Are Maryland Marriage Records Public?
Yes, Marriage Records in Maryland are public records. Members of the public can request copies of most marriage records prepared in the state. However, certain information on a marriage license is exempted from public access unless included by a court order. Similarly, certified copies of Maryland marriage records are not available to everyone. Members of the public may, however, request uncertified copies of these records.
Individuals who may request certified copies of a marriage record include the couple named on the record, their family members, and attorneys of record.
Family Court records can include marriage records and divorce records. These records contain personal information of those involved, and their maintenance is critical should anyone involved wish to make changes. Because of this, both marriage and divorce records can be considered more difficult to locate and obtain than other public records and may not be available through government sources or third-party public record websites.
How to Find Maryland Marriage Records
Maryland marriage records are official documents containing information about marriages held in the state. These records prove that two individuals are legally married and that their marriage was licensed and/or solemnized in the state. There are two main types of Maryland public marriage records: marriage licenses and marriage certificates. Per the Maryland Public Information Act, these marriage records and marriage-related information are categorized as Maryland public records. Hence, these records, along with other vital record information like divorce records, death records, marriage dissolution records, marriage and divorce certificates, may be made available to interested and eligible members of the public. However, only Maryland public marriage records are issued to unauthorized requesters, and these records are typically only used for genealogical purposes. Marriage records that are certified or bearing a raised seal are strictly issued to the record holders and legally authorized persons.
How to Find Out if Someone is Married in Maryland
A record seeker can find out if someone is married by conducting a marriage record search in Maryland. They can find marriage records from the mid-1600s to 2013 at the Maryland State Archives. Additionally, interested persons can find marriage records from 2007 to date at the Division of Vital Records (DVR) of the Maryland Department of Health (MDH). Record seekers can find more information about marriages in Maryland from 1996 to 2020 at the Maryland Department of Health Vital Statistics Administration (VSA).
How to Check Marriage Status Online
Interested members of the public may check marriage status online by visiting the website of the Clerk of Court in the county where the marriage license was issued. Typically, these offices maintain an online database with which interested persons can confirm the marital status of an individual by perusing court or personal records relating to the individual. Alternatively, requesters can search using third-party aggregate sites which provide public records to subscribers. To search using either option, the requesting party may be required to enter the full name, birth date and marriage dates into the search engine provided.
What is Considered a Marriage Record in Maryland?
In Maryland, marriage records are prepared and issued by authorized state officers. They are types of Maryland vital records issued to intending couples before and after their marriage ceremonies as evidence of the legality of their unions. Marriage records are used for different purposes such as insurance, financial, or legal purposes. According to the Maryland Department of Health Vital Statistics Administration (VSA), about 26,113 marriages occurred in Maryland in 2020.
A Maryland marriage record may bear some or all of the following details:
- Full names of the bride and groom
- Full names their parents/guardians
- Date/time of the marriage ceremony
- Place of the marriage ceremony
- Name and signature of the officiant
Both government websites and organizations may offer divorce and marriage records. Similarly, third party public record websites can also provide these types of records. But because third party organizations are not operated or sponsored by the government, record availability may vary. Further, marriage and divorce records are considered highly private and are often sealed, meaning availability of these types of records cannot be guaranteed.
Where to Find Free Maryland Marriage Records
Typically, a marriage record search in Maryland cannot be conducted without paying any fees. However, individuals may be able to view marriage records on public self-service computers at the County Clerk of Circuit Court offices. To access this service, the requesting party may visit the office during working hours and enter the full name of the subject(s) of the record into the search bar provided on the computer. These are likely to provide the complete public records associated with the individual being searched. However, requestors who require copies will be required to purchase them for a nominal fee. Additional costs will be accrued for a certified copy.
How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Maryland
Newly married parties who want to change their name after marriage in Maryland must first locate their marriage license. Parties will then need to officially contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) to confirm their name change after marriage. They will need to complete a Form SS-5 and provide the following additional documents:
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of identity
After a 14-21 day waiting period, the party will receive a new card displaying their new name. It's also necessary to contact the local Motor Vehicle Administration to update state identification and driver's license. They will need to submit a copy of their marriage certificate and their current driver's license to the office in person.
What is Considered a Marriage Certificate in Maryland?
