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Request a Copy of a Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad

Request a copy of your Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad if you got married in a foreign location before November 9, 1989 and a U.S. consular officer witnessed the marriage ceremony.

We do not have marriage documents from other countries or territories. Contact the embassy or consulate of a foreign destination to get a certified copy of a foreign marriage document.

You may request a copy of the record if you are:

  • One of the married individuals listed on the document
  • A legal guardian for 1 of the married individuals listed on the document
  • A person who has written permission from 1 of the married individuals listed on the document

Steps to request a copy

  1. Fill out Form DS-5542

    • Fill out Form DS-5542 on your computer or complete it by hand in black ink.
    • Sign the form in front of a notary public to avoid delays.
    Shipping your record

    We will send your vital record to you. If you live in the United States, you can select First Class Mail or 1-3 day delivery:

    • USPS First Class Mail: Takes 1-2 weeks. No extra charge.
    • 1-3 day delivery service: Add $26.87 to the check or money order. 

    Do not include a pre-paid express mail envelope with your request. This will cause a delay in delivery.

    If you live outside the United States, we will send your vital record to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The embassy or consulate will coordinate with you to pick up or deliver your record. 

  2. Get a copy of your photo ID

    Get a photocopy of the front and back of your valid photo ID. Examples include:

    • state-issued driver’s license
    • non-driver photo ID
    • military ID
    • passport
    • prison or inmate ID

  3. Provide a check or money order

    • The cost is $50 for each record you request.
    • If you opt for 1-3 Day Delivery, add $26.87 to the check or money order.
    • Make it payable to the "U.S. Department of State."
    • Include a complete return mailing address on the check.
    • Make it payable in U.S. dollars through a U.S. bank.

  4. Mail the form, copy of your photo ID, and payment

    Mail them to:

        U.S. Department of State
        Passport Vital Records
        44132 Mercure Circle
        PO Box 1213
        Sterling, VA 20166-1213

    We can only provide official copies of records on file with the U.S. Department of State.

You can give permission to a family member or friend who has known you for at least 5 years. We need:

  • Your signed, written permission 

    • For example: "I, [write your name], give permission to [write your friend or family member's name] to request my Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad on my behalf."

  • A photocopy of your valid photo ID

  • A notarized statement from the person who is requesting your records

  • A photocopy of the front and back of the valid photo ID of the person making the request

An apostille certifies your document so countries in the 1961 Hague Convention will recognize it. 

You don’t need to pay for an apostille if you return a Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad issued within the last 5 years.

If you need an apostille on your record, you must submit a:

  • Notarized, completed Form DS-5542

  • Photocopy of a valid photo ID such as state-issued driver's license, passport, or military ID

  • Check or money order. The cost is $50 if you need a new copy of your Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad.

    • Make it payable to the "U.S. Department of State."
    • Include a complete mailing address on the check.
    • Make it payable in U.S. dollars through a U.S. bank.

Mail your notarized Form DS-5542, photocopy of your ID, and payment to:

    U.S. Department of State
    Passport Vital Records
    44132 Mercure Circle
    PO Box 1213
    Sterling, VA 20166-1213

Request a status check

Use our web form to request a status check if you have already submitted Form DS-5542. If you are changing your mailing address, dial 202-485-8300 instead of submitting the form.

Request a status check
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Last Updated: September 08, 2026

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