What Marriage License Records Are For…
Marriage license documents have many uses. So even if you don’t have any
drastic need for it at the moment, it’s best to be prepared and have a copy on
file for a rainy day.
Marriage license records serve many purposes apart from their most common use
of authorizing a marriage (marriage license) or proving that a marriage took
place (marriage certificate).
One such purpose is when a bride wants to change her name after marriage. When a
woman marries, her name does not automatically change. Marriage only gives her
the option to change it if she desires.
A certified copy of the marriage license must be presented to change the name
reflected in the bride’s…
- Driver’s license
- Social Security records
- Internal Revenue Service records
- Bank or checking account, etc.
Other documents, such as an assumed name certificate or a decree of divorce
(where it applies) may also be required.
Some people also require a certified copy of their marriage license when taking
out a loan or mortgage cosigned by their spouse. Insurance companies may also
require a copy, especially when one spouse is named as the beneficiary.
Another purpose for obtaining such records is when legal action is brought
against one spouse, or when evidence of marital fraud exists and the
activities of one spouse need to be investigated by the other.
Accessing Marriage License Records
Although marriage license records are public access records in the United
States, the level of access varies across states. However, to gain any kind
of access, you would need to provide basic information, such as:
- the groom’s full name
- the bride’s full name at the time of marriage
- the approximate date the marriage took place
The amount of information you need to provide differs from state to state.
In Missouri, for example, the above would probably suffice. But other states
will require your driver’s license number (and the issuing state) before
they give you access to their records.
You may be asked to provide the exact state, county, city, or town where the
marriage took place, as well as your relationship to either spouse. In some
states, you will also be asked to state the exact purpose for which you need
to access their marriage license records.
In the end, you won’t know until you try! So visit
RecordsSiteReviews'
marriage records
section and make a search;
for all you know, you have enough to get the marriage license records you
are looking for.
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