Marriage License in San Bernardino County, California
Cost, office and documents to get a marriage license in San Bernardino County, with the official link and the date we reviewed it.
Big Bear Lake, CaliforniaSummary: San Bernardino County, CA
Official source Reviewed Nov 4, 2026 · Official source, with details that may vary.
- Cost
- Public license: $120. Confidential license: $135. Card payments carry a 3.5% surcharge; American Express, prepaid cards and phone payments are not accepted.
- Waiting period
- There is no waiting period.
- Validity
- 90 days from issuance.
- Witnesses
- Public license: at least 1 witness at the ceremony. Confidential license: no witnesses required.
Where to apply
- Office: San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk. Hall of Records: 222 W. Hospitality Lane, 1st Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415 (8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.); also High Desert Government Center (Hesperia). Phone: (909) 387-8306.
Fill out the application online and book your appointment before you go. If you don't speak English or Spanish, you must bring an interpreter.
California rules (apply statewide)
- Validity
- 90 days from issuance.
- Witnesses
- Public license: at least 1 witness and at most 2 witness signatures (no minimum age, but they must understand what they are witnessing). Confidential license: no witnesses.
How much is a marriage license in San Bernardino County?
Public license: $120. Confidential license: $135. Card payments carry a 3.5% surcharge; American Express, prepaid cards and phone payments are not accepted.
Fees change: confirm the amount on the official website before you go.
Where to get the license and how the process works
You fill out the application online before you go and book an appointment. Both go together in person. The confidential license is also issued by authorized notaries.
Office: San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk. Hall of Records: 222 W. Hospitality Lane, 1st Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415 (8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.); also High Desert Government Center (Hesperia). Phone: (909) 387-8306.
What to bring
Photo ID: driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID, permanent resident card or U.S. government ID. If you don't have one with a photo and date of birth, two documents (one with a photo and another with a date of birth). If there was a divorce or annulment in the last 6 months, a certified copy of the final decree. You must understand English or Spanish, or bring an interpreter. There is no residency or citizenship requirement.
Waiting period, validity and witnesses
- Waiting period: There is no waiting period.
- Validity: 90 days from issuance.
- Witnesses: Public license: at least 1 witness at the ceremony. Confidential license: no witnesses required.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use this license somewhere else in California?
The wedding must take place in California, in any county; the license is recorded in the county where it was purchased.
What is the minimum age to marry in California?
18. Under 18: written consent from at least one parent or guardian and permission from a California Superior Court judge (emancipated minors are not exempt). The confidential license is only for people over 18 who already live together as a couple.
What ID do you need in California?
Current photo ID with date of birth and issue and expiration dates (state ID, driver's license, passport, military ID). Some counties ask for a birth certificate.
Who can officiate the wedding in California?
Priests, ministers or rabbis of any denomination; judges and commissioners (active or retired); certain legislators and officials; county supervisors, city clerks or mayors in office (Family Code 400 and 400.1). "Deputy for a day" commissioner where the county offers it.
Does AltarPlan issue the license?
No. AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. General information, not legal advice: confirm with the county office.
Sources and review date
If you spot an error, write to us and we'll look into it.
AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the county office.