New York Marriage License Requirements 2026
Everything you need to legally marry in New York: $35 (NYC, via City Clerk) to $40 (rest of state, via town or city clerk) license fee, 24 hours waiting period, 60 days validity, minimum age 18, 1 witness witnesses required. Apply at the City or Town Clerk.
New York Marriage License: Quick Facts
How Much Is a Marriage License in New York?
A marriage license in New York costs $35 (NYC, via City Clerk) to $40 (rest of state, via town or city clerk). This is the standard fee charged by the City or Town Clerk when you submit your application in person. The fee covers the license itself, recording, and one certified copy of the marriage certificate in most counties.
Payment is typically accepted in cash, card, or check, though policies vary by county. Some counties charge extra for additional certified copies, which you may need for name changes, passport applications, or insurance updates after the wedding. Call your county clerk in advance to confirm accepted payment methods and total cost with additional copies.
Compared to the national average of $60-$80, New York's fee is lower than most US states - one of the more affordable options.
How to Get a Marriage License in New York
Gather required documents
Both partners need a valid government-issued photo ID. If you have been previously married, bring the final divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate. New York does not require proof of residency.
Visit the City or Town Clerk
Both applicants must appear in person at the City or Town Clerk in any New York county. You can typically apply in the county where you plan to marry or the county where you live - check your specific county for any local rules.
Complete the application and pay the fee
Fill out the marriage license application and pay the $35 (NYC, via City Clerk) to $40 (rest of state, via town or city clerk) fee. Be ready to provide both Social Security numbers (or visa numbers for non-citizens), your parents' full names, and your places of birth.
Wait 24 hours
New York has a mandatory 24 hours waiting period between application and ceremony. Plan your application visit at least a week before your ceremony to allow buffer time.
Complete the signing
The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other clergy. Judges, justices, and magistrates of any court. Mayors and the governor. Written authorization from the city clerk can also be granted for specific ceremonies.
Return the signed license for recording
The completed license or certificate must be returned to the City or Town Clerk within the timeframe specified by New York law. Because New York allows self-uniting marriages, the couple - not a third-party officiant - is typically responsible for filing it. The county then processes your official marriage certificate.
Special Situations in New York
Previously married
Bring the final divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. Some New York counties require the decree be from within a certain number of months - check with the City or Town Clerk.
Out-of-state couples
New York has no residency requirement, making it a popular state for destination weddings. Both partners just need to appear in person at the City or Town Clerk with valid ID.
Same-sex marriages
Same-sex marriages are fully legal in New York following Obergefell v. Hodges (2015). The requirements are identical to opposite-sex marriages with no additional steps.
Non-citizens
Foreign nationals can marry in New York on a tourist visa with a valid passport. The marriage itself does not change immigration status. You may need certified translations of any foreign documents.
Self-uniting option
New York allows self-uniting marriages where no officiant is required. Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other clergy. Judges, justices, and magistrates of any court. Mayors and the governor. Written authorization from the city clerk can also be granted for specific ceremonies.
Important New York Notes
Who Can Officiate in New York
Ordained ministers, priests, rabbis, and other clergy. Judges, justices, and magistrates of any court. Mayors and the governor. Written authorization from the city clerk can also be granted for specific ceremonies.
Good to Know
New York requires a 24-hour waiting period after the license is issued, though a judge can waive it for applicants 17 or older, or for active-military deployment. At least one witness over age 18 must be present at the ceremony. New York banned marriage under 18 with no exceptions via Senate Bill S3086, signed July 22, 2021. New York Domestic Relations Law section 12 also carves out an explicit exception for Quakers/Friends and similarly self-solemnizing denominations to marry according to their own customs without a designated officiant.
New York Marriage License Document Checklist
- Valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants (passport, New York drivers license, state ID, military ID)
- Birth certificates if requested by the City or Town Clerk
- Social Security numbers for both partners (visa numbers acceptable for non-citizens)
- Divorce decree or death certificate if either partner was previously married
- Marriage license fee of $35 (NYC, via City Clerk) to $40 (rest of state, via town or city clerk) - confirm accepted payment methods with your county
- Out-of-state couples are welcome - no residency required
- 1 witness for the ceremony, each at least 18
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Marriage License Requirements in Other States
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New York Marriage License FAQ
Everything you need to know about our free tools and how they help your wedding day.
A New York marriage license costs $35 (NYC, via City Clerk) to $40 (rest of state, via town or city clerk). The fee is paid at the City or Town Clerk when you apply. Some counties may charge slightly more for processing or a certified copy of the marriage certificate. Payment methods vary by county - call ahead to confirm whether the office accepts cash, card, or check only.
Yes. New York requires a 24 hours waiting period between applying for and using your marriage license. New York requires a 24-hour waiting period after the license is issued, though a judge can waive it for applicants 17 or older, or for active-military deployment. At least one witness over age 18 must be present at the ceremony. New York banned marriage under 18 with no exceptions via Senate Bill S3086, signed July 22, 2021. New York Domestic Relations Law section 12 also carves out an explicit exception for Quakers/Friends and similarly self-solemnizing denominations to marry according to their own customs without a designated officiant.
A New York marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. The ceremony must be performed within this window or you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. Keep the dates in mind when scheduling your application visit.
New York accepts valid government-issued photo ID for both applicants. Acceptable forms include a US passport, state driver's license or state ID card, US military ID, permanent resident card, or foreign passport. Both partners must present ID in person at the City or Town Clerk.
Yes. New York requires 1 witness for the ceremony. Witnesses must usually be at least 18 and capable of signing the marriage license. Most couples ask the maid of honor and best man, but anyone meeting the legal age requirement can serve.
No. New York does not require residency to obtain a marriage license. Out-of-state couples can apply at any City or Town Clerk as long as both partners are present and bring the required ID. This makes New York a popular destination wedding state.
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