ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
For people to migrate outwards from the USA and take residence in a different country, have been common for decades. As a result, it is normal for US citizens to get married overseas. When people return to the United States, they have to prove they are married for certain legal purposes and to conduct business with the government. For example, it could be to obtain a government document such as a driving license, acquire US citizenship by marriage, or gain benefits. A Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad verifies the marriage and completes the legal requirements in the United States. In this article, we look at the Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad in more detail, and how to obtain it.
Who Can Obtain A Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad?
As long as the marriage was recorded with the government and the legal framework in a foreign country, you can obtain a Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad. Three types of people can obtain this record, they are:
- • People who are on the document as married,
- • The guardians of a person or people on the document, and
- • Anyone who gains authorization from the person or people on the certification.
How To Obtain The Certification?
To obtain the certificate, a person must do the following:
- • Fill in the DS-5542 form, which must be notarized,
- • Provide a photocopy of a valid I.D. It can include a:
- - Passport,
- - Driving license (both state-issued and non-driver photo I.D.),
- - Military ID,
- - Veterans Affairs Identification,
- - Prison ID.
- • Add a money order or check for $50 (for each certificate) issued to "U.S. Department of State” with their application.
You can obtain as many copies of the Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad as you wish, but each certificate has a $50 fee. It is important to note that DS-5542 is different from FS-240. FS-240 is used to recognize the birth of a child overseas to someone who is a US citizen.
Where To Send The Completed Documents And How Long Will It Take To Receive The Certification?
The completed documents and the payment must be sent to the following address:
Records obtained by the United States Department of State are supplied, and you can expect to receive the certificate in four to eight weeks. Due to the unique nature, a faster service is not available. However, once the document is ready, a 1 to 2 day delivery or first-class mail service is available. The 1 to 2 day delivery service has a $19.53 fee (which must be added to the money order or check).
Can I Get Someone Else To Obtain My Certification?
You can get someone to obtain the Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad on your behalf. But you must send the following:
- • Written authorization that you have signed,
- • Photocopies of two of your I.D.s,
- • A copy of the identification of the person making the request,
- • A statement from the person making the request which must be notarized.
How To Obtain An Apostille On Your Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad?
An apostille is a specialized certificate added to your Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad. It ensures the document is valid in another country. Simply follow the procedure required for a normal Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad, but on the DS-5542 form, tick the apostille section. Suppose you already have a Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad, but it is not apostilled. In that case, you must again follow the procedure required for a standard Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad. But you do not need to attach the $50 fee.
The Importance Of a Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad
A Certificate of Witness to Marriage Abroad ensures your marriage which took place in another country is recognized in the United States. That way, your marriage becomes legal in the United States and allows you to access government services. The process is simple and straightforward. You simply need to complete the DS-5542 form with the signature witnessed by a public notary.