certificate for legal purposes like name changes, insurance benefits, tax filing, and immigration applications.

You can obtain a certified copy of a Ohio marriage certificate from the state vital records office, the county clerk or recorder where the marriage was filed, or online through VitalRecordsOnline.com. For older records, you may need to contact the county directly or the state archives. Processing times vary by method, with online and in-person requests typically being the fastest options.

The fee for an Ohio marriage certificate varies by county since marriage certificate is issued by the County Probate Court where the marriage license was filed. Contact the specific county Probate Court for exact fees and payment methods.

Yes. An authorized third party such as a spouse, parent, legal representative, or attorney may request an Ohio marriage certificate on someone else’s behalf. You will typically need a notarized affidavit or sworn statement confirming your relationship and purpose. A Power of Attorney (PoA) document is also accepted.

Ohio marriage records are generally considered public records. Certified copies can be obtained from the County Probate Court where the marriage was recorded. Access to certified copies requires identification and a completed application.

To ensure your marriage certificate is official, compare it to the original certified documents from the county that issued it, because each Ohio county and municipality has unique marriage records. Informational copies of marriage records usually display a stamp or large print across the face of the document stating “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or something similar.

Apostille

An apostille is necessary when a vital record is submitted to a foreign government. The Ohio Secretary of State issues apostilles for vital records initially filed with the ODH-BVS.

Apostilles for Ohio vital records are only issued by the Secretary of State. Vital Records Online (VRO) offers online apostille services for all 50 US states, with legal validity in over 100 countries. The apostille service includes professional assistance for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. It can be completed online in three simple steps, starting at $149 (plus government fees).

1. Complete the VRO Apostille Express online application.
2. Submit the required documents for approval.
3. Receive your apostille document.

The delivery will be made to your doorstep regardless of location, whether in the US or any other country. Once you have completed the apostille documentation, it will be sent to you via FedEx or DHL.

If you order by mail, you will need to provide the following information:

• Authentication Request Cover Letter
• Certified vital records certificate
• $5.00 per document, payable via a check or money order made payable to “Ohio Secretary of State” or via the Secretary of State’s Credit Card Authorization Form
• Prepaid overnight delivery label and self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents (FedEx is recommended by Ohio SOS).

You can submit requests for vital record apostilles to the Secretary of State at the following addresses:

Ohio Secretary of State Client Service Center 180 Civic Center Dr. Columbus, OH 43215-4138

You can reach the office at https://www.ohiosos.gov/records/apostilles-certifications/submission-information/.

The probate court in Ohio keeps marriage records where the event was recorded. You must contact the appropriate county probate court to request corrections or amendments.

Correcting or amending marriage records usually will require the following:

1. A completed, notarized amendment application;
2. Supporting documentation;
3. Appropriate fee(s);

If you lose your marriage certificate:

1. Submit an application for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You will need to complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the ODH-BVS.
2. 1. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to a county health department.
   2. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the county clerk's email address
   3. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
2. ODH-BVS will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.