If you’re planning to get married in San Diego, obtaining a marriage license is your first crucial step. This article will guide you through the process of how to get a marriage license in San Diego, including the types of licenses available, steps to apply, and what documents you’ll need.
What to Know if You Want a Marriage License in San Diego
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San Diego County offers two types of marriage licenses: public, which costs $129 and is part of the public record, and confidential, which costs $144 and offers greater privacy.
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The process to obtain a marriage license includes completing an online application, making an in-person appointment, and presenting valid government-issued photo IDs at the County Clerk’s office.
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After the wedding ceremony, the officiant must submit the signed marriage license to the County Clerk’s office within 10 days for registration, and couples can then obtain certified copies of their marriage certificate.
Understanding the Details of Marriage Licenses in San Diego
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In San Diego County, couples have the option to choose between two types of marriage licenses: public and confidential. Each type comes with unique requirements and benefits, so it’s vital to choose the one that aligns best with your needs. A public marriage license costs $129, while a confidential marriage license is slightly more expensive at $144. Regardless of which type you choose, both licenses are valid for 90 days from the date of issuance.
Deciding between a public and a confidential marriage license can significantly impact your privacy and the logistics of your wedding. Grasping these differences is key to making an informed decision. A public marriage license becomes part of the public record, allowing anyone to verify your marriage. In contrast, a confidential license, specifically a confidential marriage license, offers more privacy as it is not made public and can only be verified by the couple involved.
Public vs. Confidential Marriage License
Public marriage licenses have the following characteristics:
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They are typically recorded and become part of the public record, accessible to anyone who wishes to verify your marriage status.
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This can be beneficial if you need to prove your marriage for legal or personal reasons.
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However, it also means that your marriage details are not private.
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A public marriage license requires at least one witness to be present during the ceremony and sign the license.
On the other hand, a confidential marriage license does not become part of the public record, offering a higher level of privacy. This type of license does not require any witnesses, which can simplify the ceremony. However, only the married couple can request certified copies of the marriage certificate, which might be a consideration if you anticipate needing multiple copies for various legal purposes. In contrast, a non confidential marriage license becomes part of the public record and may require witnesses.
Steps You Can Take to Obtain a Marriage License in San Diego
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Obtaining a marriage license in San Diego involves several steps, all of which require careful planning and preparation. The process includes:
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Making an appointment at the San Diego County Clerk’s office.
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Ensuring that both parties are present with valid government-issued photo IDs.
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Both parties must appear together to finalize the application.
Here’s a detailed look at the steps involved, including the online application process and the in-person appointment.
Online Application Process
To save time, couples are encouraged to complete the Marriage License Online Application before their appointment. This digital form demands intricate details from both parties, such as:
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full names
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addresses
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birth dates
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the complete birth names of your parents
Additionally, if either party has been previously legally married or is in a state-registered domestic partnership, those details must also be provided. Completing the online application in advance streamlines the process when you arrive at the county clerk’s office.
Upon completion of the online application, a confirmation number will be provided. This number should be brought to your appointment to expedite the processing of your marriage license application. This preliminary step ensures a swift visit to the County Clerk’s office, freeing you up to concentrate on the more enthralling elements of your wedding planning.
In-Person Appointment
After completing the online application, the next step is to schedule an in-person appointment. Appointments can be scheduled up to seven weeks in advance, giving you plenty of time to prepare. For the appointment, both parties must collectively attend and bring the required identification documents. You can also fill out a printable version of the marriage license application and bring it with you to the appointment.
During the appointment, an official will review your application and identification. There is no requirement for a blood test, and the process is generally straightforward. Once everything is verified, you will receive your marriage license, which is effective immediately and valid for 90 days. This means you can get married as soon as you have the license in hand, so plan your wedding date accordingly.
Current Requirements for a Marriage License in San Diego
To obtain a marriage license in San Diego County, there are several requirements that both applicants must meet:
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Both parties must be at least 18 years old to get a marriage license without parental consent.
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Both individuals must be unmarried at the time the license is issued.
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There is no residency requirement for obtaining a marriage license in San Diego County, making it accessible for non-residents as well.
If either party has been recently divorced, a copy of the final divorce decree must be provided if the dissolution was finalized within the past 90 days. These requirements ensure that all applicants are legally eligible to marry, maintaining the integrity of the marriage process in San Diego.
