Checked against USAGov's marriage certificate page, CDC's vital records directory and an official page for every state and DC on 2026-10-07. Rules are set by each state and its local offices; their current instructions win.
USAGov puts it in two sentences: "A marriage license legally allows you to marry. A marriage certificate proves you got married." (USAGov)
USAGov: "Contact the vital records office in the state where you are getting married to find out how to apply." In many states the license itself is issued by a county, city, town or court office; the state's page names or links it. If a license runs out or goes missing, USAGov says: "If yours expires or gets lost before you get married, apply for a new one."
For a marriage in the U.S., USAGov says to contact the vital records office in the state where you married: "They will tell you the cost, what information you need to supply, and if you can get a copy online, by mail, or in person."
The CDC's directory adds: "The federal government does not distribute certificates, files, or indexes with identifying information for vital records." (CDC) So both documents come from state and local offices; see our free table of state links.
The kit's forms track the license (application, appointment, signing and return) and the certified copies (how many, who asked for one, and when you sent it).
Get the Marriage License Checklist (PDF + Word), $9
Instant download. 14-day no-questions refund. Edition 1.0, dated 2026-10-07. For a marriage license in any U.S. state or DC; each office's own rules you read on its own pages.