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San Diego County, California marriage license: fee, offices and what to bring
What official pages say about getting a marriage license in San Diego County, California: the $129 fee, where to go, appointments, ID and who must appear. A fact is linked to the page it was read on.
San Diego County marriage license at a glance
Fee: The county lists $129 for a public marriage license and $144 for a confidential marriage license. License fees are non-refundable.
Where to go: County Administration Center (Recorder/Clerk main office), 1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 213, San Diego, CA 92101, or the 2 other offices in the table below.
Appointment: Appointments are required. They can be scheduled up to 7 weeks in advance, and marriage appointments are also offered one Saturday a month.
San Diego County marriage license: what the office asks for
Issued by the San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk. The lines below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked November 13, 2026. Fees and hours change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the office before you go.
- Fee
- The county lists $129 for a public marriage license and $144 for a confidential marriage license. License fees are non-refundable. (Source: sdarcc.gov, checked November 13, 2026)
- How to pay
- Fees are payable by cash, check, money order, or credit or debit card. Card payments carry an additional $2.50 surcharge. (Source: sdarcc.gov, checked November 13, 2026)
- Appointment
- Appointments are required. They can be scheduled up to 7 weeks in advance, and marriage appointments are also offered one Saturday a month. (Source: sdarcc.gov, checked November 13, 2026)
- Online application
- After booking the appointment, complete the Marriage License Online Application, which the county recommends, or bring the printable application filled out. (Source: sdarcc.gov, checked November 13, 2026)
- ID and documents to bring
- Both parties must present valid, current government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, military ID or state ID. If a dissolution was final within the past 90 days, bring a copy of the final judgment. (Source: sdarcc.gov, checked November 13, 2026)
- Who must appear
- Both parties must appear together at their appointment. An active-duty service member stationed overseas in a conflict or war may use a military proxy with a power of attorney. (Source: sdarcc.gov, checked November 13, 2026)
- Civil ceremonies
- The office performs civil ceremonies by appointment for $107. A public license ceremony needs at least one witness; the County Clerk can provide a witness for $58. (Source: sdarcc.gov, checked November 13, 2026)
- Residency and age
- There is no residency requirement. Both parties must be 18 years old or older; anyone under 18 must contact the San Diego County Juvenile Court for approval. (Source: sdarcc.gov, checked November 13, 2026)
- Where the license is registered
- After the ceremony the license must be signed by the officiant and returned to this office. The office only registers licenses issued in San Diego County, and registration may take up to 10 business days. (Source: sdarcc.gov, checked November 13, 2026)
Where to get a marriage license in San Diego County
| Office | Address | Hours | Source, checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| County Administration Center (Recorder/Clerk main office) | 1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 213, San Diego, CA 92101 | Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | sdarcc.gov Nov 13, 2026 |
| Chula Vista Office | 590 3rd Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91910 | Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | sdarcc.gov Nov 13, 2026 |
| San Marcos Office | 141 E. Carmel St., San Marcos, CA 92078 | Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | sdarcc.gov Nov 13, 2026 |
License and civil ceremony appointments are offered at four locations: County Administration Center, Chula Vista Office, San Marcos Office and Santee Office. (Source: sdarcc.gov, checked November 13, 2026)
Official links
How San Diego County compares with the California rule
San Diego County lists $129. The California page shows $91, read from Los Angeles County, $38 less.
- California waiting period
- None. The Siskiyou County Clerk states there is no waiting period between receiving a marriage license and the ceremony. (Source: siskiyoucounty.gov, checked November 12, 2026)
- How long a California license is valid
- The license is valid for 90 days. (Source: lavote.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
California marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply has the state’s other rules: witnesses, who may officiate, age and certified copies.
Common questions
How much is a marriage license in San Diego County, California?
The county lists $129 for a public marriage license and $144 for a confidential marriage license. License fees are non-refundable. Fees are payable by cash, check, money order, or credit or debit card. Card payments carry an additional $2.50 surcharge.
Where do you get a marriage license in San Diego County, California?
The San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk issues it. County Administration Center (Recorder/Clerk main office), 1600 Pacific Highway, Suite 213, San Diego, CA 92101 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Chula Vista Office, 590 3rd Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91910 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) San Marcos Office, 141 E. Carmel St., San Marcos, CA 92078 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) License and civil ceremony appointments are offered at four locations: County Administration Center, Chula Vista Office, San Marcos Office and Santee Office.
Do you need an appointment for a marriage license in San Diego County, California?
Appointments are required. They can be scheduled up to 7 weeks in advance, and marriage appointments are also offered one Saturday a month. After booking the appointment, complete the Marriage License Online Application, which the county recommends, or bring the printable application filled out.
Do both people have to be there to get a marriage license in San Diego County, California?
Both parties must appear together at their appointment. An active-duty service member stationed overseas in a conflict or war may use a military proxy with a power of attorney.
What do you bring for a marriage license in San Diego County, California?
Both parties must present valid, current government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, military ID or state ID. If a dissolution was final within the past 90 days, bring a copy of the final judgment.
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