How to Get Marriage Licenses in San Diego | Full Guide

Information technology entails the development, maintenance, and use of computer systems for the processing and dissemination of data. It began a long time ago and has advanced to a great extent, thereby making significant changes in the world.

Cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data management, networking, amongst others are results of the advancements and changes information technology has made in the world. Modern technology has paved the way for the manufacturing of smartwatches and phones.

Computers are faster, portable and more efficient than they used to be, making our lives easier, faster and much better. The changes caused by information technology will continue as scientists are working round the clock to invent more things that would change the world. 

What is a Marriage License?

A marriage license is a legal document that is acquired by couples before getting married. It could be signed during or after the marriage ceremony and returned by the officiant of the county. A marriage certificate is issued after the marriage license is acquired.

Nowadays, you can get an online marriage license in San Diego. Before now, happy couples who wanted to get married in San Diego had to arrange their marriage license appointment in person or through a phone call.

The staff of the call centre would have to check the individual calendars one after another to determine availability. Anyone who wanted to modify or confirm his appointment would place another phone call to the call centre.

However, advancement in information technology has made online marriage rampant. It was implemented after the County Clerk’s office investigated and learnt about a new application that is used for passport services.

Since then, couples have given more attention to getting online marriage licenses as they can access them with their phones. Reports reveal that 80 per cent of marriage licenses and appointments booked in San Diego used the online system. 

You Should Check Out; How to Get Marriage Licenses in Florida | Full Guide

How Long is a Marriage License Valid?

Marriage licenses in San Diego are valid for 90 days. This implies that you must have your marriage ceremony within 90 days after it has been issued.

If you are not able to do your marriage within this period, you will book another appointment because purchasing a marriage certificate does not make one married.

How Much Does it Cost to Get Married in San Diego?

The cost of marriage licenses in San Diego is  $70 (seventy dollars) but other counties could have different fees for it. Download and fill out your application before going to the County Clerk’s office to save time. You can use the marriage license immediately after it is issued to you. 

How Long Does it Take To Get a Marriage License in San Diego?

The time taken to get marriage licenses in San Diego may not be more than 90 days from the date of your wedding so I recommend that people get their marriage licenses in San Diego.

Both the Bride and the Groom are required to go together, showing valid picture identifications such as a state driver’s license or ID Card, passport or military identification, showing that they are at least 18 years of age or older.

How to Get Marriage Licenses in San Diego | Full Guide

For the sake of clarity, below is a step by step guide on how to get a marriage license in San Diego:

  • Book an appointment at the San Diego County Clerk’s office.
  • Choose the type of license you need.
  • Fill the license clearly and appropriately.
  • Go with your detailed application, photo ID, and documentation for your appointment.
  • Get a witness to sign the license and proceed to do your wedding.

Read more: How to Get Marriage Licenses in New York | Full Guide

A REVIEW OF MARRIAGE LICENSES IN SAN DIEGO

Marriage licenses are legal documents acquired by couples before getting married. They could be termed official permissions given by the government to couples who are 18 years and above to get married. A marriage license could be signed during or after the marriage ceremony and issued by the officiant of San Diego. The cost of marriage licenses is $70. Marriage licenses could be confidential or non-confidential, depending on the choices of the parties involved.

Below is how the confidential license is acquired and how it functions:

  • Book an appointment at the office of the County Clerk.
  • Both parties must provide evidence (in writing) that they are living together.
  • Obtain and fill the form. Provide your documents for identification.
  • Pay the application fee of $89.00 (89 dollars) only.
  • Once you have received your marriage license, the ceremony may take place at the church of your choice or a wedding chapel. You don’t need any witnesses for a Confidential Marriage. The marriage ceremony can only hold in San Diego County.
  • The documents will be kept confidential. 

Below is how the non-confidential license is obtained and how it functions: 

  1. Book an appointment at the Clerk’s office.
  2. Obtain and complete the application.
  3. Provide your documents for identification.
  4. Pay the application fee of $70.00 only.
  5. Once you receive your marriage license, the ceremony can be performed at any church of your choice, a wedding venue or in the County Recorder’s office.
  6. After the ceremony, the license needs to be returned to the office for recording.

Copy and paste the link below on your browser to see a video clip of how to obtain marriage licenses in San Diego:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Huem3m6XbJE

The marriage license is very important because there are lots of benefits attached to it. It’s important for banking, insurance, and tax. Furthermore, it helps you to apply for stepparenting, adoption, and visitation in the case of divorce and child custody.  It is also the criteria couples must meet for their marriages to be considered legal. Hence, any marriage done without a license is illegal. Should you subject your marriage to avoidable risks? There’s no need for that.

A marriage license has great impact on society as it guarantees security in marriage, and helps reduce the rate of divorce, domestic violence, and homicide, among others. For example, a partner has the legal backing to file a lawsuit against the other partner to receive entitlements in the case of divorce. That is, the properties would be shared.

Job seekers that have marriage licenses may get their dream jobs. The reason is that married people are seen as more responsible and mature than single people, and may be considered for employment because they have a family to cater for.

Knowing marriage licenses in San Diego is worth it. The procedures of getting it are flexible and fast. I recommend that you get one and encourage people around you to follow suit so you will reap all the benefits attached to it.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Can you get a marriage license online in San Diego?


Yes, you can. All you need do is copy and paste this link (https://arccml.sandiegocounty.gov/Home/Index) on your browser and fill out the online application form as required. Submit it after filling it out.

How much is it to get married in San Diego?


The cost of marriage licenses in San Diego is $70. It’s much better to download and fill the form before going to the office of the County Clerk to save time. A blood test is not among the requirements.

Can you get a marriage license and get married the same day in San Diego?


You can get a marriage license and get married the same day in San Diego. It takes one or more hours and the whole process is complete.

Do you need your birth certificate to get married in San Diego?


You must present a valid certificate of birth to get married in San Diego. Furthermore, you must not be currently married to someone.

Why do you need a license to marry?


You need a license to marry because it makes the union legal and plays a vital role if you wish to change your name.

What will happen if a marriage license is not tendered?


The state will not be aware of the marriage and you may find it difficult to change your name or enjoy your partner’s health benefits. 

Conclusion

Marriage licenses are vital documents every couple should possess as it makes your marriage legal and recognised by the state.

Furthermore, the benefits and privileges it offers are worth it, as the security of your union is guaranteed.

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