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HomeFamily CodeDiv. 3Pt. 4Ch. 1§ 502 Confidential Marriage License Exceptions

§ 502 Confidential Marriage License Exceptions

Family Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 502 Confidential Marriage License Exceptions

This law says that if someone can't go in person to get a marriage license because of a good reason, like being in the hospital or jail, they can still get married. Someone else can get the license for them if they follow certain rules.

Key Takeaways

  • •You can get a marriage license without being there in person if you have a really good reason, like being in the hospital or jail.
  • •The person performing the marriage has to explain why you can't come in person and sign a paper saying it's true.
  • •If you can't sign in front of the county clerk, you need a notary or a court to confirm your signature.

Example

Imagine your best friend is in the hospital and can't leave to get a marriage license, but they want to get married soon.

A person who is going to perform the marriage can go to the county clerk and explain why your friend can't come. If they follow the rules, like getting a notary to confirm signatures, your friend can still get the marriage license.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 502 Confidential Marriage License Exceptions

If for sufficient reason, as described in subdivision (d), either or both of the parties to be married are physically unable to appear in person before the county clerk, a confidential marriage license may be issued by the county clerk to the person solemnizing the marriage if the following requirements are met: (a) The person solemnizing the marriage physically presents an affidavit to the county clerk explaining the reason for the inability to appear. (b) The affidavit is signed under penalty of perjury by the person solemnizing the marriage and by both parties. (c) The signature of any party to be married who is unable to appear in person before the county clerk is authenticated by a notary public or a court prior to the county clerk issuing the confidential marriage license. (d) Sufficient reason includes proof of hospitalization, incarceration, or any other reason proved to the satisfaction of the county clerk. (Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 816, Sec. 24. Effective January 1, 2007. Operative January 1, 2008, by Sec. 56 of Ch. 816.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

confidential marriage licensesufficient reasonaffidavitsolemnizing the marriageauthenticated by a notary public or a court

Related Statutes

  • § 505 Confidential Marriage License Form
  • § 506 Confidential Marriage License Return
  • § 510 Confidential Marriage License Replacement
  • § 426 Remote Marriage License Issuance
  • § 501 Confidential Marriage License Issuance

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Family Code. Section 502.
View Official Source