Marriage License Oakland County MI – Easy Online Process

Marriage License in Oakland County, Michigan serves as the legal authorization for a couple to marry and as the primary record for future reference. Prospective spouses can start an Oakland County MI marriage license search through the county’s online portal, where the license number, applicant name, or marriage date can be entered to retrieve Oakland County MI marriage license records. The system also supports an Oakland County MI marriage license lookup by name or by date, giving immediate access to historical data. Eligibility hinges on age, residency, and prior marriage status, while identification requirements involve a government‑issued photo ID for each party. A modest Oakland County MI marriage license fee covers the issuance and is due at the time of pickup. Once issued, the license remains valid for a set period, after which an expiration date triggers a new application. A short waiting period ensures that both individuals have time to review the terms before the wedding ceremony. All of these elements combine to form a transparent and accountable framework for couples preparing to marry in Oakland County.

Marriage License applicants in Oakland County can complete the Oakland County MI marriage license application online, then schedule an in‑person appointment to collect the document. The online form asks for basic personal data, the intended marriage date, and any previous marriage information, ensuring the county clerk has everything needed before the interview. Upon arrival at the Oakland County MI marriage license office, each partner must present a valid driver’s license or passport together with proof of residency; these identification requirements satisfy state law. The fee is payable by credit card or cash at the time of issuance, and the receipt includes the license number for future reference. After the license is signed by both parties and the officiant, it must be returned to the clerk within the validity window; otherwise the document expires and a new application is required. Certified copies of the marriage certificate become available after the ceremony, and the same portal used for the license lookup also supports a marriage certificate request. By following these steps, couples obtain a reliable record that supports legal benefits, genealogical research, and official documentation for years to come.

How to Search Marriage License

You can start an Oakland County MI marriage license search through the county clerk’s online portal. The Oakland County MI marriage license lookup tool lets you find old and new license data by entering the names of the applicants, the license number, or the date the marriage took place. The Oakland County MI marriage license search system also supports an Oakland County MI marriage license lookup by name or by date, giving you fast access to historical data. For related public documentation and local filings, you can consult official marriage records resources. Oakland County MI marriage license records show the full names of both applicants, the date the license was issued, the date the marriage was filed with the clerk, and the county of issuance. Anyone can use the online tool to check on a license, look up past marriage data, or order a certified copy of the record for legal or personal use.

Official Search Portal: https://www.oakgov.com/government/clerk-register-of-deeds/life-events-services/birth-records

Steps to Search

1. Go to the Oakland County clerk website using the search portal link above.
2. Pick the search type from the menu: applicant name, license number, or marriage date.
3. Type the full name of one or both applicants, the license number, or the date in the search box.
4. Look at the list of results that match your search and choose the right record.
5. Click on a record to see full details such as issue date, marriage date, county of issuance, and license status.

Search by Applicant Name

An Oakland County MI marriage license by name search is the most common way to find a license record. You can enter the last name of either spouse, or both last names if you know them, into the search box. The system will show all matching records with first names, middle names, and dates so you can pick the right couple. This method works well when you know the people but do not have the license number handy. It also helps with family history research when you only know family names.

Search by License Number

If you have the Oakland County MI marriage license number from a receipt or older paper, you can search by that number for a faster lookup. The license number is a unique code the clerk assigns at the time of issuance. Entering the full number brings up that specific record right away. This is the most accurate Oakland County MI marriage license search method when you already have the number. Use it when you need to check the Oakland County MI marriage license status of a current license or pull details on a known record.

Search by Marriage Date

You can also run an Oakland County MI marriage license by date search using the day, month, and year the marriage took place or the day the license was issued. Enter the date in the field the system uses, and the results will list all licenses issued or marriages recorded on that date. This method helps when you know when the wedding happened but not the couple’s exact names. It is also useful for verifying marriage facts for a specific time period or for legal research.

Information Needed for a License Search

Before you start your search, gather the data you have ready to make the process faster. You will need at least one of the following: the full name of an applicant, the license number, or the marriage date. The more details you can provide, the narrower your search results will be and the easier it will be to find the right record.

