MARRIAGE LICENSES
The Basics
- To obtain a public marriage license in California, both the bride and the groom must apply together, in person.
- The application process takes approximately 45 minutes, and the license will be available immediately and valid for 90 days.
- A public California marriage license can be used anywhere in the state and will be filed as a public record.
- If you and your fiancé currently live together, you may opt to obtain a confidential marriage license, which will not be made a public record. This type of license must be used in the county in which you apply for it.
- No blood test or health certificate is required.
What to Bring
- Identification: You must bring legal picture identification, such as a driver’s license, alien registration card, passport, or military ID. If the form of ID does not reflect your full legal name, it must be accompanied by a certified copy of your birth certificate.
- Proof of Age: Both of you must be 18 years or older to apply for a marriage license without special legal permission.
- Proof of Prior Marriage Dissolution: If either you or your fiancé has been married before, you must know the exact date that the previous marriage was dissolved. If this date is recent, appropriate papers proving that the marriage was dissolved are required.
- Money: Cost and method of payment vary among counties.
Where to Go
Laws and specific county requirements change from time to time. Please visit the county website in which you plan to obtain your license for the most accurate information.
Day of Ceremony Reminders
- Bring valid Married License.
- Bring Application for Certified Copy of Marriage Record.
- Provide a check in the amount of $14 per copy of marriage record requested, made payable to the Registrar-Recorder County Clerk.
- Either the Bride or Groom must have a valid Driver’s License in order for the application to be notarized. (Rev. Eric Schwartz will notarize the application at no cost.)
