How To File For Marriage License In California?

This web page provides information on the requirements for obtaining public and confidential marriage licenses in California, as well as answering frequently asked questions about marriage laws. Marriage licenses can be obtained from any county in California, and applicants must fill out an application for a marriage license prior to the ceremony. The process involves determining if the couple can get married, applying for a marriage license from the Santa Clara County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, choosing a married name, applying for the license, giving the license to the person who will perform the ceremony, and returning the signed license to the Clerk-Recorder’s Office.

A marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance, with no citizenship or residency requirements, nor blood tests required. Applicants must be over 18 years of age and can submit their application online. Both parties must appear together in person and bring valid picture identification to the County Clerks Office. A certified copy of a marriage certificate can typically be used as proof of marriage and other legal purposes.

To obtain a marriage license in person, both parties must appear together in person, be 18 years of age and older, present valid identification, and get married within 90 days from the issue date of the marriage license. The marriage license must be used within the state of California.

The confidential marriage license fee is $85, and couples must be living together as a couple.

What are the steps to get married in California?

You need a marriage license and a ceremony to get married. In California, only two unmarried people at least 18 years old with valid ID can get a marriage license. You don’t have to be a California resident or US citizen to get married in California. Your marriage license must be recorded in the county where it was issued. Your ceremony officiant must deliver your signed marriage license to the right place. If you got a public marriage license from the San Francisco County Clerk, return it to the Office of the Assessor-Recorder.

Can you be legally married in California without a marriage license?

You need a marriage license and a ceremony to get married. In California, only two unmarried people at least 18 years old with valid ID can get a marriage license. You don’t have to be a California resident or US citizen to get married in California. Your marriage license must be recorded in the county where it was issued. Your ceremony officiant must deliver your signed marriage license to the right place. If you got a public marriage license from the San Francisco County Clerk, return it to the Office of the Assessor-Recorder.

What is the fastest way to get married in California?

Obtaining Your Marriage License: We don’t issue marriage licenses. Contact the Clerk of the Court in your county to get a marriage license. Some counties, like Kern County, are open to the public and offer same-day service. A license from any county is valid in the whole state. You don’t have to use the county clerk in your county. Please contact the county to check if they are open and issuing licenses to out-of-county residents. Hours and services may change due to the pandemic.

License fee from the County Clerk: $85.

Can you get married the same day in California?

Obtaining Your Marriage License: We don’t issue marriage licenses. Contact the Clerk of the Court in your county to get a marriage license. Some counties, like Kern County, are open to the public and offer same-day service. A license from any county is valid in the whole state. You don’t have to use the county clerk in your county. Please contact the county to check if they are open and issuing licenses to out-of-county residents. Hours and services may change due to the pandemic.

License fee from the County Clerk: $85.

Who files marriage license in California?

The officiant must return the marriage license to the County Recorders office within 10 days of the ceremony.

Do you need witnesses to get married in California?

Marriage license. You must be at least 18. People under 18 can marry with written consent from at least one parent or legal guardian and permission from a California Superior Court Judge. Emancipated minors must follow this process. You can get a marriage license from any county in California. You can get married anywhere in California. File the license in the county where you bought it. Have at least one witness at your ceremony. The license has a place for two witnesses. You can’t have more than two witnesses sign the license. If you have more than two witnesses, the license will be returned to the officiant and you’ll need to buy a new one. There’s no age requirement for witnesses, but they must know what they’re witnessing and be able to sign their name. The license is registered at the County Recorders Office in the county where it was purchased and is a public record. You can get copies of the marriage license for a fee from the County Recorder. To get a confidential marriage license, the people getting married must be at least 18. Minors cannot buy a confidential marriage license. The couple must live together as spouses when they apply for the license and sign an affidavit attesting to this. As of January 1, 2015, couples can be married in any county in California. No witnesses are required at the ceremony or on the license. The marriage license is confidential and is registered at the county clerk’s office in the county where it was purchased. Only the couple can buy copies of the marriage license. They must show valid ID and pay the fee to the County Clerk. Other people can’t get copies of a confidential marriage license unless they have a court order. The state office doesn’t give out copies.

How much does it cost to file a marriage license in California?

Checks are not authorized for marriage licenses or wedding ceremonies. Public Marriage License: $86.00 Confidential Marriage License: $90.00 Wedding Ceremony: $60.00 Deputy Commissioner: $50.00 Vow Renewal: $60.00.

Can I get a California marriage license online?

Online marriage license system. Apply for your marriage license online! Start your online marriage license application by clicking the button. Both parties must appear together to get the official marriage license.

Who can marry you in California?

A priest, minister, or rabbi of any religion. A judge or retired judge, commissioner of civil marriages, or assistant commissioner of a court of record in this state. Who can perform your wedding ceremony? Civil ceremony. No special form is needed for a marriage ceremony, but the couple must say in front of the person who is marrying them and at least one witness that they are married to each other.

Who can solemnize marriage? Any adult over 18 can solemnize a marriage. A priest, minister, or rabbi of any religion. A judge or retired judge, commissioner of civil marriages, or retired commissioner of civil marriages. A judge or magistrate who has resigned from office. Any of the following judges or magistrates of the United States: A justice or retired justice of the United States Supreme Court.(B) A judge or retired judge of a court of appeals, a district court, or a court created by an act of Congress. The judges of these courts can hold office during good behavior. (C) A judge or retired judge of a bankruptcy court or a tax court. (D) A United States magistrate or retired magistrate. (c) Any of the following people can also solemnize marriages: A state legislator or constitutional officer, or a member of Congress representing a district in this state. A person who has held or previously held an elected office in a city, county, or city and county. A city clerk of a charter city or serving in accordance with subdivision (b) of Section 36501 of the Government Code, while that person holds office. (d) A person listed in subdivision (c) shall not accept compensation for solemnizing a marriage while holding office. A person listed in subdivision (c) may not solemnize a marriage if they have been removed from office or convicted of an offense.

How long does it take to get a marriage license California?

California marriage license requirements. You can get your license at any county clerk’s office in California. You don’t need to get your license in the county where you live or where you’re getting married. Call the County Clerk’s office to see if you need an appointment. Some counties have long lines. Both you and your fiancé must apply together at any County Clerk’s office. Bring a photo ID to verify your identity. Some counties say you should bring certified copies of your birth certificates. You must know your parents’ names, your mother’s maiden name, and where they were born. Call the clerk’s office before you go to make sure you have everything you need. California marriage licenses are only valid for 90 days, so get yours within 90 days of your wedding date. There is no blood test or waiting period. The clerk will give you your license right away. If you have been married before, you must show proof of divorce, death, or annulment. The cost for applying varies by county. Some counties only accept cash payments. After your ceremony, your officiant must file your license within 10 days. You can submit requests for certified copies beginning 7 days after the wedding date. Your marriage license packet includes instructions for obtaining certified copies. Don’t forget! Bring your marriage license to your wedding. Without it, your officiant cannot marry you. Your officiant will file it with the county, and the county will mail it back to you to confirm that everything is official. There are also options for couples who want to get married online in California. Some couples use an existing California marriage license, but most start a new application. See our California Online Marriage page for more info.

California Confidential Marriage License Requirements. The California Department of Public Health says:

Who can legally marry a couple in California?

A priest, minister, or rabbi can solemnize a marriage. A judge, commissioner of civil marriages, or assistant commissioner of a court of record in this state.