After we get our marriage license, are we married? / How do we complete the process to be legally married?
No, you are not considered married until you have a ceremony performed by someone who is legally able to perform a ceremony. The person that performs the ceremony must sign your marriage license along with your witness or witnesses, then the marriage license must be turned into the Recorder’s office to be recorded.
Can I get marriage license application mailed to me?
No, Marriage License Application cannot be mailed. They are available either at the Solano County Clerk lobby or on the Solano County website (www.solanocounty.com).
Can I get marriage license application online? / Where is the marriage license application on your website?
The Marriage License application is under the County Clerk department on the website.
Do I have to get a blood test to get a marriage license?
No, the State of California does not require a blood test to obtain a marriage license.
Do I need an appointment to apply for a marriage license?
No appointment is needed, walk in anytime 8-4pm M-F.
There may be a line so it is suggested that you arrive early and allow time to complete the Marriage License application (5-10 minutes). Thursdays and Fridays are the busiest times.
Do I need an appointment to file my Notary Public Oath of Office?
No appointment is needed; you can walk in anytime M-F 8-4pm, however if you want to have your bond recorded the same day, please be at our office before 3:00 p.m.
Do I need to file a FBNS? / Why are FBNS filings required?
Fictitious Business Name Statements are required to be filed within 40 days of start of business and also to let the public know you are doing business using a particular name. The only time a Fictitious Business Name Statement is not required is if the company has already filed with the State of California, non-profit businesses (must file with the State) or your full name is part of the business name.
Does the County Clerk perform marriages? / How can I schedule an appointment to be married by a Justice of the Peace/Civil Commissioner?
The Solano County Clerk's office performs civil ceremonies by appointment only on Thursday afternoons. Please contact our office at (707) 784-7510 to schedule an appointment.
How do I become a Legal Document Assistant? / How do I register as a Legal Document Assistant?
Registering as a Legal Document Assistant. Complete registration form (forms are available at the County Clerk’s office). Provide all supporting documentation as requested in the application form. Legal Document Assistant bond in the amount of $25,000.00. Two I.D. photos are required. Valid picture identification. Pay all applicable fees (see County Clerk schedule of fees). Appear in person at the County Clerks Office with all required documents and valid form of payment for all fees. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. however in order to have your bond recorded that same day please be at our office no later than 2:45 p.m. Please allow at least 45 minutes to process your registration.
How do I become a Professional Photocopier? / How do I register to be a Professional Photocopier?
• Complete the Professional Photocopier registration form. (available on the a County Clerk web page on the Solano County web site (www.solanocounty.com)
• Obtain a Professional Photocopier bond in the amount of $5,000.00
• Bring in two photos
• Pay all applicable fees (see County Clerk schedule of fees)
• Appear in person at the County Clerks Office with all required documents and valid form of payment for all fees. Note: At least one person involved in the management of a professional photocopier shall be required to hold a current commission from the Secretary of State as a notary public in this state. Proof of current commission is required at time of filing. For additional information please see the “EXCERPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA BUSINESS & PROFESSIONS CODE” on the County Clerk web page on the Solano County web site (www.solanocounty.com)
How do I change my name (after marriage)?
To change your name after you have been married, you will take a copy of your marriage certificate (not marriage license) to each place where you would like your name to be change such as Social Security, your bank, DMV, and other organizations which require a copy of your marriage certificate as proof of marriage. Marriage certificates can be obtained from the County Clerk(if confidential) or Recorder(if public).
How do I file a Fictitious Business Name Statement?
You can find the instructions and the application on the Solano County website www.solanocounty.com Treasurer, Tax Collector, CountyClerk, Fictitious Business Name.
• Complete in triplicate (1 original & 2 copies) the Fictitious Business Name Form available on the County website www.solanocounty.com
• Enclose a Cashiers Check or Money Order made payable to the ""Solano County Clerk"" for the total amount of the filing fees.(See County Clerk schedule of fees)
• Review the form to ensure that all fields are complete and clearly legible.
