California Marriage License Requirements
In California, both parties must present a valid government photo ID to apply for a marriage license. Applicants who are 18 or older may marry without additional consent. Those under 18 may marry only with both parental consent and a court order; California law does not establish an absolute minimum age, leaving the decision to judicial discretion. No blood test is required. Residency in the state is not a prerequisite for obtaining a license.
California offers two types of marriage licenses. A public license requires one witness present at the ceremony. A confidential license requires no witnesses but is available only to couples who already cohabit. Licensing fees vary by county. Individuals with specific questions about eligibility, application procedures, or local requirements should confirm details with their county clerk's office or consult California's official statutes.
| Requirement | California |
|---|---|
| License fee | varies by county (~$35-$105; public vs confidential license differs) |
| Fee set by | County (varies by county) |
| Waiting period | none |
| License validity | 90 days |
| ID required | valid government photo ID for both parties |
| Residency required | no |
| Minimum age | 18 without consent; under 18 requires a court order AND parental consent (no absolute floor — court discretion) |
| Blood test | no |
| Witnesses | 1 witness for a public license (up to 2 lines); 0 witnesses for a confidential license |
| Online option | some counties (e.g., remote video appointments) offer online/remote issuance; varies by county |
| Where to apply | County Clerk / Recorder (county-administered) |
| Governing law | Set by state statute — refer to your state’s official statutes and the issuing County Clerk for the governing rule |
Confirm locally. Requirements come from public-record state law and can change. Verify with the issuing county clerk or state .gov. Informational only — not legal advice.
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