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California

These resources – like the public health crisis itself – are constantly evolving and are only current as to the date of publication. This page was last updated on September 25, 2020.

For more up-to-date information on the relief programs available in California, we recommend that you visit the Secretary of State's website or the California COVID-19 portal.

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Description of Program and Relief

Temporary Videoconference-Based Marriage License Program

As part of special COVID-19 relief measures, Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Executive Order N-58-20, which permits adults to obtain marriage licenses during the COVID-19 pandemic via videoconferencing rather than requiring them to be in person. For any signatures or entry of information required on marriage licenses, certificates, or other document required in connection with the act of marriage, electronic reproductions of signatures or the required information, such as photocopies or scans, shall have the same legal effect as an original signature.

Government or Lead Agency

California Office of the Governor

Dates Available

Available April 30, 2020 through June 29, 2020.

Eligibility Requirements/Restrictions

Subject to the discretion of local county clerks, adults will be able to obtain a marriage license through videoconferencing if during the video conference both adults are: (1) located within the State of California, (2) present, and (3) presents identification. Thereafter, the license will be issued by email.

Adults who wish to be married can conduct a ceremony to solemnize the marriage via videoconference. Neither the person solemnizing the marriage nor any necessary witnesses need be physically present within the State of California.

Application Deadlines (If Applicable)

N/A

Contact for More Information

Contact the Office of the Governor at (916) 445-2841.

List of Additional Information

A copy of Governor Newsom’s Executive Order can be found here.

For the related announcement, please click here.


© 2021 Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. This does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In some jurisdictions, this publication may be considered attorney advertising. Past representations are no guarantee of future outcomes.

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