• Fictitious Business Names can be obtained in person at the County Clerks Office or by mail. If you elect to appear in person, please bring the completed forms and a valid form of payment for all fees. Within 30 days after the statement has been filed, the registrant shall cause it to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the County in which the business is located, and the Affidavit of Publication filed with the County Clerk within 30 days after the completion of the publication. Submissions for Statements must be complete, accurate, and legible to be accepted. Any missing, incomplete or illegible information will cause the form to be rejected. Please review the submission checklist before submitting the registration forms.
How do I get a marriage license? / Where do I go to get a marriage license?
Marriage Licenses are issued from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) at the: County Clerk 675 Texas Street Suite 1900 Fairfield, California 94533
There may be a line so it is suggested that you arrive early and allow time to complete the Marriage License application (5-10 minutes). Thursdays and Fridays are the busiest times.
How do I obtain a confidential marriage license? / General information
Requirements for Confidential Marriage License • Complete the Confidential Marriage License Application (available at the County Clerk’s office or online) • Pay the application fee (see County Clerk schedule of fees) by cash or debit. • Both applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Underage applicants are not allowed to obtain a confidential license. • Both applicants must be present when the license is issued. • Couple must be living together as spouses at the time they apply for the license • Marriage ceremony must be performed in County in which the license is issued (I.E. if you purchase a confidential license in Solano County you ceremony must be performed in Solano County) • Both applicants must possess a valid picture identification, which includes date of birth. • Both applicants must include on the application, the full name (including middle and mother’s maiden name) of both parents. • Both applicants must include the State or Country of birth for both parents If either or both applicants were divorced, or had an annulment that was final within the last 6 months, a copy of the final judgment is required. Confidential licenses are effective the day of issue and for 90 days thereafter, they can be used only in the County in which they are issued.
How do I register as a Process Server?
Provide two completed copies of the process server registration form. Live Scan fingerprint records for each registrant on the form. The Solano County Sheriffs Department conducts fingerprinting on Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment only. Please contact them at 707.421.7000 if you wish to schedule an appointment. Please specify that you need live scan fingerprinting. Two I.D. photos (1 X 1 ¼ color photo). Process Server bond in the amount of $2,000.00 in the name of the person, partnership or corporation that is registering. Pay all process server application fees (see County Clerk schedule of fees). Submit all forms and fee payments by mail or in person at the County Clerks Office. Note: Staff members will no longer be authorized to serve under their employer's process server registration. All staff members who serve 10 or more services per year will be required to register as a natural person in order to be in compliance with sections §22350 - §22356 of the California Business & Professions code. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. however in order to have your bond recorded you will need to be at our office no later than 3:00 p.m. Please allow at least 30 minutes to process your registration. For additional information please see the “EXCERPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA BUSINESS & PROFESSIONS CODE” on the County Clerk web page on the Solano County web site (www.solanocounty.com) .
How do I register as an Unlawful Detainer Assistant?
Complete registration form (forms are available at the County Clerk’s office). Provide all supporting documentation as requested in the application form. Unlawful Detainer Assistant bond in the amount of $25,000.00. Two I.D. photos are required (1 X 1 ¼ color photo.). Valid picture identification. Pay all applicable fees (see County Clerk schedule of fees). Appear in person at the County Clerks Office with all required documents and valid form of payment for all fees. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. however in order to have your bond recorded that same day please be at our office no later than 2:45 p.m. Please allow at least 45 minutes to process your registration..
How do I renew my Fictitious Business Name Statement?
To renew an expiring statement the following requirements must be met. Submission in triplicate of the Fictitious Business Name Form Payment of filing fees (see County Clerk schedule of fees) If the renewal filing is identical to the initial filing, and the renewal filing is completed within 40 days of the original expiration date, it is not necessary to publish the renewal filing.
How do you get a marriage license if you are under 18 years of age? / How do minors marry?
If either applicant is under 18 years of age they must contact the Solano County Probation Department. Probation contact # is 707.784.7600 Probation department will assist in completing the paperwork and obtaining a court order.
How long does it take before your office can issue the marriage license? / Is there a period of days while the application is reviewed, or is it issued right away?
A marriage license is issued the same day you come in to apply for it and it can be issued right away. We ask that you arrive at the office in plenty of time to complete the paperwork prior to 4:00 p.m. Please be aware there may be a line at our office. Wait times are usually no more than 15 minutes. Thursday and Friday afternoons are the busiest times.
