So You Need a Copy of Your Philly Marriage License: Let's Unearth That Buried Treasure (Metaphorically)
Ah, the marriage license. The little piece of paper that turned your "I dos" into officialdom. Maybe you need it to prove your undying love (to a skeptical bank), or perhaps you're just a sentimental soul reminiscing about that awkward ceremony with your awesomely-awful 80s hair. Whatever the reason, zdobycie [pronounced z-doh-bee-shah] (that's Polish for "acquiring") a copy in Philadelphia is easier than surviving a cheesesteak challenge.
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| How To Get Copy Of Marriage License In Philadelphia |
Two Paths to Take, My Friend (Without the Rocky Music)
There are two main ways to snag that elusive marriage license copy:
Become a Mailbox Ninja: This method involves filling out a form, mailing it in with some cold hard cash (or a money order, because who uses cash anymore?), and then playing the waiting game. Think of it as a surprise gift to yourself in the mail! You can find the request form and all the details on the City of Philadelphia's website (https://www.phila.gov/services/birth-marriage-life-events/marriage-and-divorce/find-and-request-a-marriage-record/).
Channel Your Inner Indiana Jones: If you're feeling adventurous (or just impatient), you can head over to the Register of Wills office in person. Be sure to bring your ID and your best Indiana Jones fedora (optional, but highly encouraged). Their office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm, so plan your raid accordingly.
Important Note: Whichever method you choose, you'll need to decide if you want a certified or exemplified copy. A certified copy is like the gold standard of marriage license copies, while an exemplified copy is basically its equally-awesome cousin. The certified copy will set you back $25, while the exemplified copy is a slightly steeper $50.
QuickTip: Copy useful snippets to a notes app.
The Nitty Gritty (Because Nobody Likes Waiting for a Pony)
- Processing times for mailed requests are typically 7-10 business days. So, don't expect it to arrive overnight with your Amazon Prime order.
- If you go in person, you should be able to get your copy on the spot, assuming they don't get caught in a thrilling document chase scene.
Frequently Asked Questions (Because We Know You Have Them)
How to request a copy of a marriage license in Philadelphia by mail?
Fill out the form on the City of Philadelphia website, include your payment (money order!), and mail it in. Easy peasy!
QuickTip: Don’t rush through examples.
How long does it take to get a copy of a marriage license by mail?
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Allow 7-10 business days for your request to be processed and delivered.
QuickTip: Short pauses improve understanding.
Can I get a copy of my marriage license in person?
Yes! Visit the Register of Wills office during business hours with your ID and be prepared to walk away with your copy on the spot (hopefully without any document-related mayhem).
QuickTip: Treat each section as a mini-guide.
What's the difference between a certified and exemplified copy?
Both are official copies, but an exemplified copy has an extra fancy seal that some institutions might require.
How much does it cost to get a copy of a marriage license in Philadelphia?
A certified copy is $25, while an exemplified copy is $50.
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