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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

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 

  • 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: July 21, 2026

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