Jordan Marriage Certificate Attestation from the USA

Recording a U.S. Marriage in Jordan

Jordanian citizens who marry in the United States, whether to another Jordanian or to a foreign spouse, usually need the marriage recorded in Jordan. Registration adds the spouse to Jordanian civil records, allows a family book to be issued or updated, makes it possible to register children, and supports residence for a foreign spouse. Each of these steps starts with the U.S. marriage certificate carrying Embassy of Jordan legalization.

Who records the marriage

Personal status in Jordan is handled by religious courts: Sharia courts for Muslims and the courts of the recognized churches for Christians. A marriage concluded abroad is typically confirmed through the relevant court and then registered with the Civil Status and Passports Department, which updates the family records. Jordanians in the U.S. can sometimes begin the process at the Embassy of Jordan or a consulate. Requirements can vary with the court and the couple’s circumstances, so check with the embassy or a Jordanian lawyer before travelling.

Which U.S. document to use

Use the certified marriage certificate or certified marriage record issued by the county clerk or state vital records office after the marriage was registered. The license that authorized the marriage, and certificates issued by mosques, churches or officiants, are not official civil records, although a religious certificate can support the file. The certified record shows both spouses’ names, the date and place of marriage and the officiant.

Names and earlier marriages

Women in Jordan generally keep their own family name, while U.S. records may show a married name. If the names differ from those in Jordanian documents, a legalized affidavit explaining the variation helps. Where either spouse was married before, bring the legalized divorce decree or death certificate so the court can confirm the earlier marriage ended.

How it is legalized

The certified marriage record goes to the Secretary of State of the state where it was issued, which attaches its authentication certificate with the state seal; some states require a county certification first. The U.S. Department of State authenticates the state certificate and the Embassy of Jordan in Washington, D.C., legalizes the document, normally in about a week. Jordan does not recognize the apostille. Marriage certificates are personal documents, so order them under Case 3; we handle the embassy’s online request, payment and the extra copy.