A California registered domestic partnership creates legal rights and responsibilities. Living together or registering with a city does not substitute for state registration.

Who can register?

Eligible couples may register regardless of sex. Ordinarily both partners must be adults, capable of consenting, not closely related, and not married to or in an unterminated partnership with someone else. Special court procedures apply to a person under 18. California residency is not required.

Rights and obligations

Registered partners generally have the rights and obligations of spouses under California law. Federal treatment can differ, including for taxes. Review property, support, benefit, and estate-planning consequences before registering.

Ending the partnership

The Secretary of State’s termination process is available only when all statutory conditions are met. Otherwise, dissolution proceeds through superior court. A qualifying notice takes effect after six months unless either partner timely revokes it; both partners need not agree to revocation.

Use the Secretary of State’s current instructions to choose the appropriate registration or termination procedure.

Source: California Secretary of State, Domestic Partners Registry. Reviewed October 23, 2026.