What Does A Marriage Certificate Look Like In California?

A California marriage certificate is a legal document that can be used as proof of marriage and other legal purposes. It is only available for marriage licenses issued in Sacramento County since 1850 and can only be obtained through the California Department of Public Health’s Office of Vital Records (CDPH-VR). The certificate can be obtained through an online records manager application, which requires both parties to appear in person and bring valid picture identification.

To obtain a certified copy of a marriage certificate, both parties must visit the county clerk’s office and bring all necessary documents. The Kern County Hall of Records Office records public marriage licenses, and the fee for a certified copy is $17.00. Both parties must bring unexpired, government-issued photo ID, a certified copy of their birth certificate or social security card, and a vault copy of the register.

A certified copy of a marriage certificate can be requested after the marriage license is registered with the County Recorder. The first issue of an abridged marriage certificate is free, and a re-issue is R75.00. A certified authorized copy of the marriage certificate can also be requested after the license is registered with the County Recorder.

Online marriage record requests are processed through VitalChek Network, Inc. If the license was issued outside of Los Angeles County or California, online marriage record requests can be processed through this service.

Are marriage certificates public in California?

The marriage license is registered at the county recorder’s office in the county where it was purchased. It is a public record. You can get copies of the marriage license by paying the fee to the County Recorder. Download the application for a certified copy of your marriage record. Only one officiant can sign the marriage certificate.

Confidential Marriage License: To apply for a confidential marriage license, the participants must be at least 18 years old. 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. You don’t have to get married in the county where you buy the license, but you must get married in California. You must file the license in the county where it was purchased. No witnesses are needed at the ceremony or on the license. The license is a confidential record and is registered at the County Clerk’s Office in the county where it was purchased. The couple can buy copies of the license. They must show 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.

How to find out if someone is married or divorced in California?

Divorce records are at the Los Angeles Superior Court where the divorce was filed. If you don’t know where the Superior Court is, call 830-0803 or go to 111 North Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Divorce records from Central Los Angeles are usually transferred to the County Record Center (Archives) within two to three years.

Divorce Records Outside Central Los Angeles. Divorce records outside of Central Los Angeles can take five or more years to be transferred to the Archives. Records are transferred to the Archives when storage space is limited. Call 830-0803 or visit 222 North Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Some divorce records are online.

How many copies of marriage certificate do I need California?

In Los Angeles County, a certified copy of your California marriage certificate costs $15. Buy at least two copies of the marriage certificate so you have extra copies in different places. That small amount of money will save you a lot of hassle. If you lose one copy of a marriage certificate, you’ll have another and won’t have to deal with getting another from Los Angeles County. If your marriage license in California is confidential, follow the instructions you receive with your customer copy of your wedding license. To get a certified copy of your California Confidential Marriage License, send the following to the County Clerk’s Office in the county that issued your wedding license:

How long to get a marriage certificate after a wedding in 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. 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:

What is the difference between a marriage license and a marriage certificate in California?

A marriage license allows a couple to get married. A marriage certificate proves that a marriage has taken place. To get a copy of the marriage license or application, call 775-784-7287 or visit washoecounty.gov/clerks.

How can I get a copy of my marriage certificate from California online?

Get a copy online. Visit VitalChek.com and fill out the request form. You may need to fill out a notarized Certificate of Identity form to complete your order.

Live outside of California? Tell the notary to remove California from the Certificate of Identity and put the state where the form was notarized. It will be accepted.

Can I get a copy of my marriage certificate online in California?

VitalChek Network processes online marriage record requests. VitalChek accepts credit cards. MasterCard, Visa, American Express, or Discover. A $9 handling fee is added to credit card orders.

Only the people in a marriage can get their records. If you’re not married, you can’t get a confidential marriage record. Request a copy online. Go to VitalChek.com and fill out the form.

Are California marriage records public?

Marriage records. Only these people can get a copy of a public marriage record:

The registrant (one of the parties to the marriage named on the certificate) or a parent or legal guardian of the registrant. A party entitled to receive the record as a result of a court order. A member of a law enforcement agency or a representative of another governmental agency, as provided by law, who is conducting official business.A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of the registrant. An attorney representing the registrant or the registrant’s estate.

Applicants who cannot claim one of the relationships above are issued an informational copy.

Marriage Records. An authorized copy of a confidential marriage record can only be issued to the person who is listed on the record or by court order. Informational copies cannot be issued.

How long does it take to get a marriage license in 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. 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:

Does California automatically send marriage certificate?

We don’t automatically send you a copy of your marriage certificate. If you want a copy of your marriage certificate, you can request it at the same time you send your certificate to be recorded. If you changed your name during the marriage process, request a copy of your marriage record to prove it. Who can marry you and your future spouse? Now that you have your marriage license, you and your future spouse can be married by any of the following people:

How do I look up a marriage certificate in California?

How to find marriage records in California. Marriage records are at the California Department of Public Health or the county clerk’s office where the marriage took place. You can find marriage records by:

Submit online; mail in request; visit the County Clerk’s Office.

You can also submit online through accredited third parties to the CDPH-VR or the appropriate County Clerk’s Office.

Do I need to register my marriage in the US if I get married abroad?

The US doesn’t have a national marriage registry. U.S. states recognize marriages from other states and countries. If you got married legally in the country or state where you did, your marriage is recognized in the United States. The only exception is for naturalization. Learn more about marriage for immigration here. If you are getting married abroad, the U.S. State Department website has helpful information.