California marriage license offices — by county

Every county that issues marriage licenses in California, with the office name, address, phone and hours. Pick your county below.

In California, marriage licenses are issued by the county clerk or recorder where the couple applies, not by the state. There is no residency requirement, so you can apply in any of California's 58 counties as long as both people appear together in person with valid government photo identification.

The two license types

California offers a public license and a confidential license. A public license becomes part of the public record and requires at least one witness at the ceremony; a confidential license keeps the record private, needs no witness, and is only available to couples who already live together.

What to expect at the counter

• Both applicants must appear in person with government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver's license.
• There is no waiting period — most counties issue the license the same day you apply.
• A public license is valid for 90 days and may be used anywhere in California.
• The ceremony must be performed by an authorised officiant within that 90-day window.
• Fees differ by county, and some offices accept walk-ins while others require an appointment.

Because fees and office hours change, confirm the current details with the county clerk-recorder before you travel. The county pages below list the issuing office, address, phone, hours and fees for every California county.

Questions people ask

Do I have to be a California resident to get a marriage license here?

No. California has no residency requirement, so any couple can apply at any county clerk-recorder office in the state.

How long is a California marriage license valid?

Ninety days. The license must be used for a ceremony within those 90 days, and it is valid throughout California.

What is the difference between a public and a confidential marriage license?

A public license becomes part of the public record and needs a witness at the ceremony. A confidential license keeps the record private, needs no witness, and is only for couples who already live together.

The 58 counties

Directory last checked 2026-10-16.