Hayward Marriage Certificates
Marriage licenses in Hayward come from the Alameda County Clerk Recorder. Hayward sits in Alameda County with more than 158,000 people. All Hayward residents use Alameda County for marriage licenses. The county has two office locations where you can apply for a marriage license. One is in Oakland and another is in Dublin. Both offices serve Hayward and handle public marriage licenses and confidential marriage licenses. Hayward does not have a city office for marriage licenses, so everyone uses the Alameda County system for getting a license or searching for marriage records.
Hayward Quick Facts
Where Hayward Residents Get Marriage Licenses
Hayward residents get marriage licenses from Alameda County. Alameda County operates the Clerk Recorder office that issues all marriage licenses. The main office is in Oakland at 1106 Madison Street. The county also has an office in Dublin. Many Hayward residents use the Oakland office since it is close to the city. Both offices offer the same services and charge the same fees.
| Office | Alameda County Clerk Recorder |
|---|---|
| Oakland Address | 1106 Madison Street Oakland, CA 94607 |
| Phone | (510) 272-6362 |
| Website | auditor.alamedacountyca.gov |
Both people must appear in person together with valid photo ID. You do not need an appointment but you can check hours online. Alameda County also offers virtual services through MS Teams for some marriage license functions. This can help Hayward residents who prefer remote options.
The image shows the California Department of Public Health page at cdph.ca.gov where Hayward residents can learn about getting certified copies of older marriage records from the state archive.
Public and Confidential Marriage Licenses
Hayward residents choose between a public marriage license or a confidential marriage license. Each type has different rules. A public license costs $81 and becomes a public record. A confidential license costs $90 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 and sign the license. Once filed, anyone can request a copy. Most Hayward 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 Hayward. No witness is needed. The record stays sealed and only the two people on the license can get copies. Hayward 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 Alameda County within 10 days after the wedding. That is when your Hayward marriage becomes official on file.
The image displays the California CDPH vital records page at cdph.ca.gov with details on how Hayward residents access certified marriage certificates from the state system.
How to Find Hayward Marriage Records
You can search for Hayward marriage records through Alameda 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 Hayward, contact Alameda County Clerk Recorder at (510) 272-6362. 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 Hayward marriage records.
Confidential marriage records in Hayward 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 Hayward, contact Alameda County with proof of identity.
The California Department of Public Health keeps older Hayward marriage records. The state has records for years before 2000 and after 2007. For marriages from 2000 to 2007, contact Alameda County Recorder. The state charges $19 per certified copy. You can mail form VS 113A or order through VitalChek.
Note: Confidential marriage records in Hayward remain sealed and are not part of public databases.
Hayward Marriage License Requirements
California law sets the rules for marriage licenses. Hayward 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 Hayward.
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 Hayward.
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 Hayward. 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 Alameda 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 Alameda County within 10 days after the ceremony.
Marriage License Fees in Hayward
Alameda County sets the fees for marriage licenses in Hayward. 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: $81
- Confidential marriage license: $90
- Civil ceremony: $75
- Certified copy: Varies by request type
You can pay by cash, check, money order, or credit card at Alameda 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 Hayward.
Under California Health and Safety Code Section 103625, counties can charge for vital records services. Alameda County posts its fee schedule online. Check for the most recent rates before you apply in Hayward.
The image shows the California CDPH online ordering page at cdph.ca.gov where Hayward residents can order certified copies of marriage records through authorized vendors.
Resources for Hayward Residents
Hayward residents can use several resources when planning a marriage or searching for marriage records. Local and state agencies provide information and services.
Bay Area Legal Aid serves low-income residents with free legal help. They can answer questions about marriage, name changes, and family law. Visit baylegal.org or call (800) 551-5554 to see if you qualify. The organization serves Hayward 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. Hayward residents can download forms or order printed copies.
The image shows the California CDPH forms page at cdph.ca.gov where Hayward residents can find applications for certified copies and amendment forms for marriage records.
Nearby California Cities
Several large California cities are near Hayward. Each has a population over 100,000 and uses its county system for marriage licenses.