How many certified copies should I order?

Three is the sweet spot in every country: one can be 'in the mail' to the passport office, one shows at in-person visits, one stays home. Some agencies return them, some keep them — three keeps you moving.

What counts as a 'certified' copy?

One issued by the registering authority (county clerk, register office, Vital Statistics, BDM) with its seal — not a photocopy, not a scan, not the decorative ceremony certificate.

What if I lost my marriage certificate?

Order a replacement from the same office that registered the marriage — every country in this guide sells certified replacements online for a modest fee. Nothing else is blocked while you wait.

Guide

The documents you actually need — and the ones to never type online

Nine out of ten delays trace back to the wrong certificate or too few copies. Here is the exact paperwork, per country.

The one document everything depends on

US: certified marriage certificate with raised seal, from the county clerk — photocopies are rejected. Order 3+.
UK: the marriage certificate issued at registration; extra certified copies from the register office or GRO (~£12.50 each).
Canada: the government marriage certificate from provincial Vital Statistics — the ceremony 'record of solemnization' is NOT accepted by Service Canada or the passport program.
Australia: the official (standard) certificate from your state's BDM registry — the decorative ceremony certificate is not accepted anywhere.

What each agency wants with it

Federal record first (SSA form SS-5 / Service Canada / HMRC / ATO): certificate + government photo ID.
Driver's licence: certificate + current licence, in person; some states/provinces also want proof of address.
Passport: certificate + current passport + photo(s) + fee (US DS-82 $130; UK £94.50; CA/AU new-application fees).
Banks: certificate + your NEW photo ID — which is why banks come after the licence, not before.

The two numbers that never belong on a website

Your SSN/SIN/NI/TFN and your passport number. Every legitimate form has a box for them — fill those boxes with a pen after printing.
Any name-change site that asks you to type them is collecting what it doesn't need. Ours are left blank by design.

Questions people actually ask

How many certified copies should I order?: Three is the sweet spot in every country: one can be 'in the mail' to the passport office, one shows at in-person visits, one stays home. Some agencies return them, some keep them — three keeps you moving.
What counts as a 'certified' copy?: One issued by the registering authority (county clerk, register office, Vital Statistics, BDM) with its seal — not a photocopy, not a scan, not the decorative ceremony certificate.
What if I lost my marriage certificate?: Order a replacement from the same office that registered the marriage — every country in this guide sells certified replacements online for a modest fee. Nothing else is blocked while you wait.

Get the per-agency list personalized:

Kits for the US, UK, Canada, Australia and after divorce — every checklist and letter, one $29 pass.