Marriage License Application
This guide explains exactly how to complete a California marriage license application—what information it asks for, what each field means, and why the county requires it. It’s written for couples completing a same-day marriage workflow with Get Married Today.
Helpful starting pages: Requirements for Marriage • Confidential Marriage License • Book Your Marriage
Counties use this data to identify you, prevent fraud, and create an accurate legal record.
Valid ID for both parties and coherent consent are non-negotiable for a legal marriage.
Correct spellings and dates prevent delays when you request certified copies later.
Everything You Need to Know
TITLE: Marriage License Application (California)
WHAT THIS FORM IS:
- A county-recorded marriage license application that becomes the legal basis for your marriage record.
- It collects identity and history details required for filing, indexing, and certified copies later.
WHAT IT ASKS FOR:
- Ceremony location + date
- License type selection (e.g., public vs confidential, depending on eligibility)
- Personal data for both parties (names, birth details, ID, contact info)
- Prior marriage history (count + how/when it ended)
- Parents’ information (names at birth + birth states)
- Addresses + mailing addresses
- Optional name change fields (new middle/last name)
WHY IT’S ASKED:
- Identity verification and fraud prevention
- Legal eligibility checks (age/identity/prior marriage ended)
- Accurate record creation for county/state systems
- Certified copy searchability (names, DOB, parents)
- Name equality and name-change documentation
NON-NEGOTIABLE REQUIREMENTS:
- Both parties must have valid government-issued photo ID.
- Both parties must be coherent enough to understand the process and freely consent.
- Prior marriages must be legally ended (if applicable).
NO PRICING / NO CONTACT INFO:
- This guide explains the form only (not prices or contact details).
How to Complete the Application
Use this as a field-by-field checklist. The headings below mirror what you see on the application.
City Ceremony Will Take Place + Ceremony Date
Enter the city where the ceremony is happening and the date of the ceremony. Counties use this for record completeness and to confirm the solemnization timeline.
License Type Applying For
Select the correct license type (commonly “public/regular” or “confidential,” depending on eligibility). The type determines whether the record is public and whether a witness is required under that license type.
1st Person Personal Data + 2nd Person Personal Data
Complete both columns fully. The county uses these fields to verify identity and create the official record. Be consistent with how names appear on your IDs.
Prior Marriages / SRDP History
If either person was previously married or in a State-Registered Domestic Partnership (SRDP), list how many and how it ended (death, divorce, annulment) with an end date. This is used to confirm eligibility to marry.
Parents’ Information (Father/Mother)
Many California marriage applications ask for each parent’s full name at birth and state of birth. This helps the county distinguish between people with similar names and supports accurate indexing for records.
Addresses, Contact Info, and Optional Name Change Fields
Provide current address and (if different) mailing address. Email/phone are often used for follow-up or record notices. Optional “new middle/last name” fields support name equality/name change documentation.
Declaration + Signatures
You sign to certify the information is true and correct. Do not guess—confirm spellings and dates before signing.
What Each Section Asks For (And Why)
License Type Selection
- What it asks: which license category applies (public/regular vs confidential, etc.).
- Why: determines record privacy, witness rules, and county processing rules.
- Tip: don’t select confidential unless you meet the county’s confidential eligibility rules.
ID / DL Number + Expiration
- What it asks: ID number and expiry for both parties.
- Why: identity verification and fraud prevention.
- Tip: enter it exactly as shown on the ID.
Name Fields
- What it asks: first, middle, current last name, and last name at birth (if different).
- Why: correct legal record + later certified copy searches.
- Tip: match spelling and punctuation to the ID whenever possible.
Date/State of Birth
- What it asks: DOB and state of birth for each person.
- Why: identification, record uniqueness, and eligibility checks.
- Tip: use the official birth state (not current residence).
Prior Marriages / SRDP
- What it asks: number of previous marriages/SRDP and how/when it ended.
