Certified Authorized Copy
A Certified Authorized Copy of your marriage certificate can be used as proof of marriage.
Standard Marriage
To purchase a Standard marriage certificate, you’ll need to be one of the people listed on the certificate or that person’s:
- parent
- child
- grandparent
- grandchild
- sibling
- spouse or domestic partner
- legal guardian
For official business, governmental agencies and legal representatives can request a copy of a Standard marriage certificate.
When you request a Certified Authorized Copy by mail or online, state your relationship to the person listed on the marriage certificate and sign that statement with a notary public present.
Confidential Marriage
To purchase a Confidential Certified Authorized marriage certificate, you must be one of the people listed on the certificate or have a court order authorizing you to purchase the certificate.
Certified Informational Copy
A Certified Informational Copy of a marriage certificate is generally not accepted as proof of marriage.
Standard Marriage
Anyone can request an informational copy of a Standard marriage certificate without a direct relationship to the person listed on the certificate.
On a Certified Informational copy, signatures are concealed and the words, “Informational, not a valid document to establish identity” are printed across the face of the certificate.
The request form for this type of certificate does not need to be notarized.
Learn about the differences between Standard and Confidential marriages.