Apply for a Marriage License

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FOLLOW THESE STEPS TO GET MARRIED IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA:

    Marriage License

    Your license permits you to be married anywhere in the state of California. You and your future spouse must be present to apply for a license and must be:

    • Single
    • 18 years of age or older


    Get Ready

    To apply for a marriage license, you'll need to know:

    1. Your legal name and your place and date of birth.
    2. The name you’ll take when you marry (if you plan to change your name).
    3. Your parents’ legal names and their places of birth (state or country).
    4. The type of license you want:
      • Standard 
        Most couples apply for a Standard license. 

        With a Standard license, your marriage becomes part of the public record but your information is not published and cannot be searched online.
      • Confidential 
        A Confidential license does not become part of the public record. To apply for a Confidential license, you must already be living with your future spouse.
        1.  If divorced, you’ll need to know the date of your divorce. If you divorced within the last 90 days, bring a copy of the judgment of divorce.

        Get Licensed

        No appointment is necessary for a marriage license—show up at the Clerk-Recorder's Office with your future spouse and:

        1. Fill out a marriage license application using the Clerk-Recorder’s public computers or fill out an application online before you arrive.
        2. After you submit your application, get a service ticket and wait to be called to meet with a Vital Records Clerk.
        3. At the Clerk's window, present valid personal identification (driver’s license, passport, permanent resident card). 
          If you don't have valid id, you can provide two Credible Witnesses—friends or family members who have valid personal identification and can sign an affidavit verifying your identity. The fee for Credible Witnesses is $20.
        4. Pay the license fee: 

        Standard Marriage License    $80.00

        Confidential Marriage License    $83.00  

        Pay with cash, check, or credit/debit card  
        $2.50 convenience fee for credit and debit cards

         

        Get Married

        When you get your license, you need to complete your marriage ceremony within 90 days in the state of California. If you aren’t married within the 90-day period, you’ll have to apply for another license.

        You can be married by:

        • Clergy
        • Judge
        • Clerk-Recorder's Office (marriage commissioner or vital-records clerk)
        • Deputized relative or friend (one-day deputy commissioner)


        The county has a dedicated wedding chapel you can rent for your marriage ceremony.

        Return your signed marriage license to the Clerk-Recorder's Office within 10 business days of being married. When the Clerk-Recorder's Office receives and records the license, it becomes a marriage certificate.

        You can usually purchase a copy of your marriage certificate two business days after your marriage license is recorded by the Clerk-Recorder's Office.

        Where​ to Apply for a Marriage License

        Clerk-Recorder’s Office

        70 W. Hedding, 1st Floor, East Wing
        San Jose, CA 95110

        Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
        (Office is closed on County holidays)

        Arrive early! Submit your marriage license application by 4:15 p.m. to be processed before close of business.

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