• Full legal name of one or both applicants as it appears on the license
• Oakland County MI marriage license number from a receipt or older paper
• Date the license was issued or the date the marriage took place
• Middle names or past name changes if you know them

Marriage License Requirements

Oakland County follows Michigan state law for marriage license rules. You must meet the age, identity, and eligibility rules before the clerk will issue you a license. The requirements protect both parties and help the state keep correct marriage records. Read through each rule below so you can prepare before your visit to the Oakland County MI marriage license office.

Age Requirements

You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a marriage license in Michigan without parental consent. If you are 16 or 17, you can apply with written consent from a parent or legal guardian. The parent must come with you to the clerk’s office and sign the application in front of the clerk. Minors under 16 cannot marry in Michigan under current law. Bring proof of age, such as a birth certificate or passport, to verify your date of birth for the Oakland County MI marriage license application.

Identification Requirements

Both applicants must show valid government-issued photo ID at the time of application to meet Oakland County MI marriage license identification requirements. A driver’s license, state ID card, passport, or military ID all meet this rule. You will also need to provide your Social Security number, if you have one, on the application form. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport and any immigration papers. The clerk will copy or scan your ID for the official record and file it with your Oakland County MI marriage license records.

Application Information

You will need to fill out personal data on the application form before you visit the clerk for your Oakland County MI marriage license appointment. This includes your full legal name, date of birth, current address, and the city or town where you were born. You will also need to list the names of your parents, with your mother’s maiden name. If either of you has been married before, you will need extra details about that prior marriage. Have all this data ready before you go to save time at the counter and to make the Oakland County MI marriage license application process smoother.

Previous Marriage Information

If either applicant has been married before, you must share that history on the application as part of the Oakland County MI marriage license requirements. The form asks for the date your prior marriage ended, such as the date of divorce, annulment, or spouse’s death. You do not need to bring the divorce papers to the clerk’s office in most cases. You will sign a sworn statement on the form that says you are free to marry again. Giving false data on this part of the form can be a crime under Michigan law.

Eligibility Requirements

Oakland County MI marriage license eligibility rules require that you are legally free to marry and not already married to someone else at the time of application. You cannot be married to a close blood relative as defined by Michigan law. Both applicants must be of sound mind and enter the marriage by their own choice. The clerk will ask you to swear or affirm that all the data on the form is true. If you have legal questions about your right to marry, talk to a lawyer before you apply for the license.

Applying for a Oakland County MI Marriage License

You can apply for a marriage license through the Oakland County clerk’s office. Most couples start the Oakland County MI marriage license application online and then finish it in person. The Oakland County MI marriage license office is open during regular business hours for license applications. Plan ahead so you have time for the waiting period before your ceremony takes place.

Completing the Application

You can fill out the Oakland County MI marriage license application on the county clerk website. The online form asks for the personal data listed above, plus the date and place of your planned ceremony. You will create an account or start a guest session, then save your work as you go. When you finish, the system gives you a confirmation number to bring to your in-person visit. This saves time at the counter so the clerk can focus on signing and issuing the license.

Applying in Person

Both applicants must appear in person at the Oakland County MI marriage license office to sign the application and receive the license. The clerk will review your IDs, check your form, and ask you to swear that the data is true. You can pay the Oakland County MI marriage license fee at the counter and walk out with your license that same day, in most cases. The clerk’s office is on Telegraph Road in Pontiac and is open Monday through Friday. Arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to give the clerk time to process your file and finish the Oakland County MI marriage license issuance.

Online Application Options

The Oakland County MI marriage license online portal lets you pre-fill the application and pick a time for your in-person visit. You can start the form days or weeks before your appointment, then update it as needed. The system saves your draft so you do not lose your work between sessions. When you arrive, the clerk pulls up your saved form and checks the details with you. This cuts the time you spend at the counter and helps the office run more smoothly for every couple who applies.

Applicant Signatures

You and your partner must sign the application in front of the clerk at the time of issuance. Your signature confirms that the data on the form is true and that you both agree to marry. The clerk signs the license and adds the official seal. The signed license is your legal proof that you are cleared to marry. Keep your copy safe until the ceremony, since the officiant will need it on the wedding day to complete the Oakland County MI marriage license records.

License Issuance

Once the clerk approves your application and you pay the Oakland County MI marriage license cost, the license is issued right away. The license is a printed document with both your names, the issue date, the license number, and the expiration date. The clerk gives you the original license and keeps a copy for the county record. You take the original to your officiant, who signs it after the ceremony and returns it to the clerk. After the clerk records the signed license, you can order certified copies of your Oakland County MI marriage certificate.

