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Available to any couple, regardless of residency. Valid for 90 days from issuance. Requires both parties to appear in person at the county clerk's office.
For couples already living together. Keeps marriage details private. No witnesses required. Only available to California residents. Valid for 90 days from issuance.
Similar to a regular license, but becomes part of the public record. Requires at least one witness. Valid for 90 days from issuance.
To apply for a California marriage license, both partners must appear together in person at a local county clerk’s office. Each individual must present valid, government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport. Some counties may require appointments, so it’s advisable to check specific county requirements beforehand.
Non-residents can apply for a California marriage license by appearing in person with their partner at any county clerk’s office within California. There are no residency or citizenship requirements to obtain a marriage license in California. However, the license is only valid for ceremonies performed within the state.
If you’re outside the U.S., you cannot apply for a California marriage license remotely. Both parties must travel to California and appear together in person at a county clerk’s office with valid identification to apply for the license. There are no citizenship or residency requirements to obtain a marriage license in California.
Marriage licenses in most states expire within 30–90 days. Make sure to check your state’s rules to avoid last-minute stress.
Processing times can vary. Applying early helps you avoid delays, especially if your wedding is on a weekend or during peak season.
Some states allow same-day issuance, while others require a waiting period. Plan ahead to meet your wedding timeline.
Most offices issue licenses immediately, though some may take a few days. Confirm whether you’ll need to pick it up or if a digital copy is available.
If your license expires before your wedding, you’ll need to reapply—and repay the fees again. Stay on top of the deadline to avoid extra hassle.
Both parties must present valid, government-issued photo identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID. The ID should clearly display your name, date of birth, and photograph.
California law requires both parties to be at least 18 years old to marry without parental consent. Your government-issued photo ID typically serves as proof of age. If either party is under 18, they must obtain both parental consent and a court order granting permission to marry.
If either party has been previously married or in a state-registered domestic partnership, you must provide the exact date of the dissolution. If the dissolution occurred within the last two years, written proof, such as a final divorce decree, may be required.
Applicants are typically required to provide their Social Security numbers on the marriage license application. If an applicant does not have a Social Security number, they may need to sign an affidavit stating this fact.
If either party plans to change their name after marriage, the new name should be indicated on the marriage license application. No additional documentation is required at this stage, but you’ll need the marriage certificate to process the name change later.
If either party does not speak English fluently, some counties may require you to bring a translator or interpreter. The translator may need to sign a statement affirming the accuracy of the translation.
Be prepared to pay the marriage license fee, which varies by county. Most counties accept cash, money orders, or credit cards, but it’s best to check with your specific county clerk’s office for accepted payment methods. By gathering these essentials before applying, you can ensure a smooth process when obtaining your marriage license in California.
Certain cases need more paperwork
Make sure your IDs, forms, and application details are accurate to avoid delays.
Some states offer fee reductions for completing a course—check if it applies to you.
Avoid last-minute stress by applying in advance and consulting a specialist if needed.
Detailed step by step application process
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