California RDP Registration Requirements
California has a specific set of registration requirements for registered domestic partners (RDPs) who wish to receive tax benefits and other benefits. Learn more about these criteria in this guide.
To be bound by the rules for RDPs, the taxpayers must be registered with the California Secretary of State or with another state that allows registration of domestic partners. Registration at the city or county level does not count for purposes of the CA filing status rules.
Registration Qualifications
Prior to 2020, in order to enter into a domestic partnership, the persons had to be of the same sex, or of the opposite sex and over age 62. SB 30, signed 7/30/2019, removed those requirements. So generally, to qualify to register as a domestic partner in CA, the individuals must meet the following criteria as in effect Jan. 1, 2020 (CA Family Code Sec 297-297.5). At the time of registration:
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Neither person is married to someone else nor is a member of another domestic partnership,
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Both persons are age 18 or older, or if one or both are under age 18, a court order has been issued granting the underage person(s) permission to establish a domestic partnership,
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They are not related in a manner that would prevent them from being married in CA, and
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Both are able to consent to the domestic partnership.
Other State Status – California recognizes unions originating in another state.