Marriage License Fees and Validity

Oakland County MI marriage license fees follow the rates set by Michigan state law. The Oakland County MI marriage license fee covers the cost of processing your application and keeping the official record. The license is valid for a set number of days, and Michigan has a short waiting period before you can use it. Knowing the Oakland County MI marriage license cost, waiting period, and Oakland County MI marriage license validity rules helps you plan your timeline.

License Fee

The standard Oakland County MI marriage license fee in Michigan is $20 for residents who complete a premarital education course, or $30 for residents who do not complete the course. Non-residents pay a higher Oakland County MI marriage license cost, which is $30 with the course and $40 without it. The premarital course must be from a provider approved by the court. A copy of the completion certificate must be shown at the time of application to get the lower fee.

Accepted Payment Methods

The Oakland County MI marriage license office accepts several forms of payment for the marriage license fee. You can pay with cash, check, money order, or credit or debit card at the counter. Some methods may carry a small processing fee for card payments. The clerk’s office does not accept personal checks from out-of-state applicants in most cases. Check the current payment options on the county website before your visit to avoid delays at the counter.

Fee Waivers and Discounts

Michigan offers a reduced Oakland County MI marriage license fee for couples who complete a court-approved premarital education course. The course must be at least four hours long and cover topics like communication, conflict resolution, and financial planning. A judge can waive the waiting period and sometimes the fee in special cases, such as for military members on deployment. Bring the completion certificate or other proof when you apply to get the discount on the standard cost.

Waiting Period

Michigan has a 3-day Oakland County MI marriage license waiting period between the date your license is issued and the date you can use it. The waiting period gives both applicants time to think about the decision before the wedding. The clock starts the day after the license is issued, and the third day is the earliest you can marry. A judge of a Michigan court can waive the waiting period for good cause, such as military deployment or a medical reason. If the waiting period is waived, the judge signs a written order that you bring to the ceremony.

License Expiration

A Michigan marriage license has an Oakland County MI marriage license validity period of 33 days from the date of issuance. If you do not hold your ceremony within those 33 days, the license hits its Oakland County MI marriage license expiration date and you must apply for a new one. There is no fee refund for an expired license, but you can use the new application to update any details. The expiration date is printed on the license, so you always know your deadline. Plan your wedding date inside that 33-day window to avoid extra cost and extra steps.

Information on a Marriage License

A marriage license contains key Oakland County MI marriage license information about the applicants, the issuance, and the planned marriage. The clerk fills in these data points when the license is printed. The same data later shows up on the official Oakland County MI marriage record stored in the county files. Knowing what each part means helps you check your license for errors right away.

Applicant Names

The license shows the Oakland County MI marriage license applicant names, which are the full legal name of each applicant as it appears on their ID. The names are written in the order the applicants listed on the application. If your name has changed by court order before the marriage, the new name may be listed on the license. The names on the license are the same names the officiant will use during the ceremony. After the marriage, these names are the ones that go on the Oakland County MI marriage certificate.

License Number

Each marriage license has a unique Oakland County MI marriage license number that the clerk assigns when the document is printed. This number stays with the record for life and never changes. You can use the number later to search for the record in the county database or to order a certified copy. The number appears at the top of the license and on your receipt. Keep it in a safe place with your other marriage papers for future reference.

Issue Date

The Oakland County MI marriage license issue date is the day the clerk signs and hands you the license. This date marks the start of the 3-day waiting period and the 33-day validity window. The issue date also tells the county when the license was created in their files. The clerk writes the date in a clear, standard format on the license. The same date appears on the official record stored in the county system under that license number.

Marriage Date

The marriage date is the day you plan to hold the ceremony. You fill this in on the application before the license is issued. The date can be any day that falls within the 33-day validity window of the license. The officiant confirms the date by signing the license after the ceremony takes place. If the date changes, the new date is written on the signed license before it goes back to the clerk for recording.

County of Issuance

The county of issuance is the county where the clerk’s office issued the license. For Oakland County residents, this is Oakland County. The county name appears on the face of the license and in the official record. This is the county where the signed license must be returned for recording. The county of issuance helps you order the correct certified copy later, since each county keeps its own marriage files.

