Miami-Dade County is where many couples in South Florida get their marriage license. Getting hitched requires applying for a marriage license with the county, which then becomes an official record.
These records are important for all sorts of reasons, from legal matters to genealogical research.
This article serves as a comprehensive guide to accessing a Miami Dade marriage license record. We’ll walk you through the process, show you where to find these records, and explain the different ways you can get your hands on them.
Understanding Miami-Dade Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses are legal documents that give a couple permission to marry. You must obtain a marriage license before you can legally marry in the United States.
What is a Marriage License?
A marriage license is, essentially, permission from the government to get married. It’s a prerequisite for a legal marriage and contains information such as the names of the parties, the date of the marriage, and the location where the marriage took place.
Who Needs Access to Marriage Records?
There are many reasons a person might want to view or obtain a copy of a marriage license. Marriage records may be needed for legal proceedings such as divorce or inheritance claims. Genealogists may wish to view marriage records to track family history. Or you may just be curious about your own personal or family history.
Accessing Miami-Dade Marriage License Records
If you need to find a Miami-Dade marriage license record, here’s how to go about it.
Official Sources for Obtaining Records
The primary source for marriage records in Miami-Dade County is the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts. You can find information on their official website or visit one of their physical locations.
You can also obtain Florida marriage certificates (for marriages occurring from June 6, 1927, to the present) from the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Online Access Options
The Clerk of Courts website allows you to search for marriage records online. You may be able to view digital copies of the records, depending on their availability.
VitalChek® is the contracted vendor for online orders of vital records, including marriage licenses. Ordering through VitalChek is often recommended for security and confidentiality.
In-Person and Mail-In Options
You can visit the Clerk of Courts office in person to search for and obtain copies of marriage records. Be sure to bring any required forms or identification.
You can also submit a request by mail. Ensure you provide accurate information and include proper payment with your request. Check the Clerk of Court’s website for specific instructions on how to submit a mail-in request.
Fees and Processing Times
There are fees associated with getting certified copies of your Miami-Dade marriage license record. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
- Certified Copies: Check the Miami-Dade County Clerk’s website for the most current fees.
- Search Fees: The Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics fee for the first certificate includes a search fee. If you don’t know the exact year the marriage occurred, there may be a fee for each calendar year searched.
The time it takes to get your documents varies depending on how you order them:
- Online Orders (VitalChek®): Processing time for certificates ordered online is about 60 days.
- Mail-in Requests: Expect the process to take longer if you mail in your request.
- Expedited or Rush Options: Rush options may be available for urgent requests. There’s typically an additional rush fee for this service. Check with the Miami-Dade County Clerk’s office for details.
Important considerations and potential challenges
As you search for a Miami-Dade marriage license record, keep these things in mind:
Information required for a successful search
Make sure you have accurate names and dates. Even small errors can delay or prevent you from finding the record you need. It’s also important to know that older records may be incomplete or even missing.
Security and privacy
If you’re ordering online, be sure to use a secure website and payment method to protect your personal information. Remember, I recommend VitalChek for online orders because of their security protocols.
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with Florida’s public record laws. For example, under Florida law, email addresses are considered public records.
Conclusion
Finding Miami-Dade marriage license records is usually a straightforward process. You can search online, visit the Clerk’s office in person, or make a request by mail.
No matter which method you choose, it’s essential to provide accurate information. Using official sources, like the Miami-Dade County Clerk’s website, will give you the most reliable results.
Marriage licenses are part of the public record, which means they’re accessible to anyone who needs them for genealogy, legal purposes, or just out of curiosity.