How To Obtain
Your marriage license
A Step By Step Guide
Gather Documents
You’ll need to provide "Proof of Identity" and age documents (photo and age verification is mandatory). Acceptable forms of I.D. are:
Driver's license and/or Passport
Apply Online
Go online to www.lavote.gov to fill out the paperwork and submit your Marriage License application online. You’ll then be prompted to schedule your in-person appointment.
visit county clerk
Both parties must be present at the scheduled appointment. Bring your proof of I.D forms and payment. A public record license in CA is $91. Your license is valid for 90 days from date of issuance.
Say “I Do!”
Bring your marriage license to your wedding day to be signed by 2 witnesses and your officiant (preferably before cocktail hour). You or your officiant will need to file the signed license within 10 days of your ceremony.
**Request a mailed copy of the completed Marriage License
For more information, please visit:
FAQ’s
When do I need to get my marriage license?
You have 90 days to get married from the date of issuance for your marriage license. If you don’t get married within the 90 day time frame, the license will expire, and you must purchase a new license.
Can we get married at the County Clerk?
Yes! Many County Clerk offices offer Civil Marriage ceremonies in addition to filing your marriage license.
Can our family member/friend be our officiant?
Absolutely! However, they must become ordained either online, by completing a course at a seminary, or becoming deputized as a civil celebrant. (If they choose to be ordained online, there are free courses with sites such as Universal Life Church and American Marriage Ministries).
When do we sign our marriage license?
Sign your marriage license with your witnesses and officiant early in the event before drinks. Everything must be legible and if you make a mistake, you’ll have to get a new license.
We got married! Now what?
You or your officiant will have just 10 days after the ceremony to file your completed and signed marriage license back to the County Clerk (either via mail or in-person).
When do we get a copy of the Marriage Certificate?
A copy of your Marriage Certificate will not automatically be sent to you, so we recommend requesting a copy at the time of filing (an extra fee may apply).