License Status

The Oakland County MI marriage license status tells you where the license is in the process: issued, used, recorded, or expired. A new license starts as “issued” on the day you pick it up. It becomes “used” after the officiant signs it at the ceremony. It becomes “recorded” once the clerk files the signed license in the county system. If 33 days pass without a ceremony, the status changes to “expired” and you need a new license to marry.

Using and Recording the Marriage License

After you pick up your license, you must use it within 33 days and follow the state rules for the ceremony. The license is not active until the waiting period passes and an authorized officiant signs it. The signed license then goes back to the clerk for recording. This process turns the license into an official Oakland County MI marriage record.

Authorized Officiant

Michigan law lists who can act as an authorized marriage officiant for your ceremony. The list covers judges, magistrates, ordained ministers, and other clergy in good standing with their faith group. Certain public officials, such as a county clerk or the governor, can perform the ceremony. The person officiating must be recognized under Michigan law at the time of the wedding. If you are not sure if your chosen officiant is authorized, ask the clerk before the ceremony so the Oakland County MI marriage license records are valid.

Marriage Ceremony

The marriage ceremony is the formal event where both parties agree to marry in front of the officiant. Michigan does not require witnesses for the marriage, but you can have them if you wish. The officiant leads the ceremony and asks each applicant to declare their consent. The couple and the officiant sign the license at the end of the ceremony. The signed license is the proof that the marriage took place on that date and the basis for the Oakland County MI marriage certificate.

Completing the License

The officiant fills in the exact date and place of the ceremony on the license. The officiant writes their name, title, and contact details in the right boxes on the form. Each applicant signs the license, and the officiant signs last. The officiant then keeps the license to mail or deliver to the county clerk. All sections of the license must be complete before it is returned, or the clerk may ask for the missing data before recording the Oakland County MI marriage record.

Returning the License

The officiant must return the signed license to the county clerk that issued it. In Michigan, the deadline to return the license is within 10 days of the ceremony. The officiant can return it in person or by mail to the same Oakland County clerk office on Telegraph Road. If the officiant fails to return the license on time, the marriage may still be valid, but the record will be late in the system. The clerk can help you check the return status of your signed license.

Recording the Marriage

Once the clerk receives the signed license, the office records the marriage in the county database. The record shows the full names of the couple, the date of the marriage, the place, the county of issuance, and the officiant’s name. This Oakland County MI marriage record is the source for all future certified copies of the marriage certificate. The recording step makes the marriage a permanent part of the county’s official history. You can verify the recording by searching for the record on the county website.

Marriage Certificate After the Ceremony

After the clerk records your signed license, you can order an Oakland County MI marriage certificate. The certificate is the official proof that you are legally married. It comes in two forms: a certified copy and an informational copy. The certified copy is for legal use, and the informational copy is for personal reference.

Certified Marriage Certificate

An Oakland County certified marriage certificate is a copy that has the official seal and signature of the clerk. It is the only version accepted for legal matters, such as changing your name, adding a spouse to insurance, or applying for joint accounts. Each certified copy has a unique stamp or seal number that you can verify with the issuing office. You can order one or more certified copies for your needs. Keep the original certified copy in a safe place, like a fireproof box or safe deposit box.

Informational Copy

An informational copy of the Oakland County MI marriage certificate is a plain copy of the marriage record without the official seal. It shows the same data as the certified copy, but it has a watermark or stamp that says “Informational Only.” You can use it for personal records, family history, or display. It cannot be used for legal or government purposes. Informational copies often cost less than certified copies and are useful when you need a paper record for your own files at home.

Certificate Request Methods

You can place an Oakland County MI marriage certificate request in three ways: online, by mail, or in person. The online option lets you place the order on the county clerk’s website and pay with a card from home. The mail option uses a form that you print, fill out, and send with payment to the clerk. The in-person option lets you visit the office and order over the counter. Each method has its own processing time and fee schedule.

• Online: Order through the county clerk’s vital records portal with a credit or debit card.
• By mail: Send the signed request form, a copy of your ID, and payment to the clerk’s office.
• In person: Visit the Oakland County clerk office on Telegraph Road in Pontiac during business hours.