Identification and Proof of Eligibility
When you arrive for your appointment, both parties must present valid and current government-issued photo ID. You can use any of the following as valid forms of identification:
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Driver’s license
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Passport
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Military ID
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State ID card
Each of these documents is accepted. Appropriate identification is a requisite to verify your identity and confirm your eligibility to marry.
If either party was previously married and the dissolution is not yet final, a marriage license will not be issued. If the dissolution was finalized within the past 90 days, a copy of the final judgment must be provided. Ensuring you have all the necessary documentation will help avoid any delays or complications in obtaining your marriage license.
Fees and Payment Methods
The price of procuring a marriage license in San Diego fluctuates by the type of license. A standard marriage license is priced at $129. Remember that these charges are non-refundable.
Accepted payment methods include debit card, credit card, cash, or money order, making it convenient for couples to pay the necessary fees.
After the Ceremony: Filing Your Marriage License
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Once the marriage ceremony is completed, the next critical step is filing your marriage license. The officiant assumes an integral role in this process, guaranteeing the correct completion and signing of the license by all involved parties. After the ceremony, the signed marriage license must be returned to the County Clerk’s office for registration within 10 days.
Here’s what you need to know about filing your license and obtaining certified copies of your marriage certificate.
Role of the Officiant
The officiant at your wedding ceremony has the responsibility to ensure that all required fields on the marriage license are correctly filled out and signed by the appropriate parties. This includes the officiant’s signature as well as the signatures of the couple and any required witnesses. After the ceremony, the officiant must submit the completed marriage license to the County Clerk’s office, either by mail or in person, within 10 days.
It’s imperative to select an officiant who comprehends these duties to circumvent any potential issues with your marriage license. The timely submission of the signed license ensures that your marriage is officially recorded, which is necessary for obtaining your official marriage certificate.
Obtaining Certified Copies
After your marriage license has been registered with the County Clerk’s office, you can obtain certified copies of your marriage certificate. This certificate serves as legal proof of your marriage and is often required for various legal and personal purposes. Certified copies can be purchased approximately 7-10 days after recording and can be requested in person at the County Clerk’s office, via mail, or online through the San Diego County Clerk’s website.
Having certified copies of your marriage certificate is essential, especially if you plan to change your name or need to prove your marital status for other legal reasons. Be sure to request enough copies to fulfill all your needs, as each certified copy requires an additional request and payment.
Special Considerations
While obtaining a marriage license in San Diego is generally straightforward, there are special considerations to keep in mind. One such consideration is the Name Equality Act of 2007, which allows couples to change their middle or last names at the time of applying for their marriage license. Understanding these special considerations can help you navigate the process more smoothly.
Waiting Period and Expiration
In California, there is no waiting period for marriage licenses; they are valid immediately upon issuance. This means that as soon as you have your California marriage license, you can proceed with your wedding ceremony. Both public and confidential marriage licenses are effective immediately and must be used within 90 days from the date of issuance. There are no extensions, so plan your wedding date accordingly to ensure your license is valid on the day of your ceremony.
The 90-day validity period affords plenty of time for wedding planning, but awareness of this timeline is necessary to prevent unexpected complications. In case of license expiration, the application process needs to be initiated from the start.
Name Change Process
The Name Equality Act of 2007 allows couples to change their middle or last names at the time of applying for their marriage license. This change becomes effective immediately upon signing the license. To change your name through marriage in San Diego, you must include your new name on the marriage license when it is issued.
If you do not include your new name on the marriage license, you will need to go through a legal name change process with the court at a later time. After changing your name, you must notify identification agencies such as Social Security, DMV, and Passport offices yourself. This ensures that all your legal documents reflect your new name.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of marriage licenses are available in San Diego?
In San Diego, you can obtain either a public or confidential marriage license. Each serves different needs in the marriage process.
How much does a marriage license cost in San Diego?
In San Diego, a public marriage license costs $129 and a confidential marriage license costs $144.
What identification is required to obtain a marriage license?
To obtain a marriage license, both parties need to present valid government-issued photo IDs, such as a driver’s license, passport, military ID or state ID card.
How long is a marriage license valid in San Diego?
In San Diego, a marriage license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. Therefore, it's important to plan your wedding within this timeframe.
How can I obtain certified copies of my marriage certificate?
You can obtain certified copies of your marriage certificate by requesting them in person at the County Clerk's office, via mail, or online, approximately 7-10 days after recording.
