Find Marriage Records in Modoc County

Marriage records in Modoc County are kept at the County Clerk-Recorder office in Alturas. This small northeastern California county issues both public and confidential marriage licenses. Certified copies of marriage certificates are available for marriages performed in Modoc County. No residency requirement exists for those who wish to marry in California. The office serves residents and non-residents who want to marry in this remote region near the Oregon and Nevada borders. Historic marriage records dating back over 100 years can be accessed through the Clerk-Recorder along with certificates for recent marriages in Modoc County.

Modoc County Clerk-Recorder

The Clerk-Recorder office handles marriage licenses and certificates for all of Modoc County. The office is on South Court Street in Alturas. Staff provide in-person service during business hours. Mail requests are accepted. Phone inquiries can be directed to the main number. Visit the Modoc County Clerk-Recorder website for forms and contact information.

Modoc County is the least populous county in California. The Clerk-Recorder office may have limited staff and hours. Call ahead to confirm office hours before making a long trip. The office serves all areas of Modoc County from this single location in Alturas.

Getting a Marriage License

Both parties must appear in person to apply for a marriage license in Modoc County. Visit the Clerk-Recorder office in Alturas. Bring valid photo ID such as a driver license or passport. The ID must show your birth date and photo. No blood test is required. There is no waiting period. You can use your license the same day it is issued.

The license is valid for 90 days from issuance. You can marry anywhere in California once you have your Modoc County license. If you were married before, you need to know when and how that marriage ended. Some counties ask for divorce papers or a death certificate if the previous marriage ended recently. Call ahead to confirm what documents you need.

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

After Your Wedding

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

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

Obtaining Certified Copies

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

Mail requests take longer. Download a vital records application form from the Modoc County website or request one by phone. Fill out the form and include payment. Make checks or money orders payable to Modoc County Clerk-Recorder. Mail your request to the address on the form. Processing time is typically one to two weeks plus mailing time in Modoc 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 Modoc County.

California Marriage Law

California marriage requirements are 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. The marriage must be performed by an authorized officiant. Under California Family Code section 306.5, either spouse can change their name through marriage without a separate court petition in Modoc County.

Communities in Modoc County

Modoc County includes Alturas, Cedarville, and other small communities. All residents use the County Clerk-Recorder in Alturas for marriage licenses and certificates. This is the only location that provides these services in Modoc County.

Nearby Counties

Modoc County borders Oregon to the north and Nevada to the east. Within California, it borders several northeastern counties. If you are not sure which county issued your marriage license, check where the ceremony took place.