Why Do You Need a San Diego Marriage Certificate?

A Certified Copy of a San Diego marriage certificate is essential for changing your name on various documents, such as your driver’s license, passport, and social security card. It’s also required to claim insurance benefits and for other services related to your identity.

When Can You Request Your Marriage Certificate?

Please allow 10 business days from the time the marriage license was returned to our office for registration before requesting a copy of the San Diego marriage certificate. If no record is found based on the information provided on the application, a “Letter of No Record” will be issued. The Recorder’s Office will retain the non-refundable fee for processing the application.

Who Can Order a Marriage Certificate?

Non-Confidential (Public)  Marriage Certificates

Authorized individuals who can request a Certified Copy of a non-confidential San Diego marriage certificate include:

• A registrant (one of the two persons listed on the marriage certificate)
• A parent or legal guardian of a registrant
• A party entitled to the record as a result of a court order (a certified copy of the court order must be included with the application)
• A member of a law enforcement agency or a representative of another governmental agency, as provided by law, who is conducting official business
• A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of a registrant
• An attorney representing a registrant or a registrant’s estate, or any person or agency empowered by statute, or appointed by a court to act on behalf of a registrant or a registrant’s estate (if you are requesting a Certified Copy under a power of attorney, please include a copy of the power of attorney with the application)

Those who are not authorized by law to request a certified copy will receive a certified Informational Copy, marked “INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY“.

Confidential Marriage Certificates

Authorized individuals who can request a Certified Copy of a confidential San Diego marriage certificate include:

• A registrant (one of the two persons listed on the marriage certificate)
• A party entitled to the record as a result of a court order (a certified copy of the court order must be included with the application)

Those who are not authorized by law to receive a certified copy may receive a “Letter Confirming the Existence of a Marriage”.

How to Order a San Diego Marriage Certificate

In Person

Visit one of our available office locations and complete the San Diego marriage certificate application, which must be signed in the presence of a County Clerk. You will be asked to present a valid government-issued photo ID when you arrive.

Fees:

• $17 for each San Diego marriage certificate
• The fee is not refundable even if the record is not found.
• The fee is payable by cash, check or money order, or credit/debit card.
• An additional $2.50 surcharge is applicable for card payments.
• Check or money order payable to: San Diego Recorder/County Clerk.

Online

Visit VitalChek.com and complete the ordering process.

• For a Certified Copy, select “Authorized Copy” on VitalChek’s website.
• Select “San Diego County Recorder” as the government agency.

Fees:

• $17 for each San Diego marriage certificate
• $12.95 VitalChek handling fee
• $19 VitalChek expedited delivery fee (optional)
• The fee is not refundable even if the record is not found.

By Mail

Complete the San Diego marriage certificate application.

• If requesting a Certified Copy: You must be an authorized individual. Complete the Sworn Statement on the application and have it notarized. The Certificate of Acknowledgement must be completed by a Notary Public. If outside of California, the Notary may cross out California and enter the correct state.
• If requesting a certified Informational Copy: You do not have to be an authorized individual. The Sworn Statement, Certificate of Acknowledgment, and notarization are not required.

Mail to:

San Diego Recorder/County Clerk ATTN: Vital Records P.O. Box 121750 San Diego, CA 92112-1750

Fees:

• $17 for each San Diego marriage certificate
• The fee is not refundable even if the record is not found.
• The fee is payable by check or money order only when requested by mail.
• Payable to: San Diego Recorder/County Clerk.
• Do not send cash by mail.

Conclusion

Navigating the process of obtaining your San Diego marriage certificate can seem daunting, but remember, you’re not alone in this journey. At Simple Marriages, we’re committed to assisting you every step of the way. From understanding the intricacies of the process to ensuring you have all the necessary documents, our team is here to make this experience as seamless as possible. Your special day and the steps that follow should be filled with joy and ease. Reach out to us anytime, and let’s simplify this journey together.