Merced County Marriage Certificates

Marriage records in Merced County are maintained by the County Clerk-Recorder at 2222 M Street in the city of Merced. Both public and confidential marriage licenses are available at this Central Valley location. Certified copies of marriage certificates can be obtained for marriages that took place in Merced County. No residency requirement exists for those who wish to marry in California. The office serves residents and non-residents alike. Historic marriage records going back over a century are available through the Clerk-Recorder along with current certificates for recent marriages in Merced County.

Merced County Clerk-Recorder Office

The Clerk-Recorder office handles all marriage services for Merced County. This includes issuing licenses, maintaining records, and providing certified copies of marriage certificates. The office is located on M Street in downtown Merced. Staff provide in-person service during business hours. Mail requests are also accepted. Visit the Merced County Clerk-Recorder website for forms, contact information, and office hours.

The Clerk-Recorder office handles vital records including birth, death, and marriage certificates. Property records and elections services are also managed by this department. If you need multiple types of records, you can handle them all at the same location in Merced County.

How to Apply for a Marriage License

Both parties must appear in person at the Clerk-Recorder office to apply for a marriage license. Bring valid photo ID. A California driver license, passport, or state ID card works. The ID must show your birth date and photo. No blood test is required in California. There is no waiting period. You can use your license the same day it is issued in Merced County.

The license is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance. You can marry anywhere in California once you have your license. If you were married before, you need to know when and how that marriage ended. Bring divorce papers or a death certificate if the previous marriage ended within the past few years. Call ahead to confirm what documents you need to bring to Merced County.

Merced County offers public and confidential marriage licenses. Public licenses cost slightly more and require at least one witness at the ceremony. These become public records once filed. Confidential licenses are private. Only the married parties can get copies. No witnesses are needed. Both types are equally valid under California law. The license fee varies. Contact the Clerk-Recorder to confirm the current cost and payment methods accepted in Merced County.

After the Ceremony

The officiant must return the completed marriage license to the Clerk-Recorder within 10 days of the ceremony. This is required under California Family Code section 359. The officiant fills in the ceremony date and location. For public marriages, the witness or witnesses sign the license. The officiant then files it with Merced County for recording.

Once recorded, your marriage is official. You do not automatically receive a copy of your marriage certificate. You must request and pay for certified copies if you need them. Most people need copies for name changes or to update government records. The Clerk-Recorder issues copies of both public and confidential marriage certificates in Merced County.

Do not make any marks on your marriage license after it is issued. Do not cross out information or use correction fluid. All information must be legible. Any alterations void the license. You would need to pay for a new license if this happens in Merced County.

Obtaining Certified Copies

Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $19 as of January 2026. This fee increased by $2 under Assembly Bill 64. The fee applies whether you order in person or by mail. In-person requests are often processed while you wait if the record is on file. Visit the Clerk-Recorder office on M Street with valid photo ID. Staff will search the database and print your certified copy in most cases in Merced County.

Mail requests take one to two weeks. Download a vital records application form from the Merced County website or request one by phone. Fill out the form and include payment. Make checks or money orders payable to Merced County Clerk-Recorder. Mail your request to the address on the form. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope to save on postage costs in Merced County.

Under California Health and Safety Code section 103526, only authorized persons can obtain certified copies for legal use. You must be a party to the marriage, an immediate family member, or have a legal interest. Informational copies are available to anyone but cannot be used for official purposes in Merced County.

California Marriage Requirements

California marriage law is found in the California Family Code Part 1. Both parties must be at least 18 years old. No one can marry if they are already married. Proxy marriages are not allowed except for military members in conflict zones under special provisions. The marriage must be performed by an authorized officiant in Merced County.

Under California Family Code section 306.5, either spouse can change their middle or last name through marriage without a separate court petition. The marriage certificate serves as legal proof of the name change. Use it to update your driver license, Social Security card, and other documents in Merced County.

Cities in Merced County

Merced County includes several cities and communities. The city of Merced is the county seat and largest population center. All residents use the County Clerk-Recorder in Merced for marriage licenses and certificates.

Other communities in Merced County include Los Banos, Atwater, Livingston, and Dos Palos. All of these areas use the Merced County Clerk-Recorder for marriage services.

Nearby Counties

Merced County is in the Central Valley. It borders several other California counties. If you are not sure which county issued your marriage license, check where the ceremony took place or contact the clerk in each nearby county.