In today’s digital age, verifying someone’s marital status is a crucial task. Whether you’re entering a new romantic relationship or just curious, knowing how to check if a person is married can provide peace of mind and ensure transparency.
In fact, statistics say that 16% of married couples admitted to being unfaithful at some point during their marriage, and in 57% of cases, infidelity was the reason why couples got divorced.
These disappointing figures not only affect the two married people but also impact the third party involved in the affair. A pertinent question arises: what if the third party didn’t know about the marriage?
With so many ways to search for personal information these days, it’s not hard to find out someone’s marital status. Let’s check some of the techniques to do this.
How to Check if Someone Is Married
The efficiency of obtaining marriage status details depends on the information available in different sources. Here’s what you can take advantage of:
Marriage Certificates
Marriage certificates serve as crucial documents that verify when a marriage occurred. Typically filed with county clerk offices, these certificates are public records. They contain essential details such as the names of the married couple, the date and place of the marriage, and the officiant’s name. Accessing these records can provide concrete proof of someone’s marital status.
You can obtain marriage certificates online by conducting a thorough search. In some places, like Illinois, marriage verification requests can be made by mail, fax, or in person at the Division of Vital Records. Checking local government websites can also provide access to these records.
Marriage Licenses
Another valuable resource for confirming someone’s marital status is marriage licenses. These licenses are often accessible through local government websites or courthouses. Marriage licenses and applications can give access to valuable information, including the couple’s names, ages, residence, race, birth dates, occupations, and the names of the parents.
To find a marriage license, follow these steps:
- Visit the National Association of Counties website.
- Select the state and the county where the marriage license was issued.
- Follow the public records link on the county’s website.
- Fill in the information for the person of interest (e.g. name, date of birth).
- Click search.
This method can yield detailed information that is crucial in confirming marital details.
Divorce Records

Divorce records can provide confirmation on whether a marriage has legally ended. These records are usually held by the clerk of the county where the divorce was filed. By visiting the county clerk’s office or searching online platforms, you can obtain divorce records that verify the end of a marriage.
Legal professionals can also assist in accessing documents like divorce decrees, which may be crucial for verifying marital status. In rare cases, people might complete the entire divorce process without their spouse’s knowledge, so it’s essential to ensure that a divorce decree has been granted.
Nuwber
Nuwber is a people search engine that gives access to the information about people obtained from federal, state, and local government agencies. In the search bar, type in the first and last name of the person whose marital status you want to find. If you have more information like the city or state they live in, you can include that to narrow down the search results.
Within the detailed report, look for the section that lists personal information. This may include the marital status, spouse’s name, and other relevant details, including court records, occupation, social profiles, and more.
Search Engines
Search engines, like Google, Yahoo, or Bing, offer robust tools for discovering marriage records. By entering the full name of the individual along with keywords like “marriage record” or “wedding registry”, you can uncover various resources such as online databases, public records, and news articles. Combining the full name of the individual with key phrases can refine your search results.
Social Media Profiles
Social media profiles can give ample information about an individual’s marital status. Many social media platforms, like Facebook, allow users to display their relationship status on their profiles. Look for information such as “Married” or “In a Relationship” in the person’s profile information. Checking social media for photos or posts featuring a partner can also provide clues.
Don’t forget to look at the pages of their close friends and family members. Sometimes, friends or family tag individuals in wedding photos or mention them in posts about family gatherings.
In-Person Methods
In-person methods can also be effective for determining someone’s marital status, especially if online techniques have brought no or unconfirmed results.
County Clerk’s Office
You can reliably access marriage records in person by visiting the county clerk’s office. To obtain a marriage verification, follow these steps:
- Visit the county clerk’s office in the county where the marriage took place.
- Submit a completed application.
- Provide a valid government-issued photo ID.
A fee is often required to obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate from the county clerk’s office. Be sure to check the office’s hours and whether an appointment is needed for records searches.
Asking Friends and Family
An effective method can be to inquire about someone’s marital status from mutual acquaintances. Friends, family, and co-workers are likely to have personal knowledge that may not be documented elsewhere. Family gatherings, where you can interact with a family member, can be an opportune moment to subtly inquire about someone’s relationship status.
This method can provide valuable insights, especially if the person in question isn’t forthcoming about their marital status. However, make sure to approach these inquiries with sensitivity and respect for privacy.
Observing Clues
Subtle hints about someone’s marital status can be derived from physical clues and daily routines. Observing physical clues like the presence of a wedding ring, tan lines on the ring finger, or family photos in personal spaces can also help. Additionally, noticing limited social media presence and spending more time at home can also be indicative in some cases.
These observations can provide valuable insights, especially when combined with other methods discussed in this blog post.
Additional Resources

Exploring additional resources can further aid in verifying someone’s marital status. Some options to consider include:
- Genealogy websites
- Public libraries
- State departments of public health
For example, the Illinois Department of Public Health can verify facts of marriages that occurred after 1962 for a small fee.
These resources can be accessed by mail, fax, or in person, providing a wealth of information to confirm someone’s marital details.
Genealogy Websites
For accessing historical marriage records, genealogy websites like FamilySearch and Ancestry.com are useful tools. These sites help individuals trace family histories and verify marital status.
Professional genealogists can also help confirm a person’s marital status by researching family histories and official documents.
Public Libraries
Public libraries, being treasure troves of historical records, possess a lot of information, including archived newspaper marriage announcements. Local public libraries also often have microfilm collections that can be invaluable for finding marriage records.
Visiting a public library and searching through the archives can provide critical information about someone’s marital status.
In genera, utilizing these resources can complement the other methods discussed and ensure you’ve thoroughly investigated the matter.
Let’s Sum Up
Verifying someone’s marital status is a multi-faceted process that involves both modern and traditional methods. From accessing public records and utilizing online search techniques to asking friends and family and observing clues, there are numerous ways to uncover the truth. Each method offers its own set of advantages and can be used in conjunction to provide a comprehensive view.
So, by following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that your relationships are based on honesty and transparency.
FAQ
How can I access marriage records online?
To access marriage records online, you can use online databases and public records websites, and search by selecting the state where the marriage occurred. This is a quick and efficient way to find the information you need.
What information is included in a marriage certificate?
A marriage certificate usually includes the names of the couple, the date and place of marriage, the officiant’s name, the residence of the couple, the names of parents or witnesses, and a certificate number.
Can social media provide clues about someone’s marital status?
Yes, social media profiles can provide clues about someone’s marital status through relationship statuses, photos with a partner, and mentions that indicate a marital relationship. Keep an eye out for these on a person’s social media profiles.
Are there any additional resources for verifying marital status?
Yes, genealogy websites and public libraries are great resources for accessing historical marriage records. They offer extensive databases and archived newspapers with marriage announcements.
Can a person hide their marital status?
While it’s possible to withhold or mislead about marital status, many public and digital resources can reveal the truth. Persistent and thorough checks are often effective in uncovering someone’s true marital information.
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