How to Find Out If Someone Is Married: (For Free)

Written by Tim in Family Law Last Updated July 1, 2023

Marriage licenses are public records. By conducting a public record search for the state and county where the marriage certificate was submitted, anybody may learn if a person is married. You may locate the county records online for free.

How to Search Marriage Records

To find someone’s marriage license, you can follow these steps:

1. Determine The State and County Where The Marriage Took Place

You will need to know the state and county where the marriage took place to access the correct records.

2. Visit the Relevant Government Office

You can visit the county clerk’s office in the state and county where the marriage took place to request access to public records, including marriage licenses. Some states and counties may also offer online access to marriage license information.

3. Provide Relevant Information About The Marriage

When you request access to the marriage license, you may be asked to provide the full names of the bride and groom, the date of the marriage, and other relevant information.

    4. Pay The Fee

    There may be a fee for accessing the marriage license, and you will need to provide payment in person or online.

    5. Obtain a Copy of The License

    If the marriage license is available, you can obtain a copy of it. Some states and counties may require you to provide identification and sign a release form before providing access to the license.

    State and county government websites that may have online databases of marriage licenses vary depending on the state and county. However, here are a few examples of state and county government websites that offer access to marriage license information:

    • Georgia: You obtain copies of marriage licenses in Georgia at the State Office of Vital Records for marriages from June 1952 to August 1996. You can also obtain marriage verification at the same office for any marriage after January 1, 2014.

    • Maricopa County (Arizona): The Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court provides access to marriage records dating back to 1871 on their website.

    • Missouri: On the Missouri Office of Vital Records website, you can find information about obtaining a marriage license in Missouri, including the requirements and process, any fees, and the necessary documents you need to provide.

    These are just a few examples, and many other states and counties also offer access to marriage license information through their government websites. 

    It’s best to search for the state and county government websites where the marriage license was issued to see if they offer online access to marriage license information.

    Online Methods to Determine if Someone is Married

    With the rise of the internet and social media, there are now many online methods to check if someone is married. Here are a few effective techniques that we use at our law firm that are all free:

    Social Media

    The first place to check is social media. Many people list their relationship status on their social media profiles, so this is a good starting point. Look for the person on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn platforms. 

    Check the person’s profile information, such as their “About” section or profile description, to see if they have mentioned their marital status. Some people choose to share this information on their profile publicly.

    Check the person’s timeline or photo album for posts or photos related to a wedding or marriage, as this may indicate that they are married.

    On platforms like Facebook, people can publicly announce their relationship status. If the person has updated their relationship status to “Married” or “In a Relationship,” this may indicate that they are married.

    If you find their profile, check if they have listed themselves as being in a relationship or if they have tagged their spouse in any posts. If you can’t find the person on any of these platforms, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are married, but it’s a good starting point for further research.

    Online Directories and Databases

    Another option is to check online directories and databases, such as public databases, marriage records, and genealogy websites. These websites often have access to public records and can provide information about a person’s marital status. 

    • Public records search websites: Several public records search websites allow you to search for information about a person, including their marital status. Some popular examples include Spokeo, Intelius, and PeopleFinders.

    • Government websites: Some state and county government websites may have online databases of marriage licenses, which you can search using the person’s name.

    • Vital records websites: Vital records websites, such as VitalRecordsOnline.com, offer access to information about marriage records and certificates.

    • Social security death index (SSDI): The Social Security Death Index (SSDI) is a database of death records that can be used to find information about a person’s marital status and their date and place of death.

    Remember that the information available through these online directories and databases may only sometimes be accurate or up-to-date.

    Google Search

    A simple Google search of the person’s name can also yield results. Try searching the person’s name along with keywords such as “married,” “wedding,” or “spouse.” You may find articles, news stories, or social media posts that mention the person’s marital status.

    Offline Methods to Determine if Someone Is Married

    While online methods are convenient and often provide quick results, several offline methods can be used to determine if someone is married.

    Hire a Private Investigator

    You can hire a private investigator to conduct a background check on the person, which may include information about their marital status.

    Ask Directly

    The most straightforward and direct method is simply asking the person in question. Depending on the relationship and circumstances, this method is the most reliable but may not be the most appropriate or feasible.

    Check with Friends or Acquaintances

    Another option is to ask friends or acquaintances if they know the person’s marital status. This can be especially useful if the person in question is someone you are not close with, but they have friends in common with you.

    Observe Public Behaviour

    Observing the person’s public behavior can also provide clues about their marital status. For example, if the person regularly wears a wedding ring or mentions their spouse in conversation, they are likely married.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, finding out if someone is married can be challenging, but by following these methods, you should understand the person’s marital status better. Remember, it’s always best to be respectful and considerate when researching someone’s personal life.

    Are Divorce Records Public Information? 

    In most cases, divorce records are considered public information and can be obtained by anyone who requests them. Divorce records are typically maintained by the county clerk’s office in the state and county where the divorce took place, and they may be available for review or purchase in person or online.

    However, access to divorce records may be restricted in certain circumstances, such as when the divorce involves minors or detailed confidential information. 

    Additionally, some states and counties may restrict who can access divorce records, such as requiring proof of relationship or a valid reason for the request.

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    Tim

    Tim McDuffey is a practicing attorney in the State of Missouri. Tim is a licensed member of the Missouri Bar and Missouri Bar Association.

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