Marriage Record Requests Soar As Real ID Takes Effect

Philadelphia marriage record requests have almost tripled this year due to the federal government's new Real ID mandate, but the office of Register of Wills John Sabatina has served the unprecedented demand efficiently and professionally.

Between Jan. 1 and Aug. 1, Register Sabatina's office issued 9,475 certified marriage records. That's an increase of 249% over the 3,799 records issued for the same period in 2024.

The Register of Wills office handled an even greater spike in marriage record requests leading up to the Real ID enforcement date. Between March 1 and May 7, the office issued 4,056 records, compared to 1,291 issued in 2024.

"I am extremely proud that my staff has handled constituent requests promptly and professionally despite the increased demand," Register Sabatina said. "We are always developing ways to improve our efficiency so we can meet whatever challenges circumstances may bring."

Although Real ID is administered in Pennsylvania by the Department of Transportation, the program's requirements have had a direct impact on municipal agencies like the Philadelphia Register of Wills, which keeps the city's official marriage record archive.

When someone applies to PennDOT for a Real ID, they must show their birth certificate. In cases where the applicant's current name is different from their birth name, they are required to prove their legal name change. If the person is using a married name, then a certified marriage record fulfills PennDOT's proof requirement.

Under federal law which took effect on May 7, individuals must show a federally accepted ID, such as a state-issued Real ID or a passport, to board any commercial flight or enter certain federal buildings.

One way that the Register of Wills office has eased demand is by offering Marriage Record Pop-Up events at legislative offices throughout Philadelphia. Since April 22, the office has held more than 20 pop-up events in partnership with City Council members and state legislators.

At a typical pop-up event, constituents are invited to visit the designated office to complete a one-page marriage record request form. Within a week, the constituent will return to the same office to pick up their certified marriage record. The cost for this service is $40, payable by money order or certified check to "City of Philadelphia."

Follow the Philadelphia Register of Wills on Facebook and Instagram (#PHLROW) for the dates and locations of upcoming pop-up events.

If a constituent prefers same-day service, they can visit Room 415 in City Hall weekdays between 8 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (except holidays). No appointment is necessary. The cost for an expedited certified marriage record is $70.

If a constituent wishes to order a marriage record by mail, they can download the form at https://www.phila.gov/willsand send it to Marriage Record Department, City Hall, Room 415, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Include a money order or certified check for $40 payable to "City of Philadelphia.