Determine State and County

• The first step is to identify the specific state and county in which the marriage was documented. Each state has a department that deals with vital records such as birth and marriage certificates. Contacting the wrong office will result in an unnecessary delay in acquiring your marriage license copy.
  
  

Contact Vital Records Office

• Contact the custodial office directly; this is an essential step. Many states have adopted online resources that simplify the process. Make sure you know the procedures, fees and identification requirements before submitting your request.
  
  

Submit Your Request

• Submit your request and the required supportive documentation via mail, e-mail, fax or online, according to the process dictated by the vital records office. Be sure to strictly adhere to their specific policies. Provide the exact amount of fee payment using the accepted method of payment. It usually takes between two and six weeks to receive your certified copy in the mail. Some states will electronically provide a copy, but these copies are not certified.