How long is a marriage license good for? / How long do I have to get married after I get a license?
A marriage license is valid for 90 calendar days and there will be an expiration date on the marriage license itself. If a ceremony is not performed by the date the marriage license expires, you will then be required to purchase another marriage license in order to get married.
How long is the Fictitious Business Name Statement good for?
Fictitious Name Statements are good for 5 years. A renewal notice will be sent to you 30 days prior to expiration.
How much does ... cost? / What is the fee for...?
You can view the fee schedule for County Clerk services here:
Fee Schedule
How much does your office charge for a marriage license? / What kinds of payment are accepted?
A fee is required for either the public or confidential marriage license. Payment is accepted in the form of Cash or Debit only. For current fees see County Clerk schedule of fees.
How much does your office charge to file a Notary Public Oath of Office?
For current fee information please see County Clerk schedule of fees. You must also have your two Oaths of Office, your Bond, and a photo ID.
How much is the filing of a Fictitious Business Name Statement?
Please see County Clerk schedule of fees.
I am no longer doing business under the FBNS I filed under/I am selling my business to someone else. How do I disassociate my name from the business name?
You can file a Statement of Abandonment to abandon the fictitious name; pay the applicable fee (see County Clerk schedule of fees) and have the filing published in the newspaper. The new owner would then file a Fictitious Name Statement for that business name.
I filed a FBNS with a partner who no longer wants to be connected to the business/name. How do I remove them from the FBNS?
The partner who is withdrawing can file a Statement of Withdrawal from Partnership with the County Clerk’s Office, pay the applicable fee (see County Clerk schedule of fees), and they will also have to have it published in the newspaper.
I never recorded my Marriage License, am I married?
Yes, you are still married even though you did not have your Marriage License recorded. If you have not already done so, you will need to get your Marriage License recorded as soon as possible.
My marriage license was destroyed / defaced, how do I get a replacement?
If the license was destroyed or defaced before or after the ceremony:
Before Ceremony: A new marriage license must be obtained, a replacement cannot be issued.
After the ceremony: The ceremony officiator must request a duplicate copy of the marriage license and must include the information on the 2 witnesses.
See County Clerk schedule of fees for current marriage license and duplicate license fees.
What are the requirements for Notary Public Filing?
Every notary public must file an official bond and an oath of office in the office of the county clerk within 30 days of appointment. Check your certificate of filing from the Secretary of Sate. At the top of the form is the date you must file in the County Clerk’s office by. County Clerk 675 Texas Street, Suite 1900 Fairfield, California 94533 You must bring the following when you come in to take your notary oath: • Original Notary bond in the amount of $15,000.00. Information on where to obtain a bond is included in your packet that you received from the Secretary of State or you may contact a Surety Company. • Two Oath and Certificate of Filing forms. These forms will be included in the packet of information you receive from the State of California If you would like additional information on how to become a Notary Public please contact the Secretary of State at 916.653.3595 or visit their website at http://www.ss.ca.gov/business/notary/notary.htm
What do I need to bring to the office with me when I apply for a marriage license? / What are the requirements for getting a marriage license?
Both applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Both applicants must be present when the license is issued. Both applicants must show a photo ID with birth date and a completed Public Marriage License Application. (Available at the County Clerk’s office or online) Both applicants must include on the application, the full name (including middle and mother’s maiden name) of both parents. Both applicants must include the State or Country of birth for both parents. If either or both applicants were divorced, or had an annulment that was final within the last 6 months, a copy of the final judgment is required. For current marriage license fees see County Clerk schedule of fees.
What forms / documents are available on the web site?
The following forms are available for download on the County Clerk page of the Solano County Web Site.
• Fictitious Business Name Registration Form
• Statement of Abandonment
• Statement of Withdrawal
• Marriage License Application
• Confidential Marriage License Application
• Professional Photocopier Registration Form
• Process Server Registration Form
What is a “Fictitious Business Name”?
State law (Business & professions §17910) requires that every person, partnership, corporation, or other association, who regularly transacts business in this State for profit under a fictitious business name, shall file a statement with the County Clerk.
What is a “Legal Document Assistant”?