Certificate Fees

The Oakland County MI marriage certificate fees are set by state law and vary by county. Oakland County charges a base fee for the first certified copy and a lower fee for each extra copy on the same order. The clerk accepts cash, check, money order, or card, depending on the order method. Online and mail orders may add a small processing charge. Check the current fee on the county website before you place your order so you send the right payment.

Certificate Processing

Oakland County MI marriage certificate processing time depends on how you place your order and the volume at the clerk’s office. In-person orders at the counter are often ready the same day. Online and mail orders can take several business days to a few weeks. The clerk sends the certificate by mail or lets you pick it up in person. Plan ahead if you need the certificate for a legal deadline, such as a name change with Social Security or the DMV.

Marriage License Corrections

If you find a mistake on your marriage license or certificate, you can ask the clerk for a marriage license correction. Common errors are misspelled names, wrong dates, or wrong personal data. The clerk has a process for each type of correction, and you may need to show proof of the right data. Acting quickly after you spot the error helps the clerk fix it faster and keeps the Oakland County MI marriage records accurate.

Correcting Applicant Information

If the error is in the applicant’s data, such as a misspelled name or wrong date of birth, you must ask the clerk for a correction. You will need to show proof of the correct data, like a birth certificate, passport, or court order. The clerk will compare your proof with the record and update the file. A corrected record will have a note that says it was amended, with the date of the change. You can order new certified copies once the correction is in the Oakland County MI marriage record.

Correcting Clerical Errors

Clerical errors are mistakes made by the clerk’s office at the time of issuance, such as a typo in the license number or wrong issue date. These are usually fixed with a simple request and a short form. You do not need to show extra proof, since the clerk can match the error to their own files. The clerk issues a corrected license or record and marks the original as “superseded.” The corrected version replaces the original in the county record under the same license number.

Supporting Documentation

For most marriage license correction requests, you must bring marriage license supporting documents that show the right data. Acceptable documents are a government-issued photo ID, a birth certificate, a court order for a name change, or a divorce decree. The clerk will copy the document for the file and return the original to you. If the correction involves a date, bring a record that clearly shows the correct date, such as a hospital record or school record. Always call the clerk’s office first to find out exactly which documents you need for your case.

Amended License or Record

An amended license or record is a new version that has the corrected data plus a note about the change. The original license is marked as “amended” and kept on file with the clerk. The amended version has the same license number but a new amendment date. The clerk’s office will not issue a brand-new license number for a correction. The amended Oakland County MI marriage record becomes the source for all future certified copies you order from the county.

Marriage License Record Access

Oakland County MI marriage license records are public records under Michigan law. The clerk’s office keeps both paper and digital copies of each license. Some data is open to the public, and some data is restricted by law. Knowing what is open and what is restricted helps you understand what you can see online or by request through the Oakland County MI marriage license records search.

Public License Information

The public can see the full names of both applicants, the date the license was issued, the date of the marriage, the license number, and the county of issuance. The officiant’s name is public as well. This data is used for background checks, genealogy research, and legal matters. The clerk posts older records on the public search portal so anyone can view them at any time using the Oakland County MI marriage license lookup tool.

Online Record Availability

The Oakland County clerk website has a public search tool for older Oakland County MI marriage records. You can search by name, license number, or date, and view the public data on screen. Records from recent years may be delayed before they show up online, so they can be checked in person at the counter. The online tool is free to use, but ordering a certified copy costs a fee. New records are added to the system on a regular schedule set by the clerk.

Restricted Information

Some data on an Oakland County MI marriage record is restricted by law and not shown to the public. Restricted data covers Social Security numbers, home addresses, phone numbers, and details about previous marriages. The clerk redacts this data from online and mail responses to protect privacy. Only the people named on the record, their legal representatives, or a court can request the full file. You must show proof of your right to view the restricted data before the clerk will release it.

Records Available by Request

You can request a copy of an Oakland County MI marriage record by mail, online, or in person. The request form asks for the full names of both applicants, the date of the marriage, and the type of copy you need. You must show a valid photo ID when you pick up the record in person. Mail requests must include a copy of your ID and the right fee. The clerk processes the request in the order it is received and sends the copy by mail or lets you pick it up at the counter.

