Alameda County

Alameda County, California

County clerk guides for Alameda County.

Alameda County marriage license at a glance

The essentials for getting a marriage license in Alameda County, taken from our verified county guide. Confirm details with the official office before you go.

License feePublic marriage license: $81. Confidential marriage license: $90. Marriage certificate copies: $21 each.
Waiting periodNone — California has no statewide waiting period.
License validity90 days from the date of issuance (California statewide rule).
Documents / ID requiredValid government-issued photo ID for both applicants.
Where & how to applyApply 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.

Full Alameda County marriage license guide →

California rules that apply in Alameda County

These come from California state law, so they are the same in every county:

  • Minimum age to marry: 18 without consent. Ages 16–17 may marry only with a superior court order and parental/guardian consent. Under 16 cannot marry.
  • Waiting period: None — you can marry the same day the license is issued.
  • License validity: 90 days from the date of issuance.
  • Blood test required: No

How the fee compares

The standard fee we have verified for Alameda County is $81. Across the 81 counties and cities ClerkGuide has researched so far, standard fees run from $20 to $172, with a median of $76 — so this one is higher than about 53% of them. See fees state by state →

Alameda County vs. other California counties

Fees are set locally, so they can differ noticeably even inside one state. Here is how the California counties we cover line up, cheapest first:

Fresno County$49 standard
Orange County$61 standard
Santa Clara County$80 standard
Alameda County$81 standard
San Bernardino County$89 standard
Los Angeles County$91 standard
Contra Costa County$95 standard
Sacramento County$97 standard
Kern County$101 standard
Riverside County$111 standard
San Diego County$129 standard

More: all California marriage license requirements · getting married in a different county.

Guides for this county