Los Angeles County exact answer
What prior-marriage documents are required in Los Angeles County?
This answer belongs to the issuing office and task named above. It does not substitute a statewide summary or infer a rule the office does not publish.
Direct answer
In Los Angeles County, a certified copy of the divorce or dissolution is required if the previous marriage ended within the last two years. If it ended more than two years ago, written proof may not be required, but the date of the final dissolution must be given at the time the license is requested. The same two-year rule applies to the termination of a State Registered Domestic Partnership. This two-year threshold is specific to Los Angeles County and differs from other jurisdictions.
Published rule and conditions
- Prior-marriage documents
- A certified copy of the divorce or dissolution is required if the previous marriage ended within the last two years. If it ended more than two years ago, written proof may not be required, but the date of the final dissolution must be given at the time the license is requested. The same two-year rule applies to the termination of a State Registered Domestic Partnership.
This two-year threshold is specific to Los Angeles County and differs from other jurisdictions.
Applies in some casesCertified copy of a divorce or the dissolution of a previous marriage is required if the event occurred within the last two years or less
Issuing office
Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk
Official sources for this answer
- EligibilityLos Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk - checked July 30, 2026
To obtain a marriage license in Los Angeles County both parties must be present together and provide "Proof of Identity" and age documents (photo and age verification is mandatory). Acceptable forms of I.D. are: Driver's license / Passport / Alien resident card. All documents must be in English. Documents that have expired will not be accepted. Certified copy of a divorce or the dissolution of a previous marriage is required if the event occurred within the last two years or less. There is no residence or citizenship status requirement. Proxy marriages are not legal. A blood test and health certificate are not required to obtain a marriage license. A person "Under 18" must provide a Notarized Parent or Guardian Consent Statement and an order from the Superior Court granting the minor permission to obtain a marriage license.
- Marriage Licenses & Ceremonies — Frequently Asked QuestionsLos Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk - checked July 30, 2026
How can I pay? We accept: Cash / Check: Make payable to the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. Valid identification of the signer is required at time of purchase. / Money order / Debit/Credit card: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa ($1.75 service fee and maximum limit of $15,000) / Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. We do not accept: E-Check / Temporary check / Foreign check (with the exception of Canada and Mexico). Do I need to bring any documents with me if I have been previously divorced? Yes. If you have been divorced within the last two (2) years you will need to bring your order of dissolution. What if my Identification Card is expired? All parties must bring a government issued Identification Card to confirm identity. Expired Identification Cards will not be accepted. I am an ordained minister; do I need to register with the County Clerk? No, you do not need to register with this office to perform a marriage ceremony. What happens if I'm late to my appointment? We provide a five (5) minute grace period. If you exceed that grace period your appointment will be cancelled.
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MarriageLicenseCheck is an independent reference, not the issuing office or legal advice. Applicant facts, timing, prior marriages, and document type can change the result. The official office decides what it will accept.
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