Wisconsin Marriage Certificate Application - Department of Health Services Form F-05281 (12/2023)

Sep 11, 2026

Wisconsin Marriage Certificate Application (Form F-05281) collects applicant identity details, mailing address, contact information, and current valid photo ID information. It requires selecting the applicant’s relationship category to the individuals named on the certificate, stating the purpose of the request, and calculating fees for the first and any additional copies. The form captures marriage information for both spouses, includes applicant attestation and signature/date, and lists penalties for illegal possession of vital records. It explains certified versus uncertified copies, processing timelines, and acceptable identification.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time1 min

AccessFree to download

Applicant Information

Current name and mailing details

Applicant relationship and eligibility categories

Purpose for certificate request

Fees and submission requirements

Fee schedule and refund policy

Where to submit the application and payment

Marriage Information and attestation

Spouse birth names and marriage details

Signature and processing notice

FAQ

Certified vs uncertified copy differences

Processing time

Required identification

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES Division of Public Health F-05281 (12/2023) STATE OF WISCONSIN Wis. Stat. § 69.21 Page 1 of 2 WISCONSIN MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE APPLICATION PENALTIES: Any person who illegally possesses any vital record with knowledge that the vital record has been illegally obtained is guilty of a Class I felony [a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment of not more than 3 years and 6 months, or both, per Wis. Stat. § 69.24(1)] . | I . APPLICANT INFORMATION | CURRENT NAME – First | Last | | | | MAIL TO NAME-First (if different) | | | Last | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | YOUR STREET ADDRESS (CANNOT be a P. O. Box address) Apt. No | | | | | MAIL TO ADDRESS (if different than street address) Apt. No. | | | | | | | | | City | | State | | ZIP Code | City | | | State | | ZIP Code | | | | DAYTIME TELEPHONE NUMBER
( ) | | | | | EMAIL ADDRESS | | | | | | | | | TYPE OF CURRENT VALID PHOTO ID (See item 3 on page 2 . ) | | PHOTO ID NUMBER | | | | | STATE OF ISSUANCE | | EXPIRATION DATE | | | | I I . APPLICANT’ S RELATIONSHIP TO PERSON(S) NAMED ON THE CERTIFICATE | Per Wis. Stat. § 69.20(1), a CERTIFIED copy of a marriage certificate is only available to those with a “direct and tangible interest." (A–E) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | CHECK ONE box which indicates YOUR RELATIONSHIP to one of the PERSONS NAMED on the marriage certificate.
A. I am one of the persons named on the marriage certificate.
B. I am a member of the immediate family of one of the persons named on the marriage certificate.
Parent Child Brother / Sister
Maternal Grandparent Paternal Grandparent
C. I am the legal custodian or guardian of one of the persons named on the marriage certificate.
D. I am a representative authorized by any person in categories A-C, including an attorney.
Specify the person you represent:
E. I can demonstrate the marriage certificate is necessary for the determination or protection of a personal or property right.
Specify your interest:
F. None of the above. I am requesting an uncertified copy. (Copy will not be valid for identity or legal purposes. ) NOTE: Grandchildren, stepparents, stepchildren, stepbrothers / stepsisters may only obtain certified copies as categories C – E. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | PURPOSE FOR WHICH CERTIFICATE IS REQUESTED: | | | | | | | | | | | | | I I I . FEES | First Copy Fee $ 20.00
Additional copies of the same certificate issued at the same time as the first copy X $ 3.00
Number of Additional Copies
FEE IS NOT REFUNDABLE IF NO RECORD IS FOUND. CANCELLATIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. TOTAL | | | | | | | | | | | ___________

$ 20.00
$ 0.00
___________
$ 20.00 | | Submit your application materials and fee to: STATE VITAL RECORDS OFFICE / PO BOX 309 / MADISON, WI 53701-0309
Be sure to include: completed form, acceptable identification, payment,
self-addressed, stamped, business-size envelope, and any additional proof or authorization required
Make check or money order payable to: STATE OF WIS. VITAL RECORDS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | IV . MARRIAGE INFORMATION | GROOM / SPOUSE 1 BIRTH NAME – First | | | Middle | | | BIRTH Last Name | | | | | | | | BRIDE / SPOUSE 2 BIRTH NAME – First | | | Middle | | | BIRTH Last Name | | | | | | | | DATE OF MARRIAGE (MM/DD/YYYY) | | | LOCATION OF MARRIAGE-County | | | LOCATION OF MARRIAGE – City, Village, or Township | | | | | | | I hereby attest that the information provided on this application is correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and that I am entitled to copies of the requested marriage certificate in accordance with the categories listed above. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | SIGNATURE (Applicant)
➢ | | | | | | | Date Signed (MM/DD/YYYY) | | | | | | _

FAQs

What is the difference between a certified and an uncertified copy of a Wisconsin marriage certificate?

A certified copy is printed on security paper, has a raised seal, and shows the signature of the State or Local Registrar; it can be used for legal purposes. An uncertified copy is printed on plain paper, marked “uncertified,” is for information only, and cannot be used for identity or legal purposes.

How long does it take to process a request for a certified or uncertified copy?

Processing may take up to two weeks plus mailing time to complete.

What identification is required when applying for a marriage certificate?

Requests for certified copies require proof of identification, including a photocopy of the applicant’s ID. Expired cards or documents are not accepted, and acceptable examples are listed on the form.

Sep 11, 2026

Upload by Emma Wilson