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Santa Clara County exact answer

What identification is required for a marriage license in Santa Clara 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

For Santa Clara County, the published answer is Each applicant must present a valid photo government-issued ID — no copies and no digital images, Driver's license, Passport, Permanent resident card, and An applicant without valid identification may instead bring two Credible Witnesses — friends or family members who have valid personal identification and can sign an affidavit verifying identity — for a $20 fee. The office names those three documents as examples rather than as a closed list. Applicants must also know their legal name, place and date of birth, and their parents' legal names and places of birth.

Published rule and conditions

Identification requirements
  • Each applicant must present a valid photo government-issued ID — no copies and no digital images
  • Driver's license
  • Passport
  • Permanent resident card
  • An applicant without valid identification may instead bring two Credible Witnesses — friends or family members who have valid personal identification and can sign an affidavit verifying identity — for a $20 fee

The office names those three documents as examples rather than as a closed list. Applicants must also know their legal name, place and date of birth, and their parents' legal names and places of birth.

Official requirement

Both parties must appear in person with a valid photo government-issued ID. No copies or digital images are allowed.

Issuing office

Santa Clara County Office of the County Clerk-Recorder

Open the issuing office

Official sources for this answer

  • Apply for a marriage licenseSanta Clara County Office of the County Clerk-Recorder - checked July 26, 2026

    Marriage License Services are offered Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Arrive early! Submit your marriage license application by 4:00 PM to be processed before close of business. Your license permits you to be married anywhere in the state of California. You and your future spouse must be present to apply for a license and must be: Single, 18 years of age or older. Both parties must be present with a valid photo government-issued ID. No copies or digital images are allowed. Standard: Most couples apply for a Standard license. With a Standard license, your marriage becomes part of the public record, but your information is not published and cannot be searched online. Confidential: A Confidential license does not become part of the public record. To apply for a Confidential license, you must already be living with your future spouse. If divorced, you'll need to know the date of your divorce. If you divorced within the last 90 days, bring a copy of the judgment of divorce. No appointment is necessary for a marriage license. You may either fill out the application online prior to visiting our office. At the Clerk's window, present valid personal identification (driver's license, passport, permanent resident card). If you don't have valid id, you can provide two Credible Witnesses—friends or family members who have valid personal identification and can sign an affidavit verifying your identity. The fee for Credible Witnesses is $20. Pay the license fee: Standard marriage license: $80.00 Confidential marriage license: $83.00. When you get your license, you need to complete your marriage ceremony within 90 days in the state of California. If you aren't married within the 90-day period, you'll have to apply for another license. You can be married by: Clergy, Judge, Clerk-Recorder's Office (marriage commissioner or vital-records clerk), Deputized relative or friend (one-day deputy commissioner). Return your signed marriage license to the Clerk-Recorder's Office within 10 business days of being married.

  • Fee scheduleSanta Clara County Office of the County Clerk-Recorder - checked July 26, 2026

    Marriage Services. Hours: 8:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Marriage license fees (est. total cost): $80.00 - $100.00. Standard License $80.00. Credible witness fee (2 signatures for marriage license applicant lacking proper identification) $20.00. Confidential license $83.00. Marriage ceremony (est. total cost): $112.00 - $174.00. Marriage ceremony (in Chapel) $112.00. Witness fee, for couples lacking a witness (which is required for all standard marriage ceremonies) $32.00. Express marriage ceremony (at window) $174.00. Other marriage services: Certified copy of marriage certificate $19.00. One-day deputy marriage commission $80.00. Chapel usage fee (per 10 minutes) $40.00.

Answer boundary

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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