SAN DIEGO COUNTY MARRIAGE LICENS FAQs
What do we need to do to get a marriage license/get married?
1. You both must be at least 18 years old. If either party is under age 18, you will need to contact Juvenile Court. The number is (858) 634-1600.
2. To purchase a marriage license you must make an appointment and appear together at the office of the San Diego County Clerk and present valid and current photo identification with a completed marriage license application.
Do I need to bring a witness?
1. You will not need a witness to purchase a marriage license.
2. If you have already purchase a public marriage license, you will need one witness. San Diego Wedding Bells operates as a couple. One of us can perform the ceremony and the other can sign as the witness.
What type of identification is required?
· A current Driver's License (no temporary or interim extensions are accepted)
· A current Passport
· A current Military identification cards
· A current State identification card
1. Your identification must be current - if it is expired, the County cannot issue the marriage license
2. Couples applying for a marriage license must be unmarried
· If you were previously married and the dissolution is not yet final, even if it will be final before the wedding date you will not be issued a marriage license.
· If you are in a State Registered Domestic Partnership (SDRP) you may not enter into a marriage or be issued a license with someone other than your registered domestic partner, unless the most recent domestic partnership has been terminated or a final judgment of dissolution or nullity has been entered.
· If the dissolution was final within the past 90 days, please provide a copy of your final judgment.
How do I change my name?
1. Questions concerning name changes should be directed to the Social Security Administration, California Department of Motor Vehicles or any other applicable agencies before applying for the marriage license.
2. The Name Equity Act of 2007 gives specific rights to parties at the time they are applying for a California marriage license to choose and list on the marriage license the new name that each party will go by after marriage.
How much does a marriage license cost?
1. A non-confidential marriage license is $70.00.
2. A confidential marriage license is $89.00.
What is the difference between a non-confidential record and a confidential marriage license?
1. Non-confidential license: The ceremony can take place anywhere in California, and if either party is under 18 years of age they must contact the Juvenile Court for approval. Emancipated minors must provide court approval. Certified copies are only available to the authorized persons. Mail in requests must have a notarized signature from an authorized requestor.
2. Confidential license: is a confidential record. The ceremony can only take place in San Diego County. Both parties must be at least 18 years of age and living together as a couple. Confidential licenses cannot be issues to minors. Certified copies can only be obtained by the couple or by a court order. Mail in requests must have the couple's notarized signature.
When will my marriage license expire?
You must use your marriage license within 90 days.
Does purchasing a marriage license make us married?
No, a ceremony must be performed after purchasing a marriage license for you to be married. Contact San Diego Wedding Bells at p.mccarthy@att.net to arrange your ceremony.
How soon can I get married?
· You can get married as soon as you have a marriage license.
When will the marriage certificate be ready to pick up?
1. A certified copy of your marriage certificate will be ready for purchase approximately two weeks from the time the license is received in our office.
2. A certified copy is $14.00.
Where can I go to get a license?
Days
Location
Phone
Monday - Friday
Downtown-Suite 273
1600 Pacific Hwy
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 237-0502
Appointments only
8:00a.m. - 4:00p.m.
Monday - Friday
San Marcos
141 E. Carmel St.
San Marcos, CA 92078
(619) 237-0502
Appointments only
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday
El Cajon
200 S. Magnolia Ave
El Cajon, CA 92020
(619) 237-0502
Appointments only
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Do I need an appointment?
1. Yes. The Downtown, San Marcos, and El Cajon offices are by appointment only - Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
2. Phone lines are staffed Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Can I walk into the County Clerk's office and get a license without an appointment?
No. Appointments for licenses and ceremonies are required.
How long do I have to wait?
1. You will be seen in the order of your appointment and sign in time.
2. Schedule early. There are a limited number of appointments available each day.
Do I need a blood test?
No. In California, there is no blood test requirement.
I was legally married in another state/country. Can I get married here also?
No. You are already married.
Is there a residency requirement to get married in California?
No, there is no residency requirement.
What type of payment does the County Clerk accept for a marriage license?
The County Clerk will accept cash, checks or money orders. Debit cards are also accepted with an additional service fee.
