Los Angeles County processes marriage licenses through the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, which requires an online application followed by an in-person appointment at one of seven branch offices.
| License fee | Public marriage license: $91. Confidential marriage license: $85. Civil ceremony (optional, performed by the county): $35. |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | None — California has no statewide waiting period. |
| Documents / ID required | Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants (driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID). No blood test or physical exam required. |
| License validity | 90 days from the date of issuance (California statewide rule). |
| Where & how to apply | Complete the online application at marriage.lavote.net, then schedule an in-person appointment (bookable up to 3 weeks ahead) at one of the seven RR/CC branch offices. Both applicants must appear together. |
| Office hours | Varies by branch location — confirm hours for your chosen office when booking your appointment online. |
Special notes
Frequently asked questions
Do we need an appointment to get a marriage license in Los Angeles County?
Yes. You must complete the online application first, then book an in-person appointment at one of the seven RR/CC branch offices — appointments can be scheduled up to three weeks in advance.
What's the difference between the public and confidential license in LA County?
A public license requires one witness and becomes a public record (though only authorized parties can get certified copies). A confidential license requires the couple to already be living together, needs no witness, and stays private — only the couple can request copies later.
How to get a marriage license in Los Angeles County, step by step
- Complete the online application at marriage.lavote.net. This comes first; you cannot walk in without it.
- Choose a public license ($91) or a confidential license ($85). Confidential requires you to state that you are already living together, needs no witness, and keeps the record private.
- Book an in-person appointment at one of the seven RR/CC branch offices. Appointments can be scheduled up to three weeks ahead.
- Both applicants attend the appointment with valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport or military ID).
- Receive your license the same day. California has no waiting period, and the license is valid for 90 days.
What to bring to the Los Angeles County office
- Valid photo ID for both applicants
- Your online application confirmation
- $91 for a public license or $85 for a confidential one (plus $35 if you book the optional county civil ceremony)
- One witness on the day of the ceremony if you chose a public license
When to apply for your Los Angeles County license
Two clocks matter in Los Angeles. First, appointments can only be booked up to three weeks ahead, so you cannot lock in a slot months in advance; set a reminder for the day the window opens for your target week. Second, the license lasts 90 days, so a visit anywhere from a few days to about three months before the ceremony works. Applying three to six weeks before the wedding leaves room to rebook if you need to.
After the ceremony: filing your Los Angeles County license and getting certified copies
The person who performs the ceremony must return the license to the county clerk-recorder within 10 days. Once it is registered you can buy a certified copy, which is the document you will need for name changes; one California county’s guidance puts availability at roughly 10 business days after the office receives the license. (Filing rules checked September 2026.)
You will need a certified copy for name changes and other paperwork — see our guide to what to do after the wedding.
Certified copies in Los Angeles County
$19 for the first certified copy (same price for each copy)
| Issued by | Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Fee details | $19 per certified copy, public or confidential. A handling fee applies to online credit card orders. |
| How to order | Online through VitalChek, by mail (notarized Certificate of Identity), or in person by appointment. |
| Timing | Orders are processed within 20 working days; for 1995 to present, in-person copies are issued at the appointment. |
| Who can request | Public records: a registrant or a parent/guardian of one. Confidential records: only the parties to the marriage or by court order (informational copies exist for others). |
Source: LA County RR/CC - Marriage Records · checked October 2026 · How many copies do you need?
Local tips for Los Angeles County
- The confidential license is $6 cheaper than the public one in Los Angeles, which is unusual — in most California counties it costs more.
- Branch hours vary; confirm the hours for the branch you pick while booking.
- A confidential license requires both applicants to state they are living together; do not choose it if that is not true.
More questions about getting married in Los Angeles County
Do we need an appointment in Los Angeles County?
Yes. Complete the online application, then book an in-person appointment at one of seven branch offices, up to three weeks ahead.
Which is cheaper, public or confidential?
In Los Angeles County the confidential license is $85 and the public license is $91.
Can the county marry us?
Yes. The county offers an optional civil ceremony for $35.
Waiting periods by state → What licenses cost by state →
Last verified: August 2026
Read our general step-by-step guide →
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