As of May 7, 2025, every American will need a Real ID or another form of federal identification, such as a passport, to board any domestic flight or enter certain federal buildings.
While it may seem like an ordeal to gather all the personal documentation that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) requires to get a Real ID, Philadelphia Register of Wills John P. Sabatina, Esq., wants all Philadelphians to know that obtaining a Marriage Record from the City is a simple process.
In this video, officials from the PennDOT and from the Register’s Marriage Records Unit explain how a Marriage Record can help you get a Real ID and how you can get an official copy of your Marriage Record.
Chief Deputy Register of Wills Bob Stewart hosts this informational discussion.
For more information about Real ID in Pennsylvania, visit https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/real-id.html.
There are two ways to get a Philadelphia Marriage Record: in-person (same-day) or by mail. Here are the steps for each.
In-Person (Same-Day) Request:
- Come to City Hall Room 415, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., weekdays (except holidays).
- Bring a $95 money order or cashier’s check (payable to “City of Philadelphia”) for a certified copy or $95 money order for an exemplified copy. Visa, Mastercard, and debit cards also accepted
- The certified copy is sufficient for Real ID.
- Complete Request Form.
- The marriage Record will be handed to you that day.
Mail Request:
- Mail requests take about 3-4 weeks to complete.
- Go to phila.gov/wills and print the “Request a Marriage Record” form available on the website.
- Complete the request form and send it to the address listed on the form (Room 415, City Hall) with a self-addressed stamped envelope and a money order or cashier’s check.
- Money order or cashier’s check should be $40 for a certified copy (payable to “City of Philadelphia”) or $65 for an exemplified copy.
- Certified copy is sufficient for Real ID.
- Marriage Record will be mailed to the address you provide.
