FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the requirements to obtain a marriage license?
Mississippi Public Records
Two state departments manage vital records for Mississippi. Birth and death records for all Mississippi counties are available from 1912 to present at either the county locations or through the Vital Records office.
Mississippi Vital Records
571 Stadium Drive
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215-1700
(601) 576-7981
• Birth Certificate Form (PDF)
• Death Certificate Form (PDF)
Marriage records are available during certain time periods. Jan 1, 1926 to June 30, 1938 and Jan 1, 1942 to present. All other records are available from the Circuit Clerk in the county where the license was issued . The vital records department doesn't provide actual divorce records, but a search returns an index of divorces and provides the Chancery Clerk's Office in which the divorce was filed. Wills, probates, guardianships, divorce, and land records should be available from the Chancery Clerk.
Older records are available from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
Adoption Records
Adoption Records in Mississippi prior to 1955 are considered open records and available from the county. Non-identifying information is available to adult age adoptees, parents or guardians of a minor adoptee, birth parents and family. Adoptees of age 21 or older are allowed to view identifying information and records.
What are the requirements to obtain a marriage license?
- Both bride and groom must appear together - each must present valid ID (birth certificate or drivers license) or drivers license and must be at least 21 years old.
- If under 21 , a parent(s) must sign or a court order may be required.
- $36 filing fee.
Mississippi Public Records
Two state departments manage vital records for Mississippi. Birth and death records for all Mississippi counties are available from 1912 to present at either the county locations or through the Vital Records office.
Mississippi Vital Records
571 Stadium Drive
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215-1700
(601) 576-7981
• Birth Certificate Form (PDF)
• Death Certificate Form (PDF)
Marriage records are available during certain time periods. Jan 1, 1926 to June 30, 1938 and Jan 1, 1942 to present. All other records are available from the Circuit Clerk in the county where the license was issued . The vital records department doesn't provide actual divorce records, but a search returns an index of divorces and provides the Chancery Clerk's Office in which the divorce was filed. Wills, probates, guardianships, divorce, and land records should be available from the Chancery Clerk.
Older records are available from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
Adoption Records
Adoption Records in Mississippi prior to 1955 are considered open records and available from the county. Non-identifying information is available to adult age adoptees, parents or guardians of a minor adoptee, birth parents and family. Adoptees of age 21 or older are allowed to view identifying information and records.
