Search Plumas County Marriage Records

Plumas County marriage records are kept by the County Clerk-Recorder office in Quincy. This office issues marriage licenses to couples who plan to marry in California. The Clerk-Recorder also maintains records of all marriages that took place in Plumas County and provides certified copies of marriage certificates. Both parties must appear in person to apply for a license. You do not need to be a California resident to get a marriage license in Plumas County.

County Clerk-Recorder Office in Quincy

The Plumas County Clerk-Recorder office is at 520 Main Street, Room 102, in Quincy. This is where you go to get a marriage license or to request a copy of a marriage certificate. The office phone number is (530) 283-6218. You can call during regular business hours to ask about requirements, fees, and hours of operation.

Staff at this office handle both new license applications and requests for copies of past marriage records. They follow California state law when issuing licenses and keeping records. The office website at https://www.plumascounty.us/152/County-Clerk-Recorder may have forms and other information, though some details may require a phone call or in-person visit to confirm.

When you visit the office to apply for a marriage license, both people who plan to marry must be there at the same time. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. If you have been married before, be ready to tell staff when your last marriage ended and how it ended. Some counties ask for copies of divorce decrees or death certificates, so you may want to bring those documents if you have them.

Applying for a Marriage License

Both parties must visit the Clerk-Recorder office in Quincy at the same time to apply for a marriage license. You cannot send someone else to apply for you, and one person cannot apply alone. Each person needs a valid photo ID. The ID must show your date of birth and have an issue date and expiration date.

California does not require a blood test to get a marriage license. There is no waiting period, so you can use your license right away. The license is good for 90 days from the date it is issued. You must have your marriage ceremony within that 90-day period. After the ceremony, the person who performs the marriage must return the license to Plumas County within 10 days. This is a legal requirement under California law.

If you were married before, you need to know the exact date your last marriage ended and how it ended. Death, divorce, dissolution, and nullity are the usual ways a marriage ends. Staff may ask you to provide proof, so bringing a copy of your final divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate can help speed things up. If you are not sure what to bring, call the office at (530) 283-6218 before your visit.

Plumas County offers both public and confidential marriage licenses. A public license becomes part of the public record. Anyone can request a copy later. A confidential license is kept private, and only the two people who got married can get copies. To get a confidential license, you must state that you are living together as spouses at the time you apply.

Obtaining Certified Copies of Marriage Certificates

After your marriage ceremony takes place and the officiant returns the license to the county, Plumas County processes it and files it as a marriage certificate. You do not automatically receive a copy. You must request one and pay for it. Each certified copy costs $19 as of January 1, 2026. This fee went up by $2 due to Assembly Bill 64, a statewide law that applies to all counties in California.

You can request a certified copy in person at the Clerk-Recorder office in Quincy. Bring your photo ID and be ready to provide details like the date of the marriage and the names of both parties. The office may ask about your relationship to the people on the certificate if you are requesting someone else's record.

For public marriage certificates, anyone can request a copy. For confidential marriage certificates, only the two people who got married can request copies. This is set by California law to protect the privacy of those who choose confidential licenses.

If you cannot visit in person, you may be able to request copies by mail. Contact the Plumas County Clerk-Recorder office at (530) 283-6218 to ask about mail requests. You will likely need to send a completed application form, a copy of your ID, and payment. Payment by check or money order is usually required for mail requests. Make the check payable to the Plumas County Clerk-Recorder or as instructed by the office.

Plumas County Marriage Fees

The cost of a marriage license varies by county in California. You should call the Plumas County Clerk-Recorder office at (530) 283-6218 to ask about the current price for a public or confidential marriage license. Most counties charge between $60 and $100 for a license, though the exact amount depends on the county and the type of license you choose.

The fee for a certified copy of a marriage certificate is $19 per copy. This is the state-mandated fee as of January 1, 2026. The fee increased by $2 per certificate under Assembly Bill 64. If the office searches for a record and cannot find it, they will issue a Certificate of No Public Record. The search fee is not refunded even if no record is found.

Payment methods vary by office. Most Clerk-Recorder offices accept cash, checks, and money orders. Some offices also accept credit or debit cards, but there may be an extra service charge for card payments. When paying by check or money order, make it payable to the Plumas County Clerk-Recorder or as instructed by staff.

California Marriage Law Requirements

You must be at least 18 years old to marry in California. Both parties must be unmarried at the time they apply for a license. Marriage by proxy is not allowed in California except in very limited military situations described in California Family Code Section 420(b). This applies only to members of the Armed Forces who are stationed overseas and serving in a war or conflict.

California law requires that both parties, the officiant, and any witnesses be physically present together in the same location for the marriage ceremony. This is stated in California Family Code Section 420(a). Remote or online ceremonies are not valid under California law unless they fall under the narrow military exception.

The person who performs the marriage must be authorized to solemnize marriages in California. This includes judges, religious leaders, and certain other individuals listed in California Family Code Section 400. Out-of-state ministers can perform marriages in California if they meet the requirements. The officiant must sign the marriage license and return it to Plumas County within 10 days of the ceremony.

Witnesses are required for public marriage licenses. At least one witness must sign the license, and there is space for a second witness if you choose. No more than two witnesses may sign a public license. Confidential marriage licenses do not require witnesses.

Correcting Marriage Certificate Information

If you need to change information on your marriage certificate after it is filed, you can request an amendment. The process depends on how long ago the marriage took place. For amendments within one year of the marriage, there is no fee for the amendment itself, but you still pay $19 for each certified copy of the amended certificate.

For amendments after one year, the fee is $26. This includes one certified copy of the amended certificate. Extra copies cost $19 each. Amendment processing can take time. The California Department of Public Health notes that amendment requests typically take 9 to 11 weeks to process at the state level. County processing times may differ.

To start an amendment, contact the Plumas County Clerk-Recorder office or the California Department of Public Health. You will need to provide documentation that supports the change you are requesting. Common reasons for amendments include correcting spelling errors, updating names, or fixing other inaccuracies.

State-Level Marriage Record Resources

The California Department of Public Health Vital Records office in Sacramento keeps copies of all marriage records for the state. If you cannot get a record from Plumas County, you can try the state office. The state office charges the same $19 fee for certified copies.

Processing at the state level takes longer. The average time is 5 to 7 weeks, and it can be longer if there are problems with your request. The state office recommends going to the county where the marriage took place whenever possible because it is faster.

The state website has a fees page that lists all charges for vital records. The marriage license general information page has helpful answers to common questions about requirements and procedures.

Nearby Counties

Plumas County is located in the northern Sierra Nevada region of California. If you need records from nearby areas, these counties are close to Plumas County.

• Lassen County - north of Plumas County
• Sierra County - west of Plumas County
• Nevada County - southwest of Plumas County
• Butte County - west of Plumas County