To obtain a marriage license in Pennsylvania, there are certain documents that you will need to provide. These documents are necessary to verify your identity and your Social Security number (or provide a second form of identification). Here is a detailed list of the documents you may need:
1. Photo Identification: You will need to provide a valid photo ID such as a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, passport, or military ID. The ID should be current and not expired.
2. Social Security Number Documentation: You have two options to provide documentation of your Social Security number:
A. Social Security Printouts: You can obtain a printout from the Social Security Administration (SSA) that verifies your Social Security number. This printout can be requested online through the SSA’s website or by visiting a local SSA office.
B. Second ID: If you prefer not to provide a Social Security printout, you can provide a second form of identification instead. This can include documents such as a birth certificate, baptismal record, adoption record, or an official school record.
3. Pay Stubs: Some counties in Pennsylvania may require you to provide recent pay stubs as proof of income. This is not a mandatory requirement in all counties, but it is advisable to check with your local marriage license office to confirm if pay stubs are necessary.
4. W-2 Forms: If you do not have pay stubs, you can provide your most recent W-2 forms as an alternative proof of income. This document provides information about your earnings and taxes paid for the previous year.
5. Income Tax Returns: In some cases, couples may be asked to provide copies of their income tax returns as additional evidence of income. This is more likely to be required if you are self-employed or have unconventional sources of income.
It is important to note that the specific requirements for obtaining a marriage license may vary slightly from county to county in Pennsylvania. Therefore, it is advisable to contact the marriage license office in the county where you plan to get married to confirm the exact documents they require.
In my personal experience, when applying for a marriage license in Pennsylvania, I had to provide a valid driver’s license as my photo identification. Additionally, I chose to provide a Social Security printout from the SSA to confirm my Social Security number. This process was straightforward, and the staff at the marriage license office were helpful in explaining the requirements and assisting with any questions or concerns.