Marriage License Requirements
You do not need an appointment to buy a marriage license.
You must have an appointment to have a marriage ceremony at the Marin County Civic Center.
In California, you must get a marriage license before your ceremony takes place.
Both people must:
- Come to the County Clerk’s Office together.
- Bring valid photo ID.
- Bring proof of divorce if divorced in the last 3 to 6 months (we do not accept electronic copies).
- Be able to speak English or Spanish, or bring a translator if needed.
If either person does not speak English or Spanish, a translator must come with you when you apply.
Accepted Identification Documents
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You must bring a valid, unexpired photo ID.
- We accept:
- U.S. or foreign passports;
- U.S. Permanent Resident cards (Green Cards);
- U.S. driver’s licenses;
- State-issued ID cards;
- Consular ID cards.
- We do not accept foreign or international driver’s licenses.
Next Steps
Before You Visit
You can start your application online using our Marriage License Application System. At this point you will be prompted to select a Public or Confidential Marriage License. We will review it with you during your visit and make any necessary changes.
You may also print and complete a fillable paper form to bring with you, but submitting online is faster and helps reduce wait times.
Getting Your Marriage License
To receive a valid marriage license, both people must:
- Appear together in person at the County Clerk’s Office;
- Sign the application;
- Pay the license fee.
The license is valid for 90 days. You must use it before or on the expiration date.
Fees and Payment
- Public marriage license: $85.
- Confidential marriage license: $93.
We accept:
- Cash;
- Check (payable to “Marin County Clerk”);
- Debit or credit cards (with a $2.50 processing fee).
If you need additional information or have more questions, please contact the Marin County Clerk at 415-473-6772 or send an email. The office of the Marin County Clerk is located at the Marin County Civic Center in Room 234.
Related
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Getting Married at the Civic Center
Civil wedding ceremonies are performed by the County Clerk’s Office by a Deputy Commissioner of Civil Marriages.
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Get Deputized to Perform a Wedding
The Marin County Clerk’s Office offers an opportunity to have a special friend or family member appointed to perform your marriage ceremony. This is a one-time, one-event appointment.
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Public Marriage License Application
This document contains the application and information regarding a marriage license.
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Confidential Marriage License Application
A confidential marriage license is not a public record. You may want a confidential marriage license if you are a celebrity, work in law enforcement or have another confidentiality issue.
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Difference Between a Confidential and a Public Marriage License
A public marriage license is a public record. The license allows you to hold the ceremony anywhere within the State of California, and you are required to have at least one witness present during the ceremony.
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The Name Equality Act of 2007
The Name Equality Act of 2007 changed California's Marriage Laws effective January 1, 2009 - California Family Code Section 306.5.