Public Marriage License Requirements

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PLEASE READ THE REQUIREMENTS BEFORE COMPLETING APPLICATION

  • With this application, you are applying for a marriage license issued pursuant to Family Code Section 359.
  • Applicants must be 18 years or older. If either party is under 18, you must contact the Clerk of Superior Court prior to coming to our office.
  • Both parties must be present.
  • A valid photo ID, such as a driver's license, is required to verify age and identity.
  • If either party was previously married, or had a registered domestic partnership with someone other than the other party, a certified copy of the final dissolution papers is required if the dissolution was granted within last 90 days, otherwise the date of the dissolution is sufficient.
  • The marriage license can be used immediately and it must be used within 90 days from the date of issuance.
  • The ceremony can take place anywhere in the State of California.

POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR CALIFORNIA MILITARY MARRIAGES INSTRUCTIONS - Pursuant to FC 420(b) (Cha. 476, Statutes of 2004)
  • A member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is stationed overseas and serving in a conflict or a war and is unable to appear for the licensure and solemnization of the marriage may enter into that marriage by the appearance of an attorney-in-fact, commissioned and empowered in writing for that purpose through a power of attorney.
  • The power of attorney must be completed and signed by the person stationed overseas serving in a conflict or war. The power of attorney form must be witnessed by two military officers or acknowledged by a notary public. If the form is acknowledged by a notary public, it is important to make sure the form has been acknowledged correctly as required in Civil Code Section 1183 & Probate Code 4122.
  • The attorney-in-fact and the First Person/Second Person (whoever is not stationed overseas serving in a conflict or a war) must personally appear together at the County Clerk’s Office with valid picture identification to apply for the marriage license. Contact the County Clerk’s Office for office hours and fees.
  • The original power of attorney form must be presented to the County Clerk’s Office at the time the marriage license is issued.
  • When applying for a marriage license under these provisions, only a public marriage license may be issued. A confidential marriage license may not be issued.

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