FAQs
Are blood tests required for a marriage license?
The Blood tests were eliminated in January 1995.
Do I need to make a marriage license appointment even if I am not having a ceremony performed by your office?
Yes. Marriage licenses are issued by prepaid confirmed appointment only.
What is the marriage license fee?
The marriage license fee must be paid at the time the marriage license appointment is scheduled on-line (requires Visa or Mastercard credit card) or in-person in the office (cash or debit / credit card). For current fee see Fees.
How do I apply for a marriage license?
Marriage licenses are issued by prepaid confirmed appointment only. Appointments are available on-line (requires Visa or Mastercard credit card) under "Online Reservations" or made in person cash or debit / credit card) at the Office of the County Clerk during regular business hours. Appointments may be scheduled up to 90 days in advance.
My fiancée is not a U.S. citizen. Are there special requirements for my fiancée?
No. It is important that you review the requirements for applying for a marriage license from our office. The requirements apply to both U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens. There are no additional requirements for non-citizens. Please note that a CERTIFIED copy of a confidential marriage license is not available for 2 weeks or CERTIFIED copy of your public marriage license is not available for 2-4 weeks after the license is received by the County for registration. Please consider the time requirements for a certified copy when planning your marriage license appointment and/or ceremony appointment. We do not expedite the processing of certified copies. It is your responsibility to check your country's requirements for recognizing a foreign marriage in your country. If an apostille is required by your country, you must purchase a certified copy of your marriage license to submit to the Secretary of State for preparation of an apostille. Please visit the Secretary of State's website at http://www.sos.ca.gov for requirements, fee, processing times, and address. Our office does not have any information or answers to questions related to immigration issues. It is your responsibility to follow any established legal requirements and take any necessary actions in order for your fiancée to stay in the country legally. Immigration and fiancée visa questions need to be addressed directly with the Department of Homeland Security.
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