Alameda County Marriage License

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Alameda County (Oakland) issues marriage licenses without an appointment at two office locations, though you must return within 30 days of starting an online application to finalize it.

License fee Public marriage license: $81. Confidential marriage license: $90. Marriage certificate copies: $21 each.
Waiting period None — California has no statewide waiting period.
Documents / ID required Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants.
License validity 90 days from the date of issuance (California statewide rule).
Where & how to apply Apply online, then both applicants must appear together in person within 30 days at either the Oakland (1106 Madison Street) or Dublin (7600 Dublin Boulevard) office to complete payment and receive the license. No appointment required, but issuance cuts off at 4:00 p.m.
Office hours Standard business hours; arrive before the 4:00 p.m. issuance cutoff.

Special notes

Marriage ceremonies performed by the Clerk-Recorder in the Oakland wedding room are by appointment only, separate from the license application itself.
Official source: Alameda County Clerk-Recorder — https://auditor.alamedacountyca.gov/clerk-recorder-marriage-services/
Last verified: August 2026

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