I-130: The "certified copy of your certified marriage certificate" in Maryland

[matrix915 0]

Hi all,

I am new to the forum and I have a question regarding the "certified copy of your certified marriage certificate" requirement for I-130 with regard to my case. We are planning on marrying in the state of Maryland this month and filing my AOS as soon as possible after the ceremony. However, I am not quite sure what is considered to be a certified marriage certificate in I-130 when the marriage took place in Maryland.

After some research I found that Division of Vital Records of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene issues certified copies of marriage records, is that what I need to get?

http://dhmh.maryland.gov/vsa/SitePages/apps.aspx

My confusion, however, is caused by something I found on the Montgomery County Circuit Court website, which in relevant part, provides that

"You will need certified copies of your marriage license to use them as legal proof of your marriage. Certified copies of a marriage license may be obtained from the License Department." (emphasis added)

http://www6.montgomerycountymd.gov/cibtmpl.asp?url=/content/circuitcourt/Court/LicenseDepartment/Marriage_License.asp

I called the court's license department and apparently certified copies of the marriage license is the only thing they issue to prove your marriage.

Moreover, on the Baltimore County (of Maryland) Circuit Court website, it uses "marriage certificate" in lieu of "certified copies of marriage licenses" when they are describing the exact same thing.

Q. How can I get a copy of my marriage certificate?

A. Copies of marriage certificates are available by mail or in person at the Baltimore County Clerk of the Court. The cost of the certificate is $5.50 and must be paid by cash, check or money order—credit and debit cards are not accepted.

http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/agencies/circuit/courts_faq/marriage_faq.html

So now I am really confused. After the ceremony, would I need to request the required "marriage certificate" from the Vital Records Division, or the circuit court of the county where the marriage is to take place? Or either one is acceptable in the eyes of USCIS? Anybody married in Maryland can help on that? Thanks!

[florida4life 29]

You are reading too much. A certified copy is the copy that you get after you are married it has been noted in the county where you are married and it is being called certified by the court. When you get married your marriage certificate will be your certified copy. It will have a seal on it. The clerk of courts must make it certified.

Edited August 9, 2013 by florida4life