Get Your Marriage Certificate in Sarasota the Easy Way

If you need a copy of your , you could be looking a quite a bit of time, energy, and paperwork. Because acquiring your marriage certificate involves local government, the process isn't always as smooth or straightforward as you might wish.

However, you don't have to handle this matter by yourself. DoNotPay has created a feature to take care of this chore quickly and effectively.

Marriage Certificates and Marriage Licenses: Not the Same

Though the terms sound the same, marriage certificates and marriage licenses are not the same documents. It's important that you are aware of the distinction and request the type of document you actually need.

Marriage licenses, also known as marriage contracts, are public records issued by the county clerk in your state. The main distinction between these and marriage certificates is that these are given to couples before they get married. They are also only given to individuals who are eligible to legally marry. A marriage certificate is a vital record that can be used to prove that you are legally married to your partner. (US Birth Certificates)

You may need a copy of your marriage certificate in order to accomplish one of these tasks:

Legally changing your name
Communicating with an insurance company
Communicating with the IRS or another government agency

Whatever the reason, you will apply for a copy of your marriage certificate in the county where you and your partner were married.

Marriage Certificates in Sarasota: Everything You Need to Know

If you were married in Sarasota, there are a few details you should know prior to submitting your application.

How Much Does it Cost for a Marriage Certificate in Sarasota?

If you apply online, you will spend at least $26 for one copy of your certificate. Depending on special situations, however, you may have to pay additional fees (such as if they have to run a record search for you because the year of the marriage is unknown).

If you mail in your application or visit the Florida Department of Health in person, the fee breakdown looks like this:

Non-refundable search fee is included in all orders	$5
Fee for one certified copy	$5
Any additional certified copies	$4/each
Search fee per calendar year when the exact year is unknown ($50.00 max)	$2
Rush fee	$10

How Long Will It Take to Get a Copy of My Marriage Certificate in Sarasota?

If you apply by mail, a normal processing time is 3-5 business days from the date they receive your application. Applying online shortens the time somewhat, but since the certificates are sent to you through the mail, you're still looking at several days to receive your certificates. If you're in a rush, in-person requests make same-day service possible; however, this is very time-consuming and tedious.

How to Request a Copy of Your Sarasota Marriage Certificate the Old Fashioned Way

If you plan to apply in person, you must visit the Florida Department of Health's offices on Pearl Street in Jacksonville. They are open on weekdays from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.

Otherwise, follow these steps:

Visit Marriage Certificates | Florida Department of Health in Sarasota (floridahealth.gov)
Click on "Marriage Certificates"
Choose the "Order Online" or "Order from Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics" option.
Follow the prompts and note the instructions.

Of course, there is an easier way.

Get Copies of Your Sarasota Marriage Certificate Instantly with the Help of DoNotPay

Requesting a copy of your doesn't have to stress you out. Instead, you can leverage the power of DoNotPay's Certificates of Marriage feature to take care of the chore in mere moments.

If you want to get a copy of your marriage certificate in Sarasota but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in 7 easy steps:

Go to the Certificates of Marriage product on DoNotPay.
Select whether the certificate belongs to you or a relative/loved one. If it belongs to someone else, enter the details of both people on the certificate, and select/upload evidence that proves your relationship with them. If the certificate is yours, enter the details of your spouse.
Enter the city, state, and county where the marriage certificate was issued as well as the date it was issued.
Indicate what you will be using this certificate for, and choose whether you need an authorized or certified copy.
Enter your contact information and shipping address. Upload copies of your government-issued identification, such as a driver's license.
Choose whether you would like to electronically sign this form or not. Once we generate the form, verify that all of the information is correct.
If you need the document to be notarized, schedule a notarization appointment using our Notary product. Otherwise, proceed to our Mail Checks product and let DoNotPay mail-in your request form with a check on your behalf.

And that's it!

DoNotPay Is Here for You

Want to learn more about marriage certificates and/or birth certificates? DoNotPay has gathered everything you need to take your next steps and get the help you need.