How to File for a Domestic Partnership in California

Filing for a domestic partnership is easy

Each state has its own rules regarding domestic partnerships. In California, the Family Code defines domestic partners as "two adults who have chosen to share one another's lives in an intimate and committed relationship of mutual caring." They must be at least 18 and may not be related by blood. The partners must live in the same household and be committed solely to each other. They must be the same sex, or, if an opposite-sex couple, at least one partner must be over age 62 and meet the Social Security requirements for old-age insurance benefits. The partners must complete a Declaration of Domestic Partnership form, have it notarized, and file it, along with a fee, with the California Secretary of State.

Things You'll Need

• Declaration of Domestic Partnership form
• Notary public
• Fee

Instructions

1. Download the Declaration of Domestic Partnership form from the website of the California Secretary of State (see Resources).

2. Confirm that the requirements listed on the declaration are met by both partners, and read the instructions.

3. Complete and sign the declaration, and have it notarized by a notary public in the section titled "Notarization is Required."

4. Mail the declaration, along with the fee (see Step 5), to the office of the Secretary of State in Sacramento listed on the form. You can also deliver the declaration in person to that office or to one of the regional offices in Los Angeles or San Diego (locations are listed on the Secretary of State's website; see Resources).

5. Pay the $10 filing fee, or the $33 fee for same-sex partners. The additional $23 fee is used to develop a training program for domestic abuse support service providers for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. There is a $15 processing fee if you deliver the form in person at the Sacramento office or one of the regional offices. If you mail the declaration, you can pay by check. If you file in person, all three offices accept payment by check, money order, Visa or MasterCard; the Sacramento office also accepts cash.

References

• California Secretary of State: Declaration of Domestic Partnership Form
• California Family Code Sections 297-297.5

Resources

• California Domestic Partners Registry