How to File for a California Domestic Partnership

Last Updated: February 18, 2023 References

Same-gender couples in California may want to apply for domestic-partnership status. By registering as domestic partners, couples are entitled to all the rights and protections of state law. To qualify for this special status, couples must meet certain conditions. If you want to learn how to file for a domestic partnership in California, follow these guidelines.

Steps

1
Determine whether you and your partner meet the basic requirements to qualify for domestic-partnership status. Certain conditions must be met before a couple can formally apply for California domestic partnership with the Secretary of State' office. Requirements include:^{[1]
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- Partners must be the same gender, or at least 1 person in an opposite-gender domestic partnership must be at least 62 years old at the time of filing.^{[2]
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- If you have romantic feelings for a friend of the same gender but are unsure about their sexuality, you can have general discussions about sexuality and desire.^{[3]
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- It will make them aware that you are interested in same-gender relationships. You can also get an idea of their interests.
- Even after such conversations, if you do not get to know whether they are attracted to you, be honest and let them know about your interest.
- Both people must be at least 18 years old.
- The partners must have a common residence. The primary residence doesn't have to be jointly owned. One or both have own other homes, however.
- Neither partner may be married to or in a concurrent domestic partnership with another person.
- Partners cannot be related by blood.
- Both people must be mentally capable of consenting to the partnership.
2
Complete the application process as set forth by the California Secretary of State's office.

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3
Download the Declaration of Domestic Partnership form (NP/SF DP-1) from the secretary of state's website at www.sos.ca.gov.^{[4]
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4
Print and fill out the application. Incomplete forms will delay approval of your status.
5
Have both partners' signatures notarized.
6
Send the notarized application to the secretary of state's office by mail with payment for the appropriate fee. Applications also can be delivered in person at the main office in Sacramento or the regional branch in Los Angeles.^{[5]
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- After you have filed your application, you will receive a Certificate of Registration of Domestic Partnership and an important brochure that outlines your rights with a domestic partnership.
7
Pay the fees associated with your particular form of domestic partnership.^{[6]
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Community Q&A

Question

How much does a domestic partnership cost?

Tom De Backer

Top Answerer

The California State website has lots of information on this topic, including a link to download the form, how and where to file and what it will cost. As of June 2017, that filing fee is $33.
Question

How does one partner change their last name?

Community Answer

It is allowed under California Law. There may be a different form to fill out, but it should be part of the domestic partnership process.
Question

What should we do if my partner and I are under 62, but we still want to file?

Community Answer

If you are same sex, then you can file once you're over 18. If you're a heterosexual couple, then you will have to wait until at least one of you turns 62.