New York marriage license guide
How to get a marriage license in New York
New York imposes a 24-hour waiting period between license issuance and ceremony (waivable by a Supreme Court or county court judge). The license is valid for 60 calendar days starting the day after issuance. NYC charges $35; the rest of the state charges $40. One witness age 18+ is required. New York abolished common-law marriage in 1933, though it honors those validly formed in recognizing states.
New York marriage license at a glance
- Issued by
- Town, City Clerk, or NYC City Clerk Marriage Bureau
- License fee
- $35–$40
- Waiting period
- 1 day
- Validity
- 60 days from issuance
- Minimum age
- 18 (without parental consent)
- Witnesses required
- 1
- ID requirement
- Government-