California "public" marriage license information...

• A California "public" marriage license is the type most couples apply for. It is valid for 90 days from issuance date. It may be obtained at the Clerk of Court's office in any California county and used statewide. In some counties, specially appointed notaries may also issue "public" marriage licenses.

• Cost varies by county, typically about $90. Call ahead to verify acceptable payment form.

• You must both be at least 18 years old. There is no residency requirement, no physical or blood test required, and no waiting period for license to be issued. Your license can be used immediately.

• You must BOTH be present to apply and have with you valid government issued I.D. and proof of age. Again, it is preferable to call ahead and confirm what kinds of identification are acceptable to the county clerk or notary you will be working with to issue your license.

• Aside from your minister or officiant, you must have at least one witness present at your marriage ceremony to sign your license. The "public" marriage license has spaces for two witnesses to sign if you prefer. There is no age requirement for marriage license witnesses in California, but they must be old enough to sign their name and to understand that they are witnessing a marriage ceremony.

• The "public" marriage license is registered at the County Recorder’s Office in the county where the license was purchased and is a public record. Anyone may obtain certified copies of your completed and registered marriage license.

California "confidential" marriage license information...

• A California "confidential" marriage license is much less common, but may be preferable in some instances. It is valid for 90 days from issuance date. But unlike the "public" license, the "confidential" marriage license can be used only in the county that issued it.

• You must both be at least 18 years old. But you must also be living together as spouses at the time you apply for the "confidential" marriage license and sign an affidavit on the license attesting to that fact. There is no residency requirement, no physical or blood test required, and no waiting period for license to be issued. Your license can be used immediately.

• Aside from your minister or officiant, no witnesses are required to be at the ceremony, and no witnesses sign a "confidential" marriage license. The "confidential" marriage license is a private record and is registered at the County Clerk’s Office in the county where it was purchased. Only the two of you may obtain certified copies of your completed and registered marriage license without presentation of a court order.

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