California marriage license requirements can be confusing. Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know to get a California marriage license.
California marriage license requirements can be confusing. Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know to get a California marriage license.
What is the California Marriage Certificate?
The Marriage Certificate Application is an important document that shows that you are married and that this Marriage was entered into in the State of California.
A Marriage Certificate Application must be completed and signed in the presence of a County Clerk. The applicant must present valid photo identification to prove they are the legal spouse of the document’s registered owner.
You must return your marriage license to the county clerk’s office within 10 business days after your marriage ceremony is complete so that they can give you a marriage certificate.
You will not automatically receive a copy, and you will need to request and pay for one from the county where the marriage took place to obtain this document.
How to Get a Marriage License in California
There are a few things you need to do in order to get a marriage license in California. First, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old and have a driver’s license. Second, you’ll need to provide some personal information – like your name, date of birth, and social security number – and pay a fee.
Finally, you’ll need to provide the County Clerk’s office with your documents – such as your driver’s license or passport – and he or she will issue you a marriage license.
What Are the Requirements for a Marriage License?
To obtain a marriage license in California, you must meet a few basic requirements. You must be 18 years of age, have a driving license, and must provide your personal information. You will also need to pay a fee, and if you meet all of the requirements below, your marriage commissioner will issue you a marriage license:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must have proof of residency.
- You must have a photo ID (such as a driver’s license, passport, You must provide an attested copy of your birth certificate. If you were born in California, you can get a certified copy from the California Department of Public Health. If you are from out of state, contact the vital records office for the state where you were born. or military ID).
- You must provide your social security numbers. If you do not have social security numbers, you will need to get them prior to applying for the marriage license. This can take four to six weeks.
- You will need to show proof of termination of any previous marriages (divorce decree or death certificates). If either person was previously married, a certified copy of the death certificate or divorce decree will be required.
Types of Marriage Licenses- Confidential or a Public license
In order to get married in California, you need a license. The two types of marriage licenses are public or confidential. Both require the same type of information from both parties: names, dates, and statements about the upcoming wedding in general terms.
- With a public marriage license, you need a witness—usually an officer or attorney—to sign it.
- With a confidential marriage license, you only need the officer’s signature and there is no room for witnesses.
How much do a Public license and a Confidential license cost
Public license – The cost of a public marriage license in California is $83.00, and a certified pre-paid copy can be issued immediately for an additional $15.00. This process requires a processing fee of $2.50.
Confidential license – The cost of a confidential marriage license is $89.00, and an additional $15.00 is added for each additional copy.
Where and When to Go
You do not need to be a resident of California to obtain a marriage license. Marriage licenses are issued by the state, and they can only be used for marriage ceremonies in that specific county. Your license will expire within 90 days from the day you obtain the license from the provider and you will have to apply for a new license for which you will have to pay again—there is no refund policy! Depending on the county you live in, you may be able to apply online or in person.
Note – The marriage license is valid for 90 days, and you must be married within those 90 days.
Submit your documents
To obtain a marriage license in California, you will need to:
Proof of Identity and Age – To get married in California, your age must be 18 years and you will need valid photo identification a photo. Your identity and date of birth can be found on this document. This may also include a passport (US-issued or foreign), naturalization certificate, resident alien card, driver’s license, or military ID.
Divorce proof – A copy of your final judgment is required if you were already married and the dissolution was final within the past 90 days.
Who can get the marriage done?
According to California Family Code Section 400, authorized persons to solemnize marriage ceremonies include:
- Priest of any religious community
- any acting or retired judge or magistrate of the United States
- a commissioner of civil marriages
- Any legist or statutory officer representing a Californian district
A Deputy for A Day program allows relatives or loved ones to be sworn in as witnesses at ceremonies. Applications are encouraged three weeks before any ceremony.
