Maryland § 2-504
Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 2-504, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2-504.
(a) (1) On written request, made under penalty of perjury, of both parties to a marriage, the clerk for the county that issued the marriage license shall issue a new marriage record in accordance with this section if the clerk received satisfactory proof that a court of competent jurisdiction, regardless of location, has issued an order for a change of name for a party to the marriage.
(2) On the presentation of a death certificate for a party to a marriage, the clerk for the county that issued the marriage license shall accept a request made under paragraph (1) of this subsection from the other party to the marriage.
(3) On the presentation of an order of the court instructing a marriage record to be changed, the clerk for the county that issued the marriage license shall accept a request under paragraph (1) of this subsection without a written request of both parties.
(b) (1) A new marriage record issued under this section shall:
(i) if the original marriage record designates the gender of the parties, including by using the terms “bride”, “groom”, “wife”, or “husband”, designate the parties using gender–neutral language; and
(ii) if the name of a party to the marriage has been changed at any time, reflect the name that was most recently established and for which a certified order of change of name or other appropriate evidence has been submitted to the clerk.
(2) A new marriage record issued under subsection (a) of this section may not:
(i) be marked “amended”; or
(ii) show on its face that a change has been made to:
1. a name of a party; or
2. if applicable, a gender designation.
(c) (1) If a new marriage record is issued, the clerk shall:
(i) substitute the new electronic marriage record for the existing marriage record then on file; and
(ii) report and transmit a copy of the new marriage record to the Secretary of Health in accordance with § 2–503 of this title.
(2) After a marriage record is changed under this section, any certified copy of the marriage record that is issued shall be a copy of the new marriage record, unless a court of competent jurisdiction orders the issuance of a copy of the original marriage record.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 2-504
What does Maryland Code § 2-504 cover?
Section 2-504 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maryland § 2-504?
A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 2-504" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maryland law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.
How does Maryland § 2-504 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.