Can I submit a copy of the marriage license to change name on passport?

by Christina
(Rockville Centre, NY, USA)

Question: I was given a copy of the marriage license by the reverend that married us that is on the official paper, is this considered a certified copy?

I did not photocopy my marriage license, however the reverend gave us two copies on the same paper as the original to use for the purposes of changing my name at the DMV, etc.

Are these considered certified copies of the marriage license or do I still need to apply to have another copy of the license sent to me?

Thank you.

Answer: A marriage license and a marriage certificate are two different documents. A marriage license grants permission for a couple to get married an only has a validity of 60 days in New York. A marriage certificate is the legal document that certifies that the couple did, in fact, get married.

In order to obtain a passport name change, you must submit a certified copy of the marriage certificate and not the license.

For more information about getting a certified copy of your marriage certificate, click the link below.

New York Marriage Certificates