Frequently Asked Questions - Marriage Licenses, Name Changes, Certificates
The following information was obtained from the website for the Kansas State Office of Vital Statistics.
To effect a change in your marriage certificate:
- You will need to provide our office with a certified copy of the bride or groom’s birth certificate as proof of the correct information. We also need a notarized request from the bride and groom stating that they both want to amend the marriage license.
- We will also need a notarized letter from the person that performed the marriage stating the correct information.
- There are several state statutes and regulations that govern the process to amend marriage certificates. Depending on the item being amended, the procedures that you need to follow will vary. If your situation is not addressed or if you would like to verify the information needed, please contact the Amendment Unit at (785) 296-1434.
- Or, if you have questions that can't be answered by browsing the site, email Vital.Records@kdheks.gov
This site is not designed to offer legal advice. It is our suggestion that you approach your attorney for validation or not.
The fee to amend a birth certificate is $15. This does not include the charge for a certified copy.
The following information can be found at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment website (http://www.kdheks.gov/vital/birth.html):
- How to order a BIRTH certificate
- How to locate BIRTH records prior to July 1, 1911
- How to amend/correct a BIRTH certificate
- How to file a delayed certificate of birth
Should you experience problems, email Vital.Records@kdheks.gov, or call (785)296-1400
The information concerning the requirements for marriage licensing in Johnson County are available online at: http://courts.jocogov.org/dc_ML_MeetRequirements.aspx.
For comparison, the marriage license information for the State of Kansas can be found on the following website; www.usmarriagelaws.com/search/united_states/kansas/index.shtml.
Contact the Civil Division of the Johnson County District Court to request information concerning procedures necessary to achieve a name change
precipitated by divorce.
The information you seek can be found on the website for the State of Kansas: www.kdheks.gov/vital/amend_birth_adults.html.
Your marriage certificate or license is your proof that you have taken your spouse’s name. Certified copies of your marriage certificate can be obtained from the Office of Vital Statistics in Topeka, KS via internet at Vital.Records@kdheks.gov or via phone at (785) 296-1400.
Certified copies of vital records are released to the person named on the record, immediate family, a legal representative, or anyone who can prove a direct interest, such as a named beneficiary or someone who jointly owns property with the person whose record is requested. The record must be necessary for the determination of personal or property rights. Proof of legal representation, direct interest, or written authorization is required if the requestor is not named on the record or an immediate family member.
Death Certificates can be obtained from the State of Kansas Vital Statistics department in Topeka. You may contact the department via telephone at (785) 296-3253, or online at www.vitalchek.com. Missouri residents can contact vital records at: http://www.vitalrec.com/mo.html.
