Thousand Oaks Marriage Licenses

Marriage licenses in Thousand Oaks are issued by Ventura County. This city of 124,000 sits in the eastern part of the county near Los Angeles County. The county clerk has a branch office right in Thousand Oaks, which makes it easy for local residents to apply for a marriage license without driving to Ventura. You must book an appointment online before you visit, and both parties must come together to sign the application and get your license.

Apply at Thousand Oaks Branch Office

Thousand Oaks residents can apply for a marriage license at the local Ventura County clerk branch office. This office is more convenient than driving to the main office in Ventura. Both locations offer the same services and charge the same fees. You must book an appointment online through the county website.

Appointments are required for all marriage license applications in Thousand Oaks. The county uses Acuity Scheduling, and you can book online. Both parties must attend the appointment together. Bring valid photo ID like a driver license or passport. The clerk will review your documents, complete the application, and issue your license at the same visit. Most appointments take 30 to 45 minutes.

If you changed your name in the past, bring proof like a prior marriage certificate or court order. This helps avoid delays. The county clerk can answer questions about what documents you need when you book your appointment.

Marriage License Costs

A public marriage license in Thousand Oaks costs $108. A confidential marriage license costs $122. These fees are set by Ventura County and apply to all cities in the county. You pay when you apply at your appointment. The office accepts cash, check, money order, and credit cards.

If you want a civil ceremony at the county office, the fee is $60. Ceremonies take place at scheduled times on weekdays. The county has a ceremony room and allows a small number of guests. This is a simple and affordable option for Thousand Oaks couples who do not want to hire a private officiant.

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.

Choose Your License Type

California offers two types of marriage licenses. A public license becomes part of the public record and anyone can request a copy from Ventura County. It requires one witness at the ceremony who is 18 or older. Most Thousand Oaks 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 Ventura County within 10 days. This creates the official marriage record for Thousand Oaks couples.

Note: Public marriage licenses in Thousand Oaks require at least one witness at the ceremony.

Marriage Ceremonies

Ventura County offers civil ceremonies at the clerk offices for a fee of $60. A licensed deputy commissioner performs the ceremony. You can bring guests but the room is small. Ceremonies are scheduled during business hours. This is a simple option for Thousand Oaks couples who want a legal ceremony without extra planning.

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 Thousand Oaks couples marry at local venues, parks, or religious centers. 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.

Get Certified Marriage Certificates

After your marriage license is recorded, you can order certified copies from Ventura 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 at either clerk office, 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 main office in Ventura. Most mail requests are completed within two weeks.

The California Department of Public Health also has marriage records for Thousand Oaks couples. They hold records from 1905 to 1999 and from 2008 forward. For marriages from 2000 to 2007, contact Ventura 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. Ventura County can print as many as you need while you wait if you visit in person.

Who Can Marry in Thousand Oaks

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. Ventura 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 Thousand Oaks or Ventura County. You can live anywhere and still get a marriage license here. No blood test or waiting period is required. You can marry the same day you get your license if you want. This makes Thousand Oaks 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 Thousand Oaks 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 Thousand Oaks residents finish the name change process within a few weeks of the wedding.

Other Cities in Ventura County

Simi Valley, Oxnard, and Ventura are other large cities in Ventura County. All four cities use the same county clerk office for marriage licenses and records.

• Simi Valley
• Oxnard
• Ventura