Filing a Declaration of Domestic Partnership
Declaration of Domestic Partnership may be filed with the San Francisco County Clerk or through a Notary Public. (San Francisco Administrative Code, Section 62).
If you plan to have a commitment ceremony performed by our office, the Domestic Partnership registration must be filed with the Office of the San Francisco County Clerk.
The information and requirements below apply to San Francisco's local domestic partnership registration process only. The San Francisco local registration is not a marriage but a basic living agreement providing a greater benefit to City and County of San Francisco employees and/or heterosexual couples.
| Requirements to File with the San Francisco County Clerk |
| Age |
Both of partners must be at least 18 years old. |
| Attendance |
Both partners must be present when filing the Declaration of Domestic Partnership. |
| Legal Photo ID |
Valid authentic legal photo I.D. card IS REQUIRED from each partner. (i.e., passport, driver's license, naturalization form, resident alien card, military I.D.) |
| Previous Partner/Spouse |
You must end a previous SF domestic partnership by filing a Notice of Ending Domestic Partnership with the County Clerk or Notary Public; terminate a State Registered Domestic Partnership with a different partner; or dissolve a marriage before you can file a NEW partnership agreement. |
| Filing Fee |
$48.00* - Cash, a California pre-printed check including name and address, money order payable to S.F. County Clerk, or debit card. (*price subject to change) |
San Francisco's local program is SEPARATE and DISTINCT from the State of California's Domestic Partnership Program. If you are interested in finding out more about the State's Registration, Please visit its website Secretary of State, or call (916) 653-4984. State registration forms available at the Office of the County Clerk and on the Secretary of State's website.
Requirements to File with a Notary Public
The Declaration of Domestic Partnership form is available at the Office of the San Francisco County Clerk and on this website. Complete the registration form and have it notarized by a Notary Public. A copy of the registration is required to be given to a person who witnessed the signing (who may or may not be the Notary). Please note that if you choose to file with a notary public, you are NOT filing with the County Clerk and the County Clerk will not have any record or information regarding the Domestic Partnership.
Benefits:
Businesses MAY choose, but not required, to include Domestic Partners in various benefit plans. It is your responsibility to inquire with your employer for information on its benefit policies.
San Francisco City & County employees Domestic Partnership Retirement Benefits and Health Service Information:
San Francisco City & County Employees' Retirement System:
San Francisco City & County Employees' Health Service System (HSS):
- Domestic Partnership registrations completed through a Notary Public are NOT accepted by the Health Service System.
For additional information regarding health benefits, contact the HSS at (800) 541-2266.
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Pl., City Hall #168 SF CA 94102-4678 - Map Directions
