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How do I get a certified copy of my marriage certificate in California in person?
In Person
- Visit one of our office locations.
- You will be asked to complete an application. To obtain authorized copies, you must present a valid government-issued photo ID.
- Allow 20 minutes from receipt of completed application and payment to receive your certificate(s).
Does the officiant have to turn in the marriage license in California?
After your marriage is solemnized by an authorized wedding officiant (an ordained minister, pastor, priest, reverend, judge or justice of the peace) then your officiant must sign and complete the marriage certificate at the bottom of your marriage license.
What happens if you don’t turn in your marriage license within 10 days in California?
The 10-day period is to ensure it is placed in our system to send to the state Bureau of Vital Statistics as well as to return it to the couple to make the necessary name and marital status changes. If received after that time period it does not make it invalid.
Are witnesses required for marriage in California?
Effective 1/01/15 – The couple may be married in any county in California. No witnesses are required to be at the ceremony, AND no witnesses sign on the marriage license. The marriage license is a confidential record and is registered at the County Clerk’s Office in the county where it was purchased.
Is a certified copy of an entry of marriage the same as a marriage certificate?
Order a Marriage Certificate Replacement, suitable for both legal and family history uses. Sometimes also known as Wedding Certificate, these documents are essential to prove a change of name when married.
Can you look up marriage licenses in California?
The California Department of Public Health Vital Records Office (CDPH-VR) only maintains public marriage records that happened in the years of 1905-2000 or 2008 to present day. Typically, this record will note that a marriage took place, where it took place, and the names of the involved parties.
How do I certify a copy of my marriage certificate?
Take the photocopied document and the original and ask the person to certify the copy by:
- writing ‘Certified to be a true copy of the original seen by me’ on the document.
- signing and dating it.
- printing their name under the signature.
- adding their occupation, address and telephone number.