A "Legal document assistant" is any person who provides, or assists in providing, or offers to provide, or offers to assist in providing, for compensation, any self-help service to a member of the public who is representing themselves in a legal matter, or who holds themselves out as someone who offers that service or has that authority. This shall not apply to any individual whose assistance consists merely of secretarial or receptionist services.
What is a “Process Server”?
A Process Server is any person who makes more than 10 services of process within this state during one calendar year, for specific compensation or in expectation of specific compensation. They are required to file a certificate of registration as a process server with the county clerk of the county in which he or she resides or has his or her principal place of business. Any corporation or partnership that derives or expects to derive compensation from service of process within this state shall also file a certificate of registration as a process server with the county clerk of the county in which the corporation or partnership has its principal place of business. Persons Exempt from Registration • Any sheriff, marshal, or government employee who is acting within the course of his or her employment • An attorney or his or her employees • Any person who is specially appointed by a court to serve its process • A license private investigator or his or her employees For additional information please see the “EXCERPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA BUSINESS & PROFESSIONS CODE” on the County Clerk web page on the Solano County web site (www.solanocounty.com)
What is a “Professional Photocopier?”
Professional Photocopier is any person who for compensation obtains or reproduces documents authorized to be produced, and who, while engaged in performing that activity, has access to the information contained therein. For additional information please see the “EXCERPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA BUSINESS & PROFESSIONS CODE” on the County Clerk web page on the Solano County web site (www.solanocounty.com).
What is a Confidential Marriage License? / What is the difference between a Public and Confidential Marriage License?
A Confidential Marriage License does not get recorded with the Recorder’s office but stays with the County Clerk’s office. A witness is not required to sign the confidential marriage license. Also the County Clerk’s office can only issue a marriage certificate for a confidential marriage license to either spouse and no other. A public marriage license is considered public information, at least one witness is required at the ceremony and they must sign the marriage license. The public marriage license is recorded with the Recorder’s office after the ceremony has been performed and is considered public information.
What is a marriage license? / Why do I need a marriage license?
A marriage license is a document allowing you to get married and it is required that you have a marriage license to have a ceremony performed in the State of California.
What is an “Unlawful Detainer Assistant”?
An "Unlawful Detainer Assistant" is any individual who for compensation renders assistance or advice in the prosecution or defense of an unlawful detainer claim or action, including any bankruptcy petition that may affect the unlawful detainer claim or action.
What is the process for obtaining a marriage license if my partner is incarcerated at The County Jail or State Prison?
If your fiancé is incarcerated, you must obtain a marriage license application through the Prison or Jail officials. They will provide the marriage license application to be filled out and brought to our office along with other necessary paperwork. As of January 1st, 2008, it is now required that an Affidavit for Physical Inability to Appear must be filled out and signed by both applicants and the person who is solemnizing their marriage. The inmate’s signature MUST also be authenticated by a notary or a court. The person who is not incarcerated must come to the County Clerk’s office WITH the person who is solemnizing the marriage and will bring the marriage license application filled out along with the completed Affidavit for Physical Inability to Appear, a Notary authentication or court authentication of the inmate’s signature, a photo ID for the person who is not incarcerated, a copy of dissolution papers (if necessary), and the marriage license fee. See schedule of fees.
What types of payment are accepted for a Fictitious Business Name Filing?
Only Cash, Debit, money order, or cashier checks. No personal or business checks.
Where can I get forms/information on a State Registered Domestic Partnership?
You can get the State Registered Domestic Partnerships form and information from the County Clerk’s office or the Secretary of State. Secretary of State web address is http://www.sos.ca.gov/dpregistry/.
Where should I go to get my business license?
A business license is obtained through the city of which your business is located. If you are located in an unincorporated area (outside of city limits), you will then need to get your business license through Resource Management at the County.
Which newspaper can I run the public notice of Fictitious Business Name Filing in?
Anyone of the publications within Solano County.
Who is qualified to perform a marriage ceremony?
A person that is qualified to perform ceremonies would include but are not limited to, a Justice of the Peace, Civil Commissioner, a retired Judge/Magistrate, a Priest, a Reverend, a Pastor, a Bishop, or someone who has been ordained by the church.
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