Countywide : Newlyweds Warned on Marriage License Scam

The county recorder’s office warned newly married couples Wednesday to be wary of offers from an Upland company promising to provide certified legal copies of marriage licenses for only $25.

Employees of Certified Records Bureau have been mailing new couples an official-looking document that tells the newlyweds that they will be provided with a “certified (state seal) legal” copy of their marriage certificates by mailing money to a Sacramento address.

Lee A. Branch, county recorder, said in a written statement Wednesday that there is no state seal on marriage certificates.

In reality, Branch said, certified copies of marriage certificates cost only $9 and can be obtained locally.

The scheme came to light after recently married couples called the recorder’s office inquiring about a delay in receipt of their marriage certificates, Branch said.