Jim McCauley, County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar of Voters
Clerk-Recorder Division
2954 Richardson Drive
Auburn, CA 95603
(530) 886-5600
Fax: (530) 886-5687
E-mail: clerk@placer.ca.gov
There are two types of marriage licenses a couple may apply for: Regular and Confidential. Blood tests are no longer necessary for obtaining a marriage license as of Jan 1, 1995. The following information includes both types of licenses along with who may solemnize a marriage, miscellaneous information and frequently asked questions.
Regular Marriage License
A regular marriage license is valid for ninety (90) days from the date it was issued. It is a permit to marry. You are not legally married until the marriage is solemnized by a person authorized to do so. The license can be used anywhere in the state of California. You do not need a blood test. You must present the license to the person who is to perform the marriage ceremony. It is their responsibility to return it to the County Clerk for filing within five days after the ceremony.
To apply for a regular marriage license you will need:
|
1. |
Both the bride and groom must be present to apply. |
|
2. |
Valid picture identification of bride and groom. |
|
3. |
$56.00 Marriage License Fee. Issuing a duplicate license costs $28.00 (In case the first one is lost or destroyed). |
|
4. |
The bride and groom's parents full birth names, including mother's maiden name. |
|
5. |
State or country of birth of bride and groom's parents. |
|
6. |
Date of dissolution of most recent previous marriage. |
A confidential marriage license is valid for ninety (90) days from the date it was issued. It can only be used in the county it was issued in. A couple must sign under penalty of perjury that they are over 18 years of age and currently living together as husband and wife. A copy of the marriage license may be obtained only by the bride or groom. The document is confidential, the clerk may indicate whether a confidential license has been issued, but no other information may be given except to the bride or groom.
To apply for a confidential marriage license you will need:
|
1. |
Both the bride and groom must be present to apply. |
|
2. |
Valid picture identification of bride and groom. |
|
3. |
$60.00 Confidential Marriage License Fee. |
|
4. |
The bride and groom's parents full birth names, including mother's maiden name. |
|
5. |
State or country of birth of bride and groom's parents. |
|
6. |
Date of dissolution of most recent previous marriage |
Search Vital Records Index
Due to the passage of SB 1614, in order to protect the public from identity theft/fraud, birth and death record indexes have been removed from the internet. The public marriage records index, from 1940 forward, may be viewed at www.criis.com. For earlier marriage records, please call our office. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Who May Solemnize Marriages
Family Code Section §400
Marriage may be solemnized by any priest, minister, or rabbi of any religious denomination, a judge or retired judge, commissioner or retired commissioner, or assistant commissioner of a court of record, a judge or magistrate who has resigned from office, or by a person authorized to do so under Family Code Section §401.
Family Code Section §401
For each county, the county clerk is designated as a commissioner of civil marriages. The commissioner of civil marriages may appoint deputy commissioners of civil marriages who may solemnize marriages under the direction of the commissioner.
Civil marriage ceremonies are performed on a limited basis through the Clerk-Recorders Office, Monday through Friday by appointment only, for a processing fee of $40.00.
Miscellaneous Information
|
1. |
Minors, emancipated minors included, cannot be licensed to marry in California without a parent's written consent and a Superior Court Order. Please call for more information. |
|
2. |
There are no state residency requirements. |
|
3. |
The regular marriage license can be used anywhere in the state of California. The confidential marriage license can only be used in the county it was issued in. |
|
4. |
One witness is required on the regular marriage license. Two are also acceptable. No witnesses are necessary for the confidential marriage license. |
|
5. |
The regular license is a public record and available for anyone's inspection. It may be published in a local newspaper. |
|
6. |
Certified copies are available at the Recorder's Office for a fee of $13.00 for a regular license and $18.00 for a confidential. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead of time do we need to get our Marriage License?
The license is valid the same day it is issued and usable for up to ninety (90) days.
Do we need a blood test?
No, as of January 1, 1995, blood tests are no longer necessary.
How much does it cost?
$56.00 for a regular Marriage License. $60.00 for a Confidential Marriage License.
Where do we go to get the License?
To the County Clerk-Recorder's Office, 2954 Richardson Drive, Auburn.
Do we get a copy of the license?
No. You may purchase a certified copy at the Recorder's office for a fee of $13.00 for a regular and $18.00 for a confidential.