FAQs • Washington County Courts, PA • CivicEngage

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How do I get a self-uniting marriage license?: The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a provision in the Marriage Act that recognizes a marriage performed without officiating clergy. This is referred to as a self-uniting license. Two witnesses are required. You must inform the clerk at the Register of Wills office that you want a self-uniting license at the time you apply.

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Marriage Licenses

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1. How do I get a certified copy of my marriage license?: Please send both married parties names on marriage application, year of marriage, $10 fee and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Register of Wills or stop in the Register of Wills office.

2. Is photo identification required when submit an application?: Yes, please make sure you have a valid form of photo identification. You do not need photo identification for a certified copy of a marriage license.

3. We are getting married on an island or in another state. Where do we get our marriage license?: You must get your license in the State or country where the marriage will take place. Travel agents might be able to provide you more information based on your travel. We recommend you request translated certified copies before you leave the location.

4. Can I register my marriage in Pennsylvania if it takes place in another country or state?: No. Your marriage will never be registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or by an County of the Commonwealth. You should be certain to get a certified copy of your marriage license from the state or country where it took place. This will be necessary for Social Security purposes and perhaps your employer.

5. Is there a central registry of marriage in Pennsylvania?: No. In Pennsylvania, all records of marriage licenses are maintained in the county where you applied for the license. This is true even if you applied in Washington County, but were married in another county of the Commonwealth.

6. I live in Washington County, but my marriage is taking place in another county in Pennsylvania. Where can I get my marriage license?: The laws of Pennsylvania state that you can apply in any county of the Commonwealth and use the license in any other county of the Commonwealth.

7. Do I need a licensed minister or priest to perform my marriage ceremony?: No. but read the policy concerning officiants of marriages in the Commonwealth.

8. How do I get a self-uniting marriage license?: The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has a provision in the Marriage Act that recognizes a marriage performed without officiating clergy. This is referred to as a self-uniting license. Two witnesses are required. You must inform the clerk at the Register of Wills office that you want a self-uniting license at the time you apply.

9. Does Pennsylvania recognize common-law marriages?: This question should be referred to an attorney. Common Law ended 01/01/2005.

10. At what age is a person no longer a minor in Pennsylvania?: Age 18. Until then the person is considered a minor and needs parental permission to marry. If the person is between 14 and 16, Court permission is also required to apply for a marriage license.

11. Why do you need my social security number (SSN) to apply for a marriage license?: The 1996 Federal Welfare Reform Act and the Commonwealth of PA Act 98-127 require the Social Security Number of an individual who has one on any application for a marriage license.

12. What if I have a SSN but refuse to provide it?: Law does not permit us to take the application.

13. What happens if I do not have a SSN?: Provision is made for this in the law. The application is taken and the license is issued.

14. Marriage applications are public record. I do not want my SSN given out to the public.: The social security number is available only to this office. It does not appear on the application, or any public documents in this office.