Torrance Marriage License Records

Marriage license applications for Torrance residents get processed through Los Angeles County Clerk-Recorder offices where couples need to appear together in person to complete the application. Public marriage licenses cost $91 and confidential licenses run $85, with both types needing valid photo identification from each person before the clerk can issue the document. Torrance couples can visit any of the seven branch locations across Los Angeles County including the main office in Norwalk which sits about 15 miles from Torrance and handles high volumes of applications each day.

Los Angeles County Processes All Licenses

All marriage licenses for Torrance come from Los Angeles County. Cities do not have authority to issue licenses. That power belongs to the county clerk.

Los Angeles County runs seven branch offices. The main office is at 12400 Imperial Highway in Norwalk. Other locations include Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pomona, Lancaster, and two more offices spread across the county. Torrance residents often use the Norwalk office since it sits close to the city and has ample appointment slots. The drive from central Torrance takes about 20 minutes on the 405 or 110 freeways.

The county offers both public and confidential marriage licenses. Public licenses become part of public records that anyone can look up. Confidential licenses stay private with only the two spouses able to get copies later. Public licenses cost $91. Confidential ones cost $85. Both types work the same under California law and let you marry anywhere in the state once issued.

Getting Your Marriage License

Book an appointment at marriage.lavote.net. This online portal shows open slots at all seven county offices. Pick a time that works for both of you. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments move faster and save time.

Bring valid photo ID for each person. Driver licenses work well. So do state IDs, passports, and military IDs. You need to give your full legal names, birth dates, where you were born, and social security numbers. If either of you was married before, say when that marriage ended and how. The clerk needs this to complete your application. This process takes 10 to 15 minutes.

After reviewing everything, you pay the fee. The office takes credit cards, debit cards, and checks. Your license prints right away. It is good for 90 days. Your ceremony must happen within that time anywhere in California. After 90 days, the license expires and you must start over.

Marriage License Fees

Public marriage licenses cost $91 in Los Angeles County. Confidential licenses cost $85. These fees cover the license and all processing. The county updates its fee structure each year based on state law.

If you want a civil ceremony at a clerk office, that adds $35. The ceremony lasts about 15 minutes. A deputy commissioner officiates. You can bring guests. Most offices book ceremony slots separate from license appointments. Some same-day slots open up if other couples cancel.

Certified copies of your marriage certificate cost extra after your wedding. Order them from the same office where you got your license. Many couples wait to order copies until they need proof of marriage for name changes, insurance, or other legal reasons.

Note: Los Angeles County processes more marriage licenses than any other California county, with thousands issued each month.

Clerk Offices Near Torrance

The main Norwalk office sits at 12400 Imperial Highway in Room 1002. That drive takes about 20 to 25 minutes from central Torrance. Take the 405 freeway north to the 91 east, then exit at Studebaker. Parking is available in county lots near the building.

Beverly Hills offers another option at 9350 Burton Way. That location is about 25 minutes north of Torrance depending on traffic. Some residents prefer this office if they work in West LA or need to combine the trip with other errands.

Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm at most locations. Call 800-201-8999 with questions. Staff can help with appointment booking, explain what documents to bring, and answer questions about wait times. Check lavote.gov before your visit to confirm current hours.

Civil Wedding Ceremonies

Los Angeles County performs civil ceremonies at several office locations. The $35 fee covers the ceremony and the officiant. You can book a ceremony when you get your license or schedule it for later. Your license stays valid for 90 days so you have time to plan.

Ceremonies last 15 to 20 minutes. You exchange vows and rings if you want. A deputy commissioner signs your license after the ceremony ends. Bring as many guests as fit in the ceremony room. Most rooms hold 20 to 30 people.

Hire your own officiant if you prefer a custom ceremony. Ministers, priests, rabbis, judges, and people with online ordination can all officiate in California. Your officiant must return the signed license to the county within 10 days of your wedding. If they miss this deadline, your marriage may not be legally recorded.

Getting Copies of Marriage Records

Your officiant files your signed license with Los Angeles County after the wedding. The marriage becomes official once the county receives and processes it. This usually takes a few days to two weeks. You can then order certified copies from the clerk office. Visit lavote.gov for current fees.

Public marriage records are open to anyone. You do not need to prove who you are or why you want a copy. Confidential records work differently. Only the two spouses can get copies. You must show ID proving you are one of the married people.

Los Angeles County keeps records going back many decades. Older records may take longer to find. Some very old records are stored on microfiche or in archived paper files. Staff must search these manually. Allow extra time for marriages from 20 or 30 years ago.

For marriages before certain years, you may need to contact the California Department of Public Health at cdph.ca.gov. The state office charges $19 per certified copy. Records from 2000 to 2007 are not available from the state. You must contact the county for those years.

California Marriage License Laws

Both people must be at least 18 years old. No exceptions unless a court grants special permission. California changed this law recently to protect minors.

You do not need to be a California resident. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen. Anyone can marry here if they meet the basic age and legal requirements. The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Have your ceremony within that window. If the license expires, you must apply and pay again.

No blood test is required in California. The state eliminated that rule in 1995. Confidential marriages do not need witnesses. Public marriages need at least one witness age 18 or older. The witness signs the license right after your ceremony.

California marriage law is found in the Family Code Sections 350-360. Rules for confidential marriages are in Family Code Sections 500-511. These statutes explain all requirements.

Legal Help for Torrance Residents

Torrance has legal aid organizations that serve low-income residents. Public Counsel provides free legal services for family law matters. They can help with questions about marriage, divorce, and name changes. Call them for information about eligibility.

The Los Angeles County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. They connect you with family law attorneys who practice in Torrance and the South Bay area. Visit lacba.org for details. First consultations are usually affordable.

For questions about the marriage license process, call Los Angeles County Clerk at 800-201-8999. Staff can explain fees, required documents, and how the application works. They cannot give legal advice but can tell you what to bring.

California State Marriage Records

The California Department of Public Health maintains some statewide marriage records. Their vital records office is in Sacramento. Contact them at cdph.ca.gov or call 916-445-2684. They have certified copies for marriages from certain years. Records from 2000 to 2007 are not available from the state.

The state charges $19 per certified copy. This is less than most counties charge. But not all records are available from the state. The state office processes mail orders in about two to three weeks. They do not have a walk-in counter.

Other Los Angeles County Cities

Torrance is one of many large cities in Los Angeles County. Other major cities include Los Angeles, Long Beach, Pasadena, Glendale, Santa Clarita, Inglewood, and Burbank. All use Los Angeles County Clerk offices for marriage licenses. Pick the branch location that works best for your schedule.