Maryland marriage certificates are issued to newlyweds after their wedding ceremonies. These documents prove their unions are legal and recognized by Maryland laws. This type of marriage record usually contains the following information:
- Names and signatures of the couple
- State and county of marriage
- Date and time of marriage
- Name and signature of an authorized officiant
Usually, the information on a marriage license is also stated on a marriage certificate. Interested members of the public may make in-person, mail-in and online marriage certificate requests to the appropriate department or office. However, requestors may be required to provide evidence of their eligibility if requesting certified copies bearing a raised seal.
How Do I Obtain a Copy of My Marriage Certificate in Maryland?
To obtain certified copies of a marriage certificate in Maryland, send a request to the Division of Vital Records of the Maryland Department of Health. This Division only provides copies of Maryland marriage certificates issued from January 1, 2007 to date. Marriage certificates prepared prior to this date are available at the various Clerk of Circuit Court’s Office in the state. Applicants should request these at the counties of where the respective marriage licenses were issued or from the Maryland State Archives.
The Division of Vital Records accepts mail, online, and in-person requests for marriage certificates. It charges $12 for each certified copy and this fee is payable by cash, check, or money order. Individuals can also order online marriage certificates. Applicants submitting their requests in person should visit:
Division of Vital Records
Department of Health
6764B Reisterstown Road
Reisterstown Road Plaza
Baltimore, MD 21215
Phone: (410) 764-3038
Applicants can also send mail requests for Maryland marriage certificates to:
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 68760
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
Each request must include a check or money order covering the total fee for the number of copies needed. When submitting a mail request, send a completed Application for Certified Copy of Maryland Marriage Record (Spanish/English version) along with the fee and a photocopy of a government-issued photo ID or two acceptable documents.
To obtain copies of a Maryland marriage certificate issued earlier than 2007, apply to the Clerk of Circuit Court in the county of marriage. Procedures, processing times, working hours, payment methods, and addresses differ by county, but the fee per request is uniform: $5.50 per certified copy. Applicants should ensure they know the procedures for the applicable county.
Maryland State Archives keeps marriage records from 1776 to 2011. Requesters can search the online index for marriage certificates or order copies of these records using the Mail-in Order Form provided on their website. The Maryland State Archives charges $25 for each certified copy requested.
Those electing to submit their requests in person may visit:
Dr. Edward C. Papenfuse State Archives Building
350 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 260-6400
What is Considered a Marriage License in Maryland?
Maryland Marriage licenses are vital documents authorizing two prospective spouses to wed. It usually features the groom’s name, bride’s maiden name, marriage location, and the date and place the license was issued. Essentially, any two individuals who wish to get married in the State of Maryland must get a marriage license in order for their marriage to be legally recognised. They must meet all of the state’s marriage requirements to be considered eligible for marriage. The most important requirements mandate both parties to:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Not be related to each other
Applicants who are 15-17 years old require consents from their parents/legal guardians and a certificate from a state-licensed physician that proves that the woman to be wed is pregnant or has birthed a child.
Maryland marriage licenses are valid for 6 months. Applicants can only use a license in the county where it was issued.
Maryland Common-Law Marriage Licenses
The Clerks of Circuit Court in Maryland do not issue common-law marriage licenses because Maryland does not recognize common-law marriages. However, Maryland recognizes the validity of common-law marriages contracted in other states that allow such marital unions.
How Do I Get a Marriage License in Maryland?
To get a marriage license, submit a request at the county where the marriage ceremony will be held. Either or both applicants may visit the Clerk of Circuit Court in that county to get their marriage license. If neither of the applicants is a resident of Maryland, they must also submit a completed non-resident affidavit form.
Both parties are expected to be 18 years of age or older (underaged applicants between 15 and 17 years must also provide consent/approval from their parents/legal guardians and a licensed physician). All applicants must provide the following information during the application process:
- Full names
- Place of residence
- Age and marital status. Applicants who are divorced or widowed are required to provide certified copies of their divorce decrees or death certificates of their former deceased spouses.
- State of birth
- Date of birth
- Degree of the familial/blood relationship between the parties (if such relationship exists)
- Social Security Number
- Valid photo identification
While Maryland counties require the same information from applicants, their procedures, fees, and acceptable payment methods vary. Generally, a marriage license costs $25 to $85 in Maryland. Applicants should contact the county of interest or check its website for details of its marriage license application process.
Are Prenups Public Records in Maryland?
Prenups are documents intended couples use to guarantee their financial security in a marriage. No Maryland law mandates that couples submit prenups to any record custodian. Hence, the information contained in prenups is not accessible to the general public because they are not public records.
