How Much Does a Marriage License Cost in California?

A marriage license in California costs between $61 and $144. The exact price depends on the county where you apply and whether you choose a public or confidential license. Every couple marrying in the state needs one, the fee is non-refundable, and the license is valid for 90 days from the date it’s issued.

What Each County Charges

California sets no statewide fee. Each county clerk’s office prices its own licenses, and the spread between counties is wide. Recent fees at several of the largest counties:

Confidential licenses aren’t always cheaper. In San Diego and Sacramento, the confidential option costs more than the public one. Most clerks accept cash, money orders, and credit or debit cards, though the accepted methods vary office to office. You can apply in any California county, not only the one where you live.

Public vs. Confidential: What the Price Difference Buys

California issues two kinds of marriage licenses, and the choice affects both the fee and how the record is treated afterward.5California Department of Public Health. Types of Marriage Licenses

A public license becomes a public record once it’s filed. Anyone can request a copy from the County Recorder by paying the standard fee. At least one witness must attend the ceremony and sign the license, and no more than two witnesses can sign the official document.

A confidential license is a private record. Only the two spouses can request copies; anyone else needs a court order. No witnesses are required at the ceremony and none sign the license. In exchange, both applicants must sign an affidavit stating they are already living together as spouses at the time of the application.

Legally, the two licenses produce identical marriages with identical rights.

Costs on Top of the License Fee

The license itself is only one line on the bill. A few add-ons come up often enough to plan for:

Civil ceremony at the clerk’s office. If you want the county clerk to perform the ceremony when you pick up the license, there’s a separate charge. Los Angeles County, for example, adds $35 for the civil ceremony.1Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. Marriage License and Ceremony Fees

Certified copies of the marriage certificate. After the ceremony and recording, you’ll want certified copies to change your name, update insurance, and handle other paperwork. Fees vary by county but run around $19 per copy.6Santa Clara County Office of the County Clerk-Recorder. Fee Schedule Ordering two or three at once is usually the cheaper move.

Deputy Commissioner for a Day. If you want a friend or relative to officiate, several counties let a person apply for one-day authority to perform your ceremony. In Los Angeles County, the fee is $75, plus a one-hour virtual class and an oath; a $13 expediting fee applies to requests submitted less than a month before the ceremony. The application should go in about two months ahead.7Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. Deputy Commissioner for a Day Program A person deputized in one county can officiate anywhere in California.8California Department of Public Health. California Marriage License General Information

What You’ll Need to Pay the Fee

Both people must appear at the county clerk’s office together and in person. Some counties let you start the paperwork online, but you still have to show up together to finish it, present ID, and pay.9Alameda County Auditor-Controller/Clerk-Recorder. Clerk-Recorder – In-Person Marriage Services Appointments are recommended almost everywhere and required at some offices, so call ahead.

Bring:

  • A current, unexpired government photo ID for each person: driver’s license, passport, or state ID. Documents in a language other than English need a certified, notarized translation.10Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. Eligibility
  • The date and manner of any prior marriage’s end. Some counties require written proof of a divorce finalized within the past two years.
  • Payment in a form the county accepts.

Both applicants must be at least 18. A minor can obtain a license only with written parental or guardian consent and a court order following an interview by a judge and Family Court Services.11California Legislative Information. California Code FAM 302 California residency is not required, and no blood test is required.8California Department of Public Health. California Marriage License General Information

How Long the License Lasts and Whether the Fee Comes Back

The license is valid for 90 calendar days from the date of issue. There is no waiting period, so you can marry the same day. If the 90 days pass without a ceremony, the license expires with no grace period and no extension, and you have to buy a new one.8California Department of Public Health. California Marriage License General Information The fee is non-refundable whether the ceremony happens or not.

You can apply in one county and hold the ceremony in another, but the completed license has to be returned for recording to the county that issued it.12SF.gov. Get Married in San Francisco Your officiant is legally required to complete the license and return it within 10 days of the ceremony. Public licenses go to the County Recorder; confidential licenses go to the County Clerk. Once recorded, the license becomes your official marriage certificate.13California Department of Public Health. California Marriage License Registration and Ceremony Information Follow up with your officiant a few days later to confirm they submitted it; a delayed return can leave you legally married but unable to prove it when you order certified copies.