New marriage certificate?

[Maya&Matt 2]

Hi everybody,

I just started compiling the documents needed to apply for citizenship based on marriage to a US citizen. I have a doubt about the marriage certificate, does it need to be a new/updated copy? Or can I send a copy of our original marriage certificate? The document checklist says "current marriage certificate", not sure why they mean by that. We live in a different state now so it would be a hassle to get a new certificate.

 

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Jojo92122 1,924]

Your current marriage certificate is the original marriage certificate.  You will only have this for the duration of your marriage.

 

In America, we do not get new or updated marriage certificates.  We don't ever do it.  Not even when we move around the world.  The county where you married will keep a copy of your original marriage certificate and you will always go back there for a certified copy.

[JFH 12,192]

They mean the certificate from your current marriage (to prove you are married to the USC you are claiming to be married to and the length of said marriage). The county where we married charges $3 for certified copies. By the time we are in a position to file for citizenship I will probably get a new one just because it will look nicer than the one we have had for over 2 years which is now a little creased and has been to USCIS and back before. But there's no requirement to send a pristine version. 

[Maya&Matt 2]

Thanks for the quick answer Jojo92122 and JFH! I'm glad I don't need to obtain another marriage certificate.