What documents do I need to get married?

Getting married in California requires the couple to get a marriage license and provide certain documents. The documents you need to get married are first and foremost, a valid photo identification (for both partners) such as a driver’s license or passport. You will also need to provide proof of your current residential address, either with a current utility bill or bank statement. In order to get a marriage license, at least one of the partners must appear in person at the county clerk’s office to fill out the necessary paperwork. You may also be required to provide proof of age and proof of your current address. Both partners must also bring the fee to obtain the marriage license. If either of the partners were previously married, he or she will need to provide the date and place of the divorce or death of the former spouse. Once all the paperwork is completed, the marriage license is issued immediately and is valid for 90 days. After the couple gets married, the officiant or minister performing the ceremony must sign the marriage license and return it to the county clerk’s office. The county will then update the marriage record and return the certified copy of the marriage license to the couple. This certified copy is proof of the marriage and can be used to change the name on a driver’s license, Social Security card, or other documents.

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