What is the difference between marriage license and marriage certificate?

What is the difference between marriage license and marriage certificate?

A marriage license is a piece of paper that authorizes you to get married and a marriage certificate is a document that proves you are married. … Most states require both spouses, along with the person who officiated and one or two witnesses, to sign the marriage certificate; often this is done just after the ceremony.

Is a marriage certificate a legal document?

A marriage certificate (also known as marriage record or certified certificate of marriage) is an official recorded document issued by a governmental authority that proves that the couple listed on the marriage certificate have a legal marriage. In most areas, a marriage record is part of the public record.

Why do you need a marriage certificate?

Keep that marriage certificate somewhere safe, as it serves as proof of your legal marriage. You might use it more frequently than you expect, particularly at the beginning of your marriage. You will need it if: If either person plans to legally change their name.

What name goes on your marriage certificate?

When you go to social security in most states you can tell them what you want your new name to be as long as you have a marriage certificate with the names on it.. A few states you will have to go to court and petition a name change to the judge. Mine had first name, middle, and maiden name.