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HomeFamily CodeDiv. 3Pt. 3Ch. 2§ 425 Marriage Record Correction Process

§ 425 Marriage Record Correction Process

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

§ 425 Marriage Record Correction Process

This law says that if a couple got married in California but lost their marriage papers, they can get a new marriage certificate after waiting at least one year.

Key Takeaways

  • •This only applies if you got married in California but don’t have the official record.
  • •You must wait at least one year after the wedding to do this.
  • •You have to go to the county clerk where you live to get the new papers.
  • •The new papers must be filed with the county recorder to be official.

Example

A couple got married at a small ceremony but never got their official marriage certificate. Years later, they need it for legal reasons.

They can go to their local county clerk, buy a new License and Certificate of Declaration of Marriage, and file it to make their marriage official on paper.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 425 Marriage Record Correction Process

If no record of the solemnization of a California marriage previously contracted under this division for that marriage is known to exist, the parties may purchase a License and Certificate of Declaration of Marriage from the county clerk in the parties’ county of residence one year or more from the date of the marriage. The license and certificate shall be returned to the county recorder of the county in which the license was issued. (Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 816, Sec. 20. Effective January 1, 2007. Operative January 1, 2008, by Sec. 56 of Ch. 816.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

License and Certificate of Declaration of Marriagecounty clerkcounty recorder

Related Statutes

  • § 423 Marriage License Return Requirements
  • § 530 Notary Confidential Marriage Licenses
  • § 531 Confidential Marriage Authorization
  • § 532 Notary Confidential Marriage Training
  • § 534 Confidential Marriage License Notaries

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Family Code. Section 425.
View Official Source