When two people get married, they generally go through a process where they obtain a marriage license and then have a marriage ceremony. The marriage license is the document that authorizes the marriage, while the marriage certificate is the document that records the marriage. Though both documents are important, there are some key differences between them. This blog post will explore those differences.
What is a Marriage License?
- A Marriage License is a document issued by a governmental authority that allows two people to marry. In the United States, Marriage Licenses are typically issued by state governments, although some states allow couples to obtain Marriage Licenses from local county offices.
- The requirements for obtaining a Marriage License vary from state to state, but they generally require proof of identification, age, and sometimes citizenship. In addition, some states require couples to undergo a blood test or wait a certain amount of time before their Marriage License becomes valid.
- Once a Marriage License is obtained, it is typically valid for a set period of time, after which it expires. couples must usually file paperwork with their local government office in order to have their Marriage License renewed.
What is a Marriage Certificate?
A Marriage Certificate is an official document that proves that a couple is married. In order to get a Marriage Certificate, the couple must first get a marriage license from the county clerk. The Marriage Certificate is then signed by the officiant and two witnesses and returned to the county clerk. The Marriage Certificate can be used as proof of marriage for legal purposes, such as changing your name or applying for health insurance. If you lose your Marriage Certificate, you can usually obtain a replacement from the county clerk.
Differences between a Marriage License and a Marriage Certificate
A Marriage License is required in order to get married. A Marriage Certificate is documentation that proves you are married. The Marriage License is obtained from the County Clerk’s office while the Marriage Certificate is issued by the wedding officiant and sent to the County Recorder’s office to be recorded.
The Marriage License is generally valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, while the Marriage Certificate does not expire. In order to obtain a Marriage Certificate, you must first obtain a Marriage License. The Marriage Certificate is proof that you are married, while the Marriage License is what allows you to get married.
Conclusion
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a big difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate. A marriage license is a document that authorizes your marriage, while a marriage certificate is a document that proves your marriage actually took place.
