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Santa Clara County exact answer

What prior-marriage documents are required 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

In Santa Clara County, if either applicant has been divorced, you must know the date of the divorce. If the divorce was within the last 90 days, bring a copy of the judgment of divorce. The 90-day threshold is specific to Santa Clara County and differs from other California counties — Los Angeles County uses two years. State guidance adds that you must know how the last marriage ended, whether by death, dissolution, divorce or nullity. The Clerk-Recorder does not keep divorce records.

Published rule and conditions

Prior-marriage documents
If either applicant has been divorced, you must know the date of the divorce. If the divorce was within the last 90 days, bring a copy of the judgment of divorce.

The 90-day threshold is specific to Santa Clara County and differs from other California counties — Los Angeles County uses two years. State guidance adds that you must know how the last marriage ended, whether by death, dissolution, divorce or nullity. The Clerk-Recorder does not keep divorce records.

Applies in some cases

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.

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.

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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