- Why: you can’t legally marry if a prior marriage is still active.
- Tip: do not leave “end date” blank if you check a prior marriage.
Parents’ Names + Birth States
- What it asks: each parent’s name at birth and state of birth.
- Why: helps with record indexing and prevents mistaken identity.
- Tip: use best-known legal spellings; avoid nicknames.
Addresses + Mailing Address
- What it asks: current address and mailing address (if different).
- Why: record completeness and county correspondence needs.
- Tip: if you receive mail elsewhere, use “mailing address” field.
Email + Daytime Phone
- What it asks: contact details for each person.
- Why: scheduling/record follow-up where permitted by county practice.
- Tip: use an email you check—especially if you’ll request certified copies later.
New Middle/Last Name (Optional)
- What it asks: optional new name fields.
- Why: supports name equality/name change documentation tied to marriage.
- Tip: only fill this if you intend to adopt that name after marriage.
Official Government Resources
These links explain California rules, license types, and certified copy requests.
California Marriage Rules
Apostille / International Use
Helpful Links (Get Married Today)
Use these pages to plan your same-day marriage workflow and documentation steps.
Core Planning
Proof, Timing, Locations
Marriage License Application FAQs (20)
Quick answers to the most common form questions and errors.
1) Why does the application ask for both parties’ ID numbers?＋
Counties use ID details to confirm identity, prevent fraud, and ensure the correct record is created for certified copies later.
2) What’s the difference between “current last name” and “last name at birth”?＋
“Current last name” is your present legal surname; “last name at birth” helps counties track identity across name changes.
3) Do we have to fill in the optional “bride/groom/none” boxes?＋
That field is optional. Many couples select “none” for gender-neutral documentation.
4) Why does the form ask for parents’ names and birth states?＋
It supports indexing and distinguishes people with similar names when searching records for certified copies.
5) What is SRDP on the form?＋
SRDP refers to a State-Registered Domestic Partnership. Counties may request SRDP history for eligibility checks.
6) What if I don’t know a parent’s full name at birth?＋
Use the most accurate information you have. Avoid guessing spellings—ask family if possible.
7) Why must prior marriages be listed?＋
Because you cannot marry if a prior marriage is still legally active. The county uses this to confirm eligibility.
8) What if my divorce was recent?＋
You still list the end date and “divorce.” Bring documentation if your county or workflow requires it.
9) Why does the form ask for the city where the ceremony will take place?＋
It completes the record and helps align the license with the solemnization event details.
10) Can we leave the ceremony date blank?＋
Typically no—ceremony date is part of the event record. If scheduling changes, follow the instructions provided during your appointment process.
11) What does “confidential” usually mean?＋
Confidential licenses are generally not public records in the same way as public licenses, and they have specific eligibility rules.
12) Do both people have to be present to complete the application?＋
Yes—both parties must appear for identity verification and to provide valid consent.
13) What does “coherent enough to consent” mean?＋
Both parties must understand the process, answer questions, and freely consent without confusion or inability to communicate.
14) Why are email and phone collected?＋
Many counties collect contact details for follow-up, record questions, or administrative needs depending on workflow.
15) Should our addresses match?＋
Enter accurate current addresses. If you receive mail somewhere else, use the mailing address field as needed.
16) What is the “new middle name / new last name” section?＋
It supports name equality/name change selections that some couples use after marriage. Fill it only if you intend to use that name.
17) What’s the most common mistake on marriage license applications?＋
Misspelled names, incorrect dates, and mismatched information compared to ID documents.
18) What if my ID is close to expiration?＋
Bring a valid, acceptable ID. If unsure, confirm acceptable ID types under the requirements workflow.
19) Where do we get certified copies after filing?＋
Certified copies are requested through the county recorder or CDPH pathways. See the government links above.
20) Where can I read official rules about marriage licenses and certified copies?＋
Use CDPH official pages for marriage license information and certified copy instructions (linked above).
