Marriage certificate and Marriage license Are different?

[Vietnamese_bride 0]

Hello all,

 

would you please let me know Marriage Certificates and Marriage License are same kind of document or different?  I have the Marriage Certificate but it’s different with the Marriage License that I saw online. I would like to know is it different or because we life in different states so they have different form for marriage documents?

 

thank you,

VB

[JeanneAdil 6,562]

  A marriage licence is what we apply for to get married (a pastor or court needs this to marry you)

certificate is given after marriage to say you are married

[Vietnamese_bride 0]

Thank you very much for your answer JeanneAdil

[JFH 12,190]

In some state it's the same piece of paper. Every state is different. Here in WA the license is the certificate but only when it has been signed and dated by the officiant that the marriage took place and then had the county seal applied. 

[Vietnamese_bride 0]

Thank you very much for your answer JFH

[Pitaya 2,577]

You are correct, a marriage license is different from a marriage certificate. JFH explained the difference for WA state. Each state is different. 

 

BTW, you will need send a copy of your marriage certificate with your AOS applications.

Quote

5. Marriage Certificate and Other Proof of Relationship

   If you are filing Form I-485 as the derivative applicant spouse of the principal applicant, you generally must submit a photocopy of your marriage certificate issued by the appropriate civil authority where the marriage took place.

REF: https://www.uscis.gov/i-485 , Instructions, page 10