County Clerk-Recorder

Eligibility Requirements

• Both parties must appear together in-person at the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office to apply for a marriage license.
• Parties must present a valid photo ID as proof off name and date of birth.
  • Note: Minors, emancipated minors included, cannot be licensed to marry in California without a parent's written consent and a Superior Court Order. Visit Stanislaus County Superior Court website for more information.
• Parties must be unmarried. If divorce was finalized within the last 30 days, the applicant will need to provide a certified copy of the final entry of judgment.
• You do not need a blood test.

About the Application Process

Make an Appointment

1. Complete the application and make an appointment. This is required to apply for a marriage license. Click here to schedule an appointment and complete the application.
2. Show up to your appointment at the Clerk-Recorder's Office with your future spouse.
3. Check in at the front desk of the Clerk Recorder’s Office and wait to be called to meet with a Clerk.
4. Present valid personal identification (Ex: US driver’s license, passport, permanent resident card).
5. Pay the license fee. Only cash, check or money order is accepted. An ATM machine is available in the lobby but it’s best to come prepared.

   Marriage License Fees
   Public Marriage License	$76.00
   Confidential Marriage License	$81.00
   Civil Marriage License	$45.00

6. Solemnize your marriage in a ceremony. The Clerk will issue your marriage license. It is a permit to marry. You are not married until a ceremony is held. The ceremony must take place 90 days from the date the license is issued. The ceremony can take place anywhere in the State of California. A civil ceremony can be held at the Clerk-Recorder’s Office.

   Click here for more information on civil ceremonies. The ceremony can be performed immediately following the issuance of the license. Call (209) 525-5251 to schedule your appointment.

   If you have plans for your own ceremony, you must present the license to the person who is to perform the marriage ceremony. The officiant must sign your license and return to the Stanislaus County Clerk’s office within ten days of the wedding ceremony. (Family Code Sections 359(e) and 506(c)).

After the Ceremony

You do not automatically receive a certified copy. You must request and pay for your certified copy. You may purchase your copy in person, online, or through the mail. Certified copies are $17.00 each.

• In Person: Complete your application at crweb.stancounty.com. You will need to come into the office to complete your purchase. Payment by cash or check only.
• Online: Visit www.vitalchek.com. Payment by credit card or debit. Additional fees will apply.
• By Mail: Click here for an application. The application will need to be printed out, notarized, and sent with a check or money order for payment. P.O. Box 1670, Modesto, CA 95353

Things to consider before applying for your license

• Decide if you plan to change your name. This is a personal choice that requires careful consideration to obtain the outcome you desire. (Family Code 306.5)
• Neither party is required to change their name
• Parties to marriage are not required to have the same name
• Parties to a marriage cannot change their first name
• One party or both parties to a marriage may elect to change the middle or last names
• A certified copy of a marriage certificate containing the new name, or retaining the former name, constitutes proof that the new name or retention of the former name is legal

• If you are unsure about your decision, consult with a private attorney before applying for your Marriage License. County Clerk staff cannot provide information on how to complete the license as it relates to changing your name or not changing your name.

  After a marriage license is registered, the certificate shall not be amended to add a new name or change the name adopted.

• Decide if you are applying for a public or confidential marriage license.

  Public Marriage License

  A public license is a public record. A certified copy of the marriage license can be requested by either party on the marriage license and also by other authorized persons. Click here to learn more about who would be authorized to request a certified copy. One witness is required on the public marriage license. Two are also acceptable.

  Confidential Marriage License

  A certified copy of the marriage license can only be obtained by the couple on the marriage license. The document is confidential; therefore the information can only be given to the parties on the license. No witnesses are necessary for the confidential marriage license.

  

Marriage Keepsakes

Individuals authorized to receive a certified copy of a marriage record can purchase a decorative marriage keepsake for individuals who were married in Stanislaus County.

• Fee: $10 per copy
• Visit our office to purchase a copy.