Search Problems

Sometimes a search for a marriage license does not return the record you expected. This can happen for several reasons, from simple typos to delays in recording. Knowing the common problems and their fixes helps you find the right Oakland County MI marriage license records faster. The list below covers the most frequent issues and what to do about each one.

License Not Found

If the search returns no results, the record may be under a different name, date, or county. Check the spelling of the names and the format of the date before you search again. Older records may be in a paper file at the clerk’s office and not yet in the online system. If the online search fails, contact the clerk’s office by phone or in person for help. The clerk can search the paper files for you if you give them the right details, such as a name, year, or license number.

Incorrect Applicant Information

If you typed the wrong name, date, or other data, the search will not return the right record. Make sure the name matches the one on the original license, with any middle names and past name changes too. Dates should be in the month-day-year format the system uses. If you are not sure of the exact data, try a wider search with just the last name and a year range. The clerk can help you narrow down the right record with the facts you have on hand.

Incorrect License Number

An incorrect Oakland County MI marriage license number is the most common reason for a search to fail when you already know the number. A single wrong digit returns a “no results” page, even when the record exists in the database. Double-check the number on your receipt or older paper before you search again. The license number is a long string, so copy and paste it when you can. If you still cannot find it, the clerk can look up the number using the applicants’ names instead.

Marriage Not Yet Recorded

If the ceremony was recent, the signed license may not yet be back at the clerk’s office for recording. Michigan law gives the officiant up to 10 days to return the signed license to the county clerk. After the clerk receives it, the office records the marriage in the system, which can take more time. If you search too soon, the record will not show up in the online results. Wait at least 2 to 3 weeks after the ceremony before you search, or call the clerk to check the status of the return.

Record Held by Another County

If the license was issued in a different Michigan county, that county’s clerk holds the record, not Oakland County. Michigan has 83 counties, and each keeps its own marriage files. You must contact the right county clerk to get a copy of the record. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services can help you find the right county if you are not sure where the license was issued. Always check the county of issuance on the license before you start your search to save time.

Contact Details

You can reach the Oakland County clerk’s office for marriage license questions, application help, and record requests. The office is on Telegraph Road in Pontiac and is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Call the phone number below for help with forms, fees, and status checks. The official search portal on the county website is the right place to start an online search for Oakland County MI marriage license records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting a marriage license in Oakland County, MI, lets couples plan their ceremony legally and quickly. The county clerk’s office offers online forms, in‑person pick‑up, and a searchable public record system. Knowing the steps, fees, and waiting rules helps avoid delays and keeps the wedding day on track.

How do I apply for an Oakland County MI marriage license online?

Visit the Oakland County clerk’s website and click the “Apply for Marriage License” link. Fill out the digital form with both partners’ full names, birth dates, and Social Security numbers. Review the entered information, then submit the request. After submission, you will receive a confirmation number. Print the confirmation and bring it, along with required IDs, to the office between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM. The license is ready for pick‑up same day if all documents are correct.

What Documents Are Needed for an Oakland County Marriage License?

Both partners must bring a valid driver’s license or state ID, a birth certificate if the ID does not show birth date, and proof of residency such as a utility bill. If either person is under 18, a signed parental consent form is needed. Couples who have been married before should also bring a divorce decree or death certificate of a former spouse. Gather these items before the appointment to speed up the process and avoid extra visits.

How Much Does an Oakland County Marriage License Cost?

The fee is $20 for each license. The clerk’s office accepts cash, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover), and money orders payable to Oakland County Clerk. Online applications do not charge the fee; payment occurs when you pick up the license in person. If you choose a money order, bring a copy of the front and back, plus a photo ID, to verify the payment.

What Is the Oakland County Marriage License Waiting Period?

After pick‑up, the license is active immediately. Couples have a six‑day waiting period before they can hold the ceremony, unless a judicial waiver applies. The license remains valid for 33 days from the issue date. If the wedding does not occur within that window, the license expires and a new application is required. Plan the ceremony date early to stay within the valid period.

How can I search for an Oakland County MI marriage license by name?

Go to the Oakland County clerk’s online portal and select the “Marriage License Search” option. Enter the full names of both spouses, the license number, or the marriage date. The system returns matching records within seconds. For older records (pre‑1942), you must request a copy by mail or visit the office in person. Use the search results to verify details before ordering a certified copy.