San Joaquin County Marriage Records

San Joaquin County marriage records are maintained by the County Clerk-Recorder office in downtown Stockton at 44 North San Joaquin Street. This office issues marriage licenses and keeps certificates for all marriages performed in the county. You can get copies of public marriage certificates from the recorder section while confidential licenses are handled by the clerk division. Both public and confidential marriage records are available for marriages that occurred in San Joaquin County. The Public Health Services department also has access to recent vital records for the current and past year only. Older marriage records must be requested through the main County Recorder's Office.

County Clerk-Recorder Office

The San Joaquin County Clerk-Recorder office handles all marriage license applications and record requests. You can visit the office at 44 North San Joaquin Street, Suite 260, in downtown Stockton. Both parties must appear in person to apply for a marriage license. Bring valid photo ID such as a driver license or passport. The license costs vary based on whether you choose a public or confidential license.

The office processes marriage certificates and issues certified copies to the public. You can request records in person, by mail, or through authorized online services. Most requests are filled the same day if you visit in person. Mail requests may take several weeks depending on current volume. The office phone number is (209) 468-3939 if you need to call ahead with questions about fees or hours.

Note: Public Health Services only maintains records for the current year and the previous year.

Getting a Marriage License in San Joaquin County

Both parties must come to the clerk office together. No one can apply for you. You cannot apply by mail or online. Bring your valid government-issued photo ID. Your ID needs to show your birth date plus the issue and expiration dates. California does not require blood tests. There is no waiting period. You can use your license the same day you get it.

Your license stays valid for 90 days from the issue date. You can marry anywhere in California during that time. The person who performs your ceremony must return the signed license to San Joaquin County within 10 days. After the county registers the marriage, you can order certified copies. The county recorder typically processes returned licenses within two business days of receipt, though this timeline can vary during busy periods.

If you were married before, some counties require proof that the marriage ended. Bring a certified copy of your divorce decree or death certificate if your previous marriage ended within 90 days. Check with the San Joaquin County office before you visit if this applies to you. The staff can tell you what documents to bring based on your situation.

Public and Confidential Licenses

San Joaquin County offers both license types. Public marriage licenses become public records. Anyone can request a copy. At least one witness must sign your license at the ceremony. You can have a second witness if you want. Public licenses are the most common choice for couples getting married in San Joaquin County.

Confidential marriage licenses stay private under California Family Code sections 500 to 511. Both parties must be 18 or older. You must already be living together as spouses when you apply. No witnesses are needed for the ceremony. Only you and your spouse can get copies of a confidential marriage certificate unless a court orders otherwise. These records never become public in San Joaquin County or anywhere else in California.

How to Get Marriage Certificate Copies

You can request marriage certificates from San Joaquin County or from the state. The county is faster. Most people get same-day service if they visit the Stockton office in person. You need to know the names of both spouses and the approximate year of marriage. Exact dates help but are not always required for the search.

The California Department of Public Health Vital Records office also has some San Joaquin County marriage records. The state holds public marriage certificates from 1905 to 2001 and from 2010 to present. CDPH does not maintain confidential marriage records. State processing takes 5 to 7 weeks on average. The state fee increased to $19 per certified copy as of January 1, 2026 under Assembly Bill 64. County fees may differ.

For marriages that happened in San Joaquin County, contact the County Clerk-Recorder office first. They can provide the fastest service. Call (209) 468-3939 to confirm current fees and processing times before you submit your request. You can also visit their website at sjgov.org/department/clerk for more details on how to order copies by mail or in person.

Marriage Record Fees

Fees in San Joaquin County cover the cost of issuing licenses and making certified copies. License fees depend on whether you choose a public or confidential marriage license. The county sets these fees based on California state law and local administrative costs.

Certificate copy fees follow state guidelines. As of January 2026, the state charges $19 per certified copy. This represents a $2 increase from the previous $17 fee. The increase took effect January 1, 2026 under Assembly Bill 64. San Joaquin County fees may match the state rate or differ slightly. Contact the clerk-recorder office at (209) 468-3939 to confirm current fees before you order.

If the office cannot find a record, you may receive a Certificate of No Public Record. The fee is kept as a search fee even if no record exists. All fees are non-refundable under California law. Make checks or money orders payable to San Joaquin County Clerk-Recorder. Payment must be drawn on a U.S. bank.

Amending Marriage Records

Errors on public marriage certificates are corrected through the California Department of Public Health. You cannot amend public marriage records at the county level. Contact CDPH if you need to change information on a public marriage certificate from San Joaquin County. The state processes amendments within 9 to 11 weeks for complete requests.

Confidential marriage record amendments are handled differently. If San Joaquin County issued your confidential license, you amend it through the county clerk office. Do not contact the state for confidential marriage amendments. The county clerk maintains these records and processes all changes. Call (209) 468-3939 for information on amending a confidential marriage certificate issued in San Joaquin County.

Amendments within the first year are free but you pay for each certified copy of the amended certificate. After one year, the state charges $26 for the amendment plus $19 for each additional copy. County fees for confidential amendments may vary. Ask the clerk office for their current fee schedule when you submit your amendment request.

Cities in San Joaquin County

San Joaquin County includes several cities. The largest is Stockton, the county seat, where the clerk-recorder office is located. Other qualifying cities with over 100,000 population include Stockton and Tracy. All residents of these cities obtain marriage licenses and certificates through the San Joaquin County Clerk-Recorder office in Stockton. No separate city offices handle marriage records.

Nearby California Counties

San Joaquin County borders several other California counties. You may need to contact these counties if your marriage took place outside San Joaquin County. Neighboring counties include:

• Sacramento County to the north
• Calaveras County to the east
• Stanislaus County to the south
• Contra Costa County to the west
• Alameda County to the southwest