Fairfield Marriage License Access
Marriage licenses in Fairfield are issued by Solano County. This city of nearly 123,000 people is the county seat. The county clerk office is right in downtown Fairfield at 675 Texas Street. All marriage licenses for Fairfield and the rest of Solano County come from this office. You can apply in person with your partner for a public or confidential marriage license, and the clerk office also handles requests for certified copies of existing marriage records for Fairfield residents and anyone married in the county.
Fairfield Quick Facts
Apply for Marriage License
Fairfield residents have an advantage because the Solano County clerk office is located right in the city. The office is at 675 Texas Street, Suite 1900 in downtown Fairfield. Both parties must appear together in person to sign the application and receive the license. You cannot send someone else to apply on your behalf.
| Office | Solano County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 675 Texas Street, Suite 1900 Fairfield, CA 94533 |
| Phone | (707) 784-7485 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | solanocounty.gov |
Bring valid photo ID for each person. A driver license, passport, or state ID card works. If you changed your name before, bring proof like a prior marriage certificate or court order. The clerk will review your documents, complete the application, and issue your license the same day. Most Fairfield couples finish the process in less than an hour.
Solano County accepts walk-ins for marriage license applications. You do not need an appointment. Wait times can vary, so calling ahead at (707) 784-7485 can help you plan your visit. Parking is available near the county office in downtown Fairfield.
Marriage License Fees
A public marriage license in Fairfield costs $95. A confidential marriage license costs $108. These fees are set by Solano County and apply to all cities in the county. You pay when you apply in person. The office accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards.
If you want a civil ceremony at the county office, the fee is $75. Ceremonies take place on Thursdays only. The county has a ceremony room and allows a small number of guests. This is a simple and affordable option for Fairfield couples who want a legal ceremony without extra planning.
Certified copies of your marriage certificate are available after the license is recorded. The first copy costs $19 under California Health and Safety Code Section 103625. Each extra copy costs $19. You can order copies in person, by mail, or online through VitalChek at vitalchek.com.
Public vs Confidential Licenses
California offers two types of marriage licenses. A public license becomes part of the public record and anyone can request a copy from Solano County. It requires one witness at the ceremony who is 18 or older. Most Fairfield couples choose a public license.
A confidential license stays private under California Family Code Sections 500-511. Only the two people on the license can get copies. You must be living together to qualify. No witness is required at the ceremony. Confidential licenses cost more but provide complete privacy for your marriage record.
Both types of licenses are valid for 90 days from the date of issue under California Family Code Sections 350-360. You must marry within that time or the license expires. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and returns it to Solano County within 10 days. This creates the official marriage record for Fairfield couples.
Note: Confidential marriage licenses require couples to be living together at the time of application.
Ceremony Options
Solano County offers civil ceremonies at the clerk office in Fairfield for a fee of $75. Ceremonies take place on Thursdays only. A licensed deputy clerk performs the ceremony. You can bring guests but the room is small. This is a simple option for Fairfield couples who want a legal ceremony.
If you prefer a private ceremony, you need an authorized officiant. California law allows judges, clergy, and other authorized people to perform marriages. Your officiant must sign the license after the ceremony and return it to the county within 10 days. Make sure your officiant is registered and knows the filing rules.
Many Fairfield couples marry at local venues, parks, or churches. Others choose a quick civil ceremony at the county office. Both options create the same legal marriage. The county does not care where you marry as long as the signed license is returned on time.
Request Marriage Certificates
After your marriage license is recorded, you can order certified copies from Solano County. A certified copy has the county seal and is accepted for legal purposes like name changes, benefits, or passport applications. You can request copies in person, by mail, or online.
To request a copy by mail, send a written request with the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, and a copy of your photo ID. Include a check or money order for $19 per copy. Mail your request to the clerk office in Fairfield. Most mail requests are completed within two weeks.
The California Department of Public Health also has marriage records for Fairfield couples. They hold records from 1905 to 1999 and from 2008 forward. For marriages from 2000 to 2007, contact Solano County directly. Visit cdph.ca.gov to order state copies. The state charges $19 per copy and uses VitalChek as the online vendor.
If you need copies for multiple purposes, order them all at once. Most people need at least three certified copies for Social Security, DMV, and banks. Solano County can print as many as you need while you wait if you visit in person.
Marriage License Requirements
Both parties must be at least 18 years old to marry without a court order. California no longer issues marriage licenses to minors in most cases. If you are under 18, you need approval from a superior court judge. Solano County will ask for the court order before issuing a license to anyone under 18.
You cannot be married to someone else when you apply for a new license. If you had a prior marriage, it must be ended by divorce, death, or annulment. The clerk will ask when your last marriage ended and how. Bring proof if you have it, but it is not required. No residency requirement exists for Fairfield or Solano County. You can live anywhere and still get a marriage license here.
No blood test or waiting period is required in California. You can marry the same day you get your license if you want. This makes Fairfield a fast option for couples who are ready to marry right away.
Name Change After Marriage
Your marriage certificate allows you to change your name without extra paperwork. Many Fairfield residents take their spouse's last name. Others keep their birth name or combine names. All choices are valid under California law.
Start with Social Security. Visit a local office or mail form SS-5 with your marriage certificate. This step is free. Next, go to the DMV to update your driver license. Bring your new Social Security card and marriage certificate. The DMV charges a fee for a replacement license with your new name.
After you update Social Security and DMV, contact banks, employers, and insurance companies. Use your certified marriage certificate as proof. Most Fairfield residents finish the name change process within a few weeks of the wedding.
Other Cities in Solano County
Vallejo and Vacaville are other large cities in Solano County. All three cities use the same county clerk office in Fairfield for marriage licenses and records.