How do I get a marriage license?

County Clerk / County Clerk-Recorder (county level - each of California's 58 counties)

Step by Step

How to do it

Both parties visit the County Clerk or County Clerk-Recorder in any California county (license valid statewide regardless of which county issues it)
Decide between a PUBLIC or CONFIDENTIAL marriage license (see State Notes)
Both parties present valid government-issued photo ID; provide names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers
Complete the marriage license application
Pay the fee - receive license immediately (no waiting period); you can marry the same day
Get married within 90 days - license expires after 90 calendar days; no extensions
Officiant signs the license after the ceremony along with one witness (public license) or no witnesses required (confidential license)
Officiant returns the signed license to the issuing County Clerk's office within 10 days of the ceremony for registration

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

Valid government-issued photo ID for both parties (driver's license, passport, military ID)
Social Security numbers for both parties
If previously married: date and place prior marriage ended (divorce, death, or annulment) - no paperwork required at time of application in most counties but must be legally divorced/widowed
If under 18: requires written consent from at least one parent/guardian AND permission from a California Superior Court judge; emancipated minors still need court permission

Fee

$35-$100+ (varies significantly by county - verify with your specific county clerk before visiting); fees non-refundable; many counties require appointments; some accept cash only; larger counties (LA, SF, San Diego) accept cards

Waiting Period

None - license issued immediately; can marry same day LICENSE VALIDITY: 90 calendar days from issuance - no extensions

Online Option

No - both parties must appear in person; some counties offer online appointment scheduling; Maricopa County equivalents in CA: many large counties require appointments weeks in advance

Where to Go

County Clerk or County Clerk-Recorder in any California county; license valid statewide but must be returned to the issuing county for registration

County-specific variations apply

Fees vary significantly by county ($35-$100+). Appointment availability varies widely - San Diego fills weeks in advance; smaller counties may walk-in. Payment methods vary by county. Deputy Commissioner for a Day option available in some counties - allows a friend/family member to officiate. Verify fees, payment, and appointment requirements with your specific county before visiting.

California Notes

Important state-specific details

California offers TWO types of marriage licenses - a critical distinction:
PUBLIC LICENSE: Standard license; one witness required at ceremony; anyone can request a certified copy of the marriage record; license valid statewide; can be obtained at any county
CONFIDENTIAL LICENSE: Requires both parties to be living together as spouses at time of application; no witnesses required; only the couple (or a court order) can request certified copies; available at any county; generally same fee
No blood test required.
No residency requirement - non-residents may obtain a California marriage license.
No witnesses required for confidential license; one witness required for public license.
Officiant must return signed license within 10 days - couples typically can request certified copies 7-10 business days after the ceremony.
California has a self-uniting marriage option in some circumstances (Quaker/Religious Society of Friends and certain other religious groups); others require an authorized officiant.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

California Department of Public Health (general marriage law) - cdph.ca.gov; County Clerk-Recorder (varies by county)