Find Escondido Marriage Licenses

Marriage licenses in Escondido come from the San Diego County Assessor Recorder County Clerk. Escondido is located in San Diego County with nearly 149,000 people. All Escondido residents use San Diego County for marriage licenses. The county has four office locations where you can apply. The main office is in San Diego at 1600 Pacific Highway. You can also use branch offices closer to Escondido. The county handles both public marriage licenses and confidential marriage licenses under California law. Escondido does not have its own city office for marriage licenses, so everyone uses the San Diego County system for getting a license or searching for marriage records.

Where Escondido Residents Get Marriage Licenses

Escondido residents get marriage licenses from San Diego County. San Diego County operates the Assessor Recorder County Clerk office that issues all marriage licenses. The main office is at 1600 Pacific Highway in San Diego. Escondido does not have its own city office for marriage licenses. All cities in San Diego County use the county system.

You can apply online at arccml.sandiegocounty.gov to start your application. Both people must appear together at a county office to pick up the license. San Diego County has four offices. Many Escondido residents use the North County Regional Center or the main San Diego office.

Both people must bring valid photo ID. You do not need an appointment but you can check hours and wait times online using the TimeTrade system. The county offers appointment scheduling to help Escondido residents plan their visit.

The image shows the California Department of Public Health page at cdph.ca.gov where Escondido residents can learn about getting certified copies of older marriage records from the state archive.

Public and Confidential Marriage Licenses

Escondido residents choose between a public marriage license or a confidential marriage license. Each type has different rules. A public license costs $129 and becomes a public record. A confidential license costs $144 and stays private.

Under California Family Code Sections 350-360, a public license requires at least one witness at the ceremony. The witness must be 18 or older. Once filed, anyone can request a copy. Most Escondido weddings use this type.

A confidential license follows California Family Code Sections 500-511. You must live together as a couple to get this type in Escondido. No witness is needed. The record stays sealed and only the two people on the license can get copies. Escondido couples who want privacy use this option.

Both types expire 90 days after issue. You must have your ceremony within that time. The officiant must return the signed license to San Diego County within 10 days after the wedding. That is when your Escondido marriage becomes official on file.

The image displays the California CDPH vital records page at cdph.ca.gov with details on how Escondido residents access certified marriage certificates from the state system.

How to Find Escondido Marriage Records

You can search for Escondido marriage records through San Diego County or the California Department of Public Health. Recent records are at the county level. Older records may be with the state.

For public marriage records in Escondido, contact San Diego County at (619) 237-0502. The county can search by name and date. You can request certified copies by mail or in person. Fees apply. Visit the county website for current fees and forms for Escondido marriage records.

Confidential marriage records in Escondido are not open to the public. Under California Family Code Section 511, only the two people on the license can get copies. You must show valid photo ID. If you need your confidential marriage record from Escondido, contact San Diego County with proof of identity.

The California Department of Public Health keeps older Escondido marriage records. The state has records for years before 2000 and after 2007. For marriages from 2000 to 2007, contact San Diego County Recorder. The state charges $19 per certified copy. You can mail form VS 113A or order through VitalChek.

Note: Confidential marriage records in Escondido remain sealed and are not part of public databases.

Escondido Marriage License Requirements

California law sets the rules for marriage licenses. Escondido residents follow the same requirements as anyone else in the state. Both people must appear together when picking up the license. You cannot get a marriage license by mail or with only one person present in Escondido.

You must provide valid photo ID when you apply. A driver license, passport, or state ID works. Birth certificates help if you need to show your age. Both people must be at least 18 years old. Minors under 18 need a court order to marry in Escondido.

No blood test is required in California. The state ended that rule in 1995. You do not need to be a California resident to get a marriage license in Escondido. People from other states or countries can marry here. There is no waiting period. You get the license the same day when you apply in person at San Diego County.

Under California Health and Safety Code Section 102100, the license expires 90 days after issue. You must have your ceremony within those 90 days or the license is no longer valid. Any person authorized to perform marriages in California can officiate. The officiant must return the completed license to San Diego County within 10 days after the ceremony.

Marriage License Fees in Escondido

San Diego County sets the fees for marriage licenses in Escondido. The cost depends on the type of license. Additional services cost extra. All fees are due when you apply or schedule the service.

• Public marriage license: $129
• Confidential marriage license: $144
• Civil ceremony: $107
• Certified copy: Varies by request type

You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card at San Diego County offices. The fee is non-refundable once you get the license. If your license expires, you must pay the full fee again for a new license in Escondido.

Under California Health and Safety Code Section 103625, counties can charge for vital records services. San Diego County posts its fee schedule online. Check for the most recent rates before you apply in Escondido.

The image shows the California CDPH online ordering page at cdph.ca.gov where Escondido residents can order certified copies of marriage records through authorized vendors.

Resources for Escondido Residents

Escondido residents can use several resources when planning a marriage or searching for marriage records. Local and state agencies provide information and services.

Legal Aid Society of San Diego serves low-income residents with free legal help. They can answer questions about marriage, name changes, and family law. Visit lassd.org or call (877) 534-2524 to see if you qualify. The organization serves Escondido and can help with marriage-related legal issues.

The California Courts self-help center has forms and guides for marriage and family law topics. Go to courts.ca.gov/selfhelp to find information about changing your name after marriage, updating records, and other common questions. Escondido residents can download forms or order printed copies.

The image shows the California CDPH forms page at cdph.ca.gov where Escondido residents can find applications for certified copies and amendment forms for marriage records.

Nearby California Cities

Several large California cities are near Escondido. Each has a population over 100,000 and uses its county system for marriage licenses.

• San Diego (San Diego County)
• Chula Vista (San Diego County)
• Oceanside (San Diego County)
• Carlsbad (San Diego County)