In the State of California, marriage licenses are typically issued by the County Clerk-Recorder’s office. There are two types of licenses: Regular and Confidential.

The following general information pertains to both types:

• Bride and groom must appear together in person to apply.

• Both must be 18 years of age or older and present valid photo identification (current driver’s license, state ID, passport, etc.) to verify age and identity.

• You do not have to be a resident of California, and there is no blood test or waiting period requirement.

• In the case of previous marriage, you will need to provide the date your marriage officially ended and how (death, dissolution, or annulment). If the divorce was granted within the last several months, you should also bring your divorce papers.

• The license can be used immediately and is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.

• The person performing your marriage ceremony is responsible for completing the license and returning it to the Clerk-Recorder’s office for filing.  

• The marriage becomes a matter of public record
• The license may be obtained in any county and the couple can be married anywhere in the State of California
• At least one witness must be present at the ceremony and sign the marriage license
• Current fee in Nevada County is $72.00 

• The marriage license is confidential and not available for public inspection
• Couple must be currently living together
• Couple must be married in the county where the license was issued
• No witnesses are required to sign the license
• Current fee in Nevada County is $74.00