Q. What is the difference between a “Regular” and a “Confidential”
marriage license?
There are a number of differences. A regular marriage license is a public record.
A license and certificate of confidential marriage is only accessible by the husband,
wife, or by decree signed by a superior court judge. At least one witness is required
to observe the solemnization for a regular, public ceremony. No witnesses are required
to observe a confidential marriage ceremony. A regular license may be used throughout
the state. However, the confidential license may only be used in the county of issue.
The confidential license fee is $2.00 more than the regular license.
Q. What are acceptable forms of identification?
1. Driver's license
2. State issued I.D. card
3. Passport
4. Military service or military dependent I.D. card
5. Alien registration card (formerly known as “Green” card)
6. I.D. card issued by the U.S. Government
If a form of identification which includes both a photograph and birth date is not
available, the use of two other identification documents will be necessary to prove
identity and age (one with a photograph and one with a birth date). Some examples
of these types of documents are:
Photograph:
• School identification card
• Employee identification card
Birth Date:
• Certified copy of a birth certificate
• Baptismal certificate
• Adoption records
If you do not have a government-issued, picture identification, contact the County
Clerk's Office at (909)387-8334 to discuss your options.
Q. Are blood tests required?
No. As of January 1, 1995, the State of California has stopped requiring blood tests.
Q. Is there a waiting period between purchasing the license and the ceremony?
No. Not since January 1, 1995, when the State of California stopped requiring blood
tests.
Q. Do I have to be a United States citizen?
No. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to marry in California.
Q. Do I have to reside in California?
No. California does not have any residency requirements.
Q. I was married in another country, do I need to get married in the U.S.A. to make
it legal?
No. As long as you were legally married in the other country, the United States
should recognize/accept your marriage. However, you may need to provide proof of
your marriage. You should always have at least one certified copy of your marriage
record.
Q. Who is authorized to solemnize a marriage ceremony?
Please click
here for a list of authorized persons
to solemnize marriages.
Q. How can I get married if I am under the age of 18?
If one or both parties requesting a marriage license are under the age of 18, then
a court order and judge/parental consent for the minor must be obtained and filed
with the county clerk before a license can be issued. This applies to emancipated
minors as well. For additional information please click here
Marriage License For Minors
Q. Does purchasing a marriage license make us married?
No. A ceremony must be performed after purchasing a marriage license for you to
be legally married.
Q. How do I transfer title on a property?