Vallejo Marriage License Services
Marriage licenses for Vallejo are handled by Solano County. This city of 123,000 people sits on the north shore of San Pablo Bay. All marriage licenses come from the county clerk office in Fairfield. You must apply in person with your partner at the clerk office. The county issues both public and confidential marriage licenses to Vallejo residents and anyone else who wants to marry in Solano County, and you can also request certified copies of existing marriage records.
Vallejo Quick Facts
Where to Get Marriage License
Vallejo residents apply for marriage licenses at the Solano County clerk office in Fairfield. The office is at 675 Texas Street, Suite 1900. 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 Vallejo 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.
Marriage License Costs
A public marriage license in Vallejo 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 Vallejo 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.
Choose 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 Solano County. It requires one witness at the ceremony who is 18 or older. Most Vallejo 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 Vallejo couples.
Note: Civil ceremonies at the Solano County office are only available on Thursdays.
Marriage Ceremonies
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 Vallejo 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 Vallejo 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.
Get Certified 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 Vallejo 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.
Who Can Get Married
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 Vallejo 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 Vallejo a fast option for couples who are ready to marry right away.
Change Name After Marriage
Your marriage certificate allows you to change your name without extra paperwork. Many Vallejo 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 Vallejo residents finish the name change process within a few weeks of the wedding.
Other Cities in Solano County
Fairfield 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.