Carson Marriage Records Database
Carson marriage records are handled by Los Angeles County. The city has about 95,000 residents and is located south of downtown Los Angeles. All marriage licenses for Carson come from the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. Los Angeles County has seven branch offices where you can apply. Carson residents can use any location, but the closest offices are in Norwalk and Compton. You must fill out an online application before visiting any office. Both people must appear in person to get a license. The county serves over 10 million people across 88 cities, making it the largest county in the nation by population.
Carson Quick Facts
Where to Get a License
Los Angeles County operates seven branch offices for marriage licenses. Carson residents often use the Norwalk or Compton locations due to proximity. All branches offer the same service. You can visit any location that fits your schedule. Before you go, complete the online application at lavote.gov. This step is required for all couples. The online form is kept on file for 90 days after you submit it.
Both people must come to the office together. You cannot get a license if only one person shows up. Bring valid photo ID like a driver's license or passport. You do not need an appointment for a license, but appointments are required if you want an express ceremony at the office the same day. Processing your license takes about one hour at the window. If you arrive after 3:30 PM at district offices, you will need to pick up your license the next business day.
| Office | Los Angeles County RR/CC - Norwalk Main Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 12400 Imperial Highway Norwalk, CA 90650 |
| Phone | (562) 462-2137 or (800) 201-8999 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | lavote.gov |
For same-day service at Norwalk, arrive by 3:00 PM. The Compton branch is open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Express marriage ceremonies are available by appointment at all seven branches. The appointment includes 45 minutes for license processing and the ceremony. The ceremony fee is $25. You need one witness for a public license. The office can provide a witness for $20 if needed.
License Types in Los Angeles County
California offers two types of marriage licenses. A public marriage license costs $91 in Los Angeles County. Once recorded, it becomes a public record that anyone can request. You need at least one witness at your ceremony. The witness must be old enough to understand they are watching a marriage and able to sign their name. Up to two witnesses can sign a public license.
A confidential marriage license costs $85 in Los Angeles County. This keeps your marriage private. Only you and your spouse can get copies unless a court orders the record released. No witnesses are required for a confidential ceremony. To qualify, both people must be at least 18 and living together as spouses when you apply. You must sign a statement confirming this requirement is met.
Both types of licenses are valid for 90 days from the date of issue. There is no waiting period in California. You can marry the same day you get the license. No blood tests are needed. After the ceremony, the person who performed the marriage must return the license to the county within 10 days. The county then records it and the license becomes a certificate. Certified copies cost $19 each as of January 2026 due to a fee increase from Assembly Bill 64.
Getting Marriage Certificates
Marriage certificates prove your marriage is recorded with Los Angeles County. You do not get a certificate automatically. You must request and pay for certified copies after the county records your license. Wait at least 10 business days after your ceremony before requesting a certificate. The county needs time to process the license after the officiant returns it.
In-person requests for certificates are processed only at the Norwalk office. This is the main office where marriage records are kept. Branch offices like Compton handle licenses but do not have certificate records available. Walk in at Norwalk during business hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. Bring valid photo ID. Staff will process your request while you wait if the record is available.
Online orders go through VitalChek at vitalchek.com. Select Los Angeles County and choose an authorized copy for a certified certificate. VitalChek charges a service fee on top of the county fee. Processing takes about three to four weeks. Mail requests require a completed application with your signature notarized if you want a certified copy. Send to the Norwalk address with a check or money order for $19. Do not send cash by mail.
Note: Los Angeles County residents directly impacted by fires can request vital records at no cost to support recovery efforts.
Marriage Requirements in California
California law sets rules for who can marry. Both people must be at least 18 years old. Minors under 18 can marry only with a court order and written consent from a parent or guardian. You cannot be married to anyone else when you apply. California does not allow marriage by proxy except for military members stationed overseas in active conflict. This exception requires a power of attorney under California Family Code.
You do not have to be a California resident to marry here. Couples from other states or countries can get a license and marry in Carson or anywhere in the state. Under California Family Code Section 359, both people must appear together in person before the county clerk. You cannot send someone on your behalf. Some couples must show proof that a previous marriage ended if it ended within two years. Bring a divorce decree or death certificate if this applies to you.
The person who performs your marriage must be authorized under California law. Judges, priests, ministers, rabbis, and other clergy can solemnize marriages. Out-of-state clergy can perform marriages in California if they meet the requirements in Family Code Section 400. The officiant must sign the license and return it to the county within 10 days. County staff cannot answer legal questions about filling out forms. They can help with procedural questions but cannot give legal advice.
You can change your name through marriage in California. Enter the new name on your license application. A certified copy of the marriage certificate with the new name serves as legal proof of the name change. You do not need a separate court order. This is allowed under Family Code Section 306.5. One or both spouses can change their middle or last name this way. County staff cannot advise you how to complete this part of the application as it relates to entering a new name.
Resources for Carson Couples
Los Angeles County provides online information at lavote.gov. The website has a FAQ page that answers common questions about licenses, ceremonies, and certificates. You can also find fee schedules and all seven branch office locations. The phone line at (800) 201-8999 connects you with staff who can answer procedural questions.
If your documents are not in English, bring certified translations. All documents must be in English or come with a certified English translation. This applies to birth certificates, divorce decrees, and any other papers you submit. If you need legal advice about marriage issues, talk to a lawyer. The California State Bar has a referral service at 1-800-392-5660 if you need to find an attorney in the Carson area.
Los Angeles County Marriage Records
Carson is in Los Angeles County, where all marriage licenses and certificates are handled by the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk. The county serves over 88 cities with seven branch locations across the region. For complete details on county fees, all office locations, online applications, and additional resources, visit the Los Angeles County marriage records page.