California marriage license guide

Here’s what you’ll need before your ceremony. This is general information from the California Department of Public Health, not legal advice. Rules and fees can change, so check your county’s page before your appointment.

    • You don’t need to live in California.

    • Neither of you can be married to anyone else.

    • You both apply together, in person, at a County Clerk’s office.

    • No blood test is needed.

    • A valid photo ID for each of you, like a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID.

    • If either of you was married before, the date that marriage ended and how it ended. Some counties also ask for a copy of the final judgment.

    • Some counties ask for a birth certificate too, so check your county’s page first.

  • 90 days from the day it’s issued. If you don’t get married within 90 days, you’ll need to buy a new one. You can marry anywhere in California, no matter which county issued your license.

    • Both of you must be 18 or older. Anyone under 18 needs written consent from at least one parent or legal guardian and permission from a California Superior Court judge.

    • You need at least one witness at the ceremony. No more than two witnesses can sign the license.

    • It’s filed with the County Recorder and becomes a public record, so anyone can order a copy.

    • Both of you must be 18 or older.

    • You must already live together as a couple, and you’ll both sign a statement on the license saying so.

    • No witnesses are needed.

    • It’s filed with the County Clerk and stays private. Only the two of you can order copies, with photo ID.

    • You, your officiant, and any witnesses must all be together in the same place. California doesn’t allow proxy weddings.

    • Please don’t cross anything out or use white-out on the license. A mistake can mean buying a duplicate.

    • After the ceremony, we sign your license and submit it to the county within two business days. State law gives officiants 10 days.

  • You won’t get a copy automatically. Once the county registers your license, you can order certified copies: from the County Recorder for a public license, or from the County Clerk for a confidential one. If you live out of town and want yours mailed, Jorge can notarize the sworn statement that goes with your request.

  • Apply at the County Clerk’s office in any California county. Hours, fees, and appointments vary, so check your county’s page before you go: