A marriage license is a legal document that authorizes the union of two individuals in marriage. It is an essential document that proves that two people have legally entered into a marriage. The process of obtaining a of a marriage license can be complicated and varies from state to state. In California, the process of obtaining a of a marriage license is straightforward and easy to understand. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about obtaining a of a marriage license in California.
What Is a Marriage License?
A marriage license is a legal document that authorizes the union of two individuals in marriage. It is a legal record that proves that two people have entered into a marriage and have met all the legal requirements to do so. The issuance of a marriage license is an essential part of the marriage process as it ensures that the marriage is valid and legal. A marriage license is required for any couple who wants to get married and must be obtained before the wedding ceremony.
Marriage licenses are issued by the county clerk’s office in the county where the couple intends to get married. The requirements for obtaining a marriage license vary from state to state, and in some cases, from county to county.
What Are the Requirements for Obtaining a Marriage License in California?
In California, couples who want to get married must meet certain requirements to obtain a marriage license. The following are the requirements for obtaining a marriage license in California:
– Both parties must be at least 18 years old. If one or both parties are under 18, they must get permission from a parent or guardian and obtain a court order.
– Both parties must not be currently married to someone else or in a domestic partnership.
– Both parties must be present to obtain the marriage license.
– Both parties must present a valid form of photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
– Both parties must provide their full names, birthdates, birthplaces, and social security numbers (optional).
– Both parties must pay a fee of $90 for the marriage license.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in California
In California, couples who want to get married must apply for a marriage license at the county clerk’s office in the county where the wedding ceremony will take place. The following is the process for applying for a marriage license in California:
1. Obtain and Complete the Marriage License Application
Visit the county clerk’s office website or go to the office in person and obtain a marriage license application. The application can be completed online or in person. Both parties must complete the application and sign it in the presence of the county clerk.
2. Provide Identification and Other Information
Both parties must provide a valid form of photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, and their full names, birthdates, birthplaces, and social security numbers (optional).
3. Pay the Marriage License Fee
The fee for a marriage license in California is $90. Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card.
4. Wait for the Marriage License to Be Issued
After completing the application and paying the fee, the county clerk will issue the marriage license. The couple can obtain the marriage license immediately or receive it by mail.
How to Obtain a of a Marriage License in California
Once the marriage license has been issued and the wedding ceremony has taken place, couples can obtain a of their marriage license from the county clerk’s office. The following is the process for obtaining a of a marriage license in California:
1. Obtain and Complete the Marriage Record Request Form
Visit the county clerk’s office website or go to the office in person and obtain a marriage record request form. The form can be completed online or in person. Provide the full names of both parties as they appear on the marriage license, the date of the marriage, and the county where the marriage took place.
2. Pay the Marriage Record Fee
The fee for a certified of a marriage license in California is $15 for the first and $2 for each additional ordered at the same time. Payment can be made by cash, check, or credit card.
3. Wait for the Marriage Record to Be Issued
After completing the request form and paying the fee, the county clerk will issue a certified of the marriage license. The couple can obtain the immediately or receive it by mail.
Conclusion
A marriage license is a legal document that authorizes the union of two individuals in marriage. In California, obtaining a marriage license is a straightforward process that requires both parties to meet certain requirements and complete an application. Once the wedding ceremony has taken place, couples can obtain a of their marriage license from the county clerk’s office by completing a request form and paying a fee. Obtaining a of a marriage license is essential for legal purposes and can help couples prove their marital status for various reasons.
How to Obtain Copies of Marriage Licenses in California
Receiving a Copy of Marriage License in California
There are a number of steps you’ll have to take in order to receive copies of marriage licenses in California, but these steps are quite easy if followed in order. These steps are listed in the following sections, and you can also find information for finding your local county recorder in this article as well.
Step 1 Retrieve and fill out Application for Certified Copy of Marriage Record
You will have to bring a specific form to the county recorder while receiving the copy of marriage license in California. There are multiple sections in this form, and you must sign a sworn statement that is attached at the bottom of the form in order to receive copies of marriage licenses in California.
You’ll have to fill out applicant information, marriage record information, and the sworn statement that clarifies you are of proper relation to the person listed in the copy of marriage license in California.
This form can be found under the California Department of Public Health or at the following link.
Step 2: Bring all necessary items and payments
In order to receive copies of marriage licenses in California, you’ll have to bring all necessary identification, related forms, and the required amount of fees. Descriptions of these items are listed below:
1. Identification- In order to receive a copy of marriage license in California, you’ll have to bring valid id, which is recognized as a driver’s license, birth certificate, U.S. passport, military ID car, or your Social Security number.
2. Divorce Decree- If you have been recently divorced, you must bring a copy of the divorce decree in order to qualify for copies of marriage licenses in California. The decree must state that enough time has passed in order for the divorce to be viewed as official.
3. Pay the Fees- In order to submit the application for a copy of marriage license in California, you must submit a check or money order of $14 for every copy your wish to receive. Even after the marriage becomes official, you will not receive a copy of marriage license from the state, and you will have to return the original with authorization and signature from the person who performed the marriage within 10 days.
How do I contact my County Recorder?
In order to contact your county recorder for copies of marriage licenses in California, you can use several different resources to bring you to the same contact information. The easiest method you can use is following the link provided below under the California Department of Public Health.
The county recorders listed throughout the entire state of California provide copies for not only marriage licenses but birth and death records as well. Make sure you have all the required forms and information with your before you travel to the county recorder. They will not accept an application without required information and/or fees.
