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Marriage Laws U.S. California San Mateo County Clerk

Here's what you need to know and what documents to bring with you before you apply for a San Mateo County marriage license. We recommend getting this legal aspect of your wedding out of the way about a month before your ceremony date.

Requirements vary as each marriage license bureau in California have their own requirements. It is important that you verify all information with your San Mateo marriage license office or San Mateo county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

San Mateo County Marriage License Office

San Mateo County Clerk
555 County Center, 1st flr.
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 363-4500
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. / M - F
Closed for holidays.

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Call for Appointment:

It is recommended that you call the San Mateo County or City Clerk's office to see if they suggest setting an appointment.

ID and San Mateo County Residency Requirements:

San Mateo County requires a picture id such as Drivers License or other valid identification. Some counties recommend bringing certified copies of your birth certificates.

You do not have to be a resident of San Mateo County to apply for a marriage license there.

Information you need to know before you start filling out the marriage license application:

• Where each of your parents were born (city and state)
• The names of your parents including your mother’s maiden name

Confidential License in San Mateo County:

If you have lived together as a married couple, you can apply for a confidential license. This means there is no public record of your marriage.

Previous Marriages:

You must show proof of divorce, death or annulment. You need to bring a copy of your final divorce decree if you have divorced within the 90 days through past year (varies by county).

San Mateo County Waiting Period:

There is no waiting period in San Mateo County.

Fees:

It will cost you $78 for a public license and $80 for a confidential license.

Other Tests:

San Mateo County doesn't require blood tests.

Under 18:

If either the bride or groom is under 18, at least one of the minor’s parents, or legal guardian, must appear with the couple. Certified copies of birth certificates are required. The couple must also schedule an appointment with a counselor and then appear before a California superior court judge.

Proxy Marriages:

No, proxy marriages are not legal.

Cousin Marriages:

Yes.

Common Law Marriages:

No.

Same Sex Marriages:

No.

• Gay couples can still apply for a Domestic Partnership Certificate. More info

Officiants in California:

Clergy, Justices, Judges, Magistrates, Marriage Commissioners (current or retired).
Frequently Asked Questions by Marriage Officiants

Miscellaneous:

License is valid for 90 days.

Copy of Certificate of Marriage:

You have to contact the County Recorder's Office in the county in which the marriage occurred to get a certified copy of a marriage license.

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It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

To notify us of corrections or additions send an email to update@usmarriagelaws.com.

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