Where to Get a Marriage Certificate in Maryland

Obtaining a marriage certificate in Maryland involves a few steps, primarily through the Circuit Court Clerk's office in the county where the marriage takes place. This guide outlines the process, required documents, fees, and tips for application.

How to Obtain a Marriage Certificate in Maryland

In Maryland, you first obtain a marriage license, which authorizes you to get married. After the ceremony is performed, the officiant returns a signed certificate of marriage to the Clerk of the Court to be recorded, at which point it becomes your official marriage record. To obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate, you will contact the Clerk's Office of the Circuit Court that issued the original marriage license.

For marriages that occurred on or after January 1, 2007, certified copies can also be obtained from the Maryland Department of Health's Division of Vital Records. For marriages before January 1, 2007, you'll need to contact the Circuit Court in the county where the marriage took place or the Maryland State Archives.

Required Documentation for Marriage Certificates

When applying for a marriage license (the prerequisite to a marriage certificate), you'll need to provide information for both parties. To obtain a certified copy of an existing marriage certificate, you generally need:

• Identification: A valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport). If a photo ID cannot be provided, two different pieces of alternative documentation (e.g., social security card, pay stub, utility bill with current address) may be accepted.

• Information for the Marriage Record:

  • Full names of both spouses (as they appeared at the time of marriage).

  • Date of marriage (month, day, year).

  • Place of marriage (city, county, state).

• Proof of Relationship (if not a spouse): If you are requesting a copy on behalf of one of the married parties, you may need a notarized letter of permission or proof of legal representation (for attorneys).

Step-by-Step Application Process

The process to obtain a copy of your marriage certificate generally follows these steps:

1. Determine Where to Apply:

   • For marriages from January 1, 2007, onward: Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, or the Circuit Court Clerk in the county where the marriage occurred.

   • For marriages before January 1, 2007: The Circuit Court Clerk in the county where the marriage occurred or the Maryland State Archives.

2. Gather Required Information: Collect all necessary details about the marriage (names, date, location) and your identification.

3. Complete the Application Form: Obtain the specific application form from the relevant agency (either online for mail/online orders or in person).

4. Submit Your Application:

   • In Person: Visit the appropriate Circuit Court Clerk's office or the Division of Vital Records with your completed form, ID, and payment.

   • By Mail: Send the completed form, a photocopy of your ID, a check or money order for the fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the appropriate office.

   • Online: Use an authorized third-party service like VitalChek (see Section 5).

Fees and Processing Times

Fees and processing times can vary slightly depending on the county and the method of application.

• Certified Copy Fee: Typically around $5.50 per certified copy when ordered from the Circuit Court Clerk or the Division of Vital Records. Non-certified copies may be less.

• Payment Methods: In-person applications usually accept cash, money order, or credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard/Discover). Mail-in applications generally require a check or money order.

• Processing Times:

  • In Person: You may receive your certified copy immediately if applying in person at the Circuit Court Clerk's office.

  • By Mail: Processing times can range from a few days to several weeks, plus mailing time.

  • Online (via VitalChek): Expedited processing and shipping options are available, but come with additional fees.

Tips for Expedited or Online Applications

• Online through VitalChek: For faster processing and convenience, the Maryland Department of Health partners with VitalChek Network, Inc. You can order certificates online through their website. Be aware that VitalChek charges additional service fees in addition to the state's certificate fee. They offer various shipping options, including next-day shipping.

• In-Person at the Circuit Court: If you need a copy quickly and are able to visit the county Circuit Court Clerk's office where the marriage took place, this is often the fastest way to obtain a certified copy, as it may be issued on the spot.

• Ensure Accuracy: Double-check all information provided on your application to avoid delays. Any discrepancies can lead to your request being rejected or requiring further documentation.

• Order Multiple Copies: It's often recommended to order a few extra certified copies, as they may be needed for various purposes (e.g., Social Security, driver's license, passport, banking) and it's generally cheaper to order them all at once than to make separate requests later.