Where to Start: County Clerk's Office

You obtain a California marriage license from the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry. This is not a state office—each of California's 58 counties runs its own marriage licensing. You can explore in person at the clerk's office, and some counties now allow you to start the process online, though you will still need to visit in person to sign documents and pay the fee.

Find your county clerk by searching "[your county] clerk marriage license" or visiting the county's official website. Most clerk offices are in the courthouse or a government building downtown. Hours vary by county, but most are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Some larger counties offer evening or Saturday appointments—call ahead to ask.

You do not need to be a California resident to marry in California, and you do not need to marry in the county where you live. Many couples travel to a different county for the ceremony itself, which is allowed. The license is valid statewide once issued.

Key Takeaways

  • You must explore at the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry, not at a state office.
  • Both people getting married must appear in person with valid identification and a Social Security number or ITIN to receive the license.
  • California has no waiting period—you can marry the same day you receive the license, though some couples wait.
  • The license costs between $40 and $100 depending on the county, and is valid for 90 days from the date issued.
  • You will need a certified copy of the license after the ceremony to use it for name changes, insurance, or other legal purposes.

Documents You Need to Bring

Both people getting married must appear together at the clerk's office with a valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. The ID must not be expired, though some counties accept IDs expired within the last year—call your clerk's office to confirm their specific rule.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have either, you can request a waiver from the clerk, though this is uncommon. Bring the actual Social Security card or ITIN documentation if you have it, or be prepared to state the number verbally.

If you have been married before, bring a certified copy of your divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. "Certified copy" means an official document stamped by the court or vital records office, not a photocopy. If you cannot locate it, ask the clerk whether they can look it up in the state system—many can, which saves you a trip.

The process Process and Fees

At the clerk's office, you will fill out a marriage license process form. The form asks for your full legal names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, current addresses, and information about any previous marriages. Both people must sign the form in front of the clerk. You cannot sign it beforehand or have someone else sign for you.

The fee varies by county. Most counties charge between $40 and $100 for a marriage license. Some counties offer a reduced fee if you have completed a premarital counseling course—ask the clerk whether your county participates. Payment is usually cash, check, or card, depending on the county. Ask what methods they accept when you call.

Once you have signed the process and paid the fee, the clerk will issue your license on the spot. You receive an official copy that you will bring to your ceremony. The license is valid for 90 days from the date it was issued. If you do not marry within that window, the license expires and you must explore again and pay the fee again.

What Happens at Your Ceremony

Your officiant—whether a judge, minister, rabbi, or other authorized person—will sign your marriage license during the ceremony. California law requires that the officiant be authorized to perform marriages in California. This includes religious clergy, judges, justices of the peace, and certain other officials. If you are unsure whether your chosen officiant is authorized, ask them directly or call the county clerk.

After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to you. Do not lose this document. You will need it to update your name with the Social Security Administration, your bank, your employer, and other institutions. Some people frame it; others keep it in a safe place with other important papers.

Getting Certified Copies After the Ceremony

The license your officiant returns to you is your certified copy. However, you may want additional certified copies for different institutions—one for Social Security, one for your bank, one for your employer, and so on. You can order extra certified copies from the county clerk's office where you were married, usually for $10 to $20 per copy.

You can order copies by mail, in person, or online through some county clerk websites. Processing time varies from same-day to two weeks depending on the county and method. If you need copies quickly, visit the clerk's office in person. If you are ordering by mail, include a check or money order, a copy of your ID, and a letter stating how many certified copies you need.

Name Changes and What Comes Next

If you plan to change your name after marriage, your certified marriage license is the document you will use to prove the name change. You do not need a separate court order in California—the marriage license itself serves as proof. Take your certified copy to the Social Security Administration office to update your Social Security card, then use that updated card to change your name with your bank, employer, driver's license, and other institutions.

The order matters: Social Security first, then everything else. Once Social Security has your new name, other agencies will accept that as proof. Your driver's license can usually be updated at the DMV with your marriage license and current ID. Some institutions may ask for a certified copy of the license; others may accept a photocopy. Ask each institution what they need.

Special Situations and Exceptions

If one person cannot appear in person, California does not allow proxy marriages or remote ceremonies for marriage licenses. Both people must be physically present at the clerk's office to sign the process. There is no exception to this rule, even for military members or people out of state.

If you are under 18, you can marry in California only with parental or court consent. If you have parental consent, bring a notarized consent form signed by your parent or guardian. If you do not have parental consent, you must petition the court for permission. This requires filing paperwork with the superior court in your county and attending a hearing. The process takes several weeks and is not may provide to succeed. If you are in this situation, contact your county clerk or a family law attorney for guidance.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can still marry in California. You do not need a green card or visa. Bring your passport or other valid government-issued ID from your country. If you do not have a Social Security number, you can request a waiver and provide an ITIN instead, or ask the clerk about their waiver process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I marry the same day I get my license?

Yes. California has no waiting period. You can receive your license in the morning and marry that afternoon if your officiant and venue are available. Some couples choose to wait anyway, but there is no legal requirement to do so.

What if I made a mistake on the process?

If you notice an error before the ceremony, contact the county clerk when ready. They can often issue a corrected license. If you notice an error after the ceremony, you will need to petition the court to amend the license. This requires filing paperwork and paying a court fee. Contact your county clerk for the specific process in your county.

Do I need a witness at the ceremony?

No. California does not require witnesses for a marriage to be legal. Some religions or personal traditions include witnesses, but it is not a state requirement.

What if my officiant loses or damages the license?

Contact the county clerk when ready. They can issue a replacement license. Bring your ID and explain what happened. There may be a small fee, usually $10 to $20.

Can I get a license in one county and marry in another?

Yes. Your license is valid statewide. You can explore in one county and have your ceremony in a different county. The license is still valid for 90 days from the date issued.