California Department of Public Health - Vital Records · California state form
VS 124 Military Marriage Power of Attorney
VS 124 lets an overseas U.S. service member authorize someone to apply for a California marriage license and participate in the marriage ceremony on their behalf.
- What this form is
- A U.S. Armed Forces member stationed overseas who cannot appear at the County Clerk's Office or participate in the ceremony can use VS 124 to appoint an attorney-in-fact. The form records the parties' legal names and birth dates and includes a certificate of acknowledgment. The attorney-in-fact must appear at the County Clerk's office with the party not stationed overseas and present the original power of attorney.
- Who needs it
- An overseas U.S. Armed Forces member who cannot personally apply for a marriage license or participate in the ceremony may complete this power of attorney.
- Why it needs a notary
- The form requires acknowledgment by a notary or witnessing by two U.S. Armed Forces officers. Notarization can be done online with a commissioned online notary.
- How to submit it
- The attorney-in-fact must personally appear at the County Clerk's office with the party who is not stationed overseas and present the original signed power of attorney, acknowledged by a notary or witnessed by two U.S. Armed Forces officers.
Questions
Who can use VS 124?
A U.S. Armed Forces member stationed overseas who cannot personally appear at the County Clerk's Office to apply for a marriage license or participate in the ceremony can grant this power of attorney.
How is the original VS 124 submitted?
The attorney-in-fact must appear at the County Clerk's office with the party who is not stationed overseas and present the original signed power of attorney.
Does VS 124 need to be notarized?
The form says the original must be acknowledged by a notary or witnessed by two U.S. Armed Forces officers. Notarization can be done online with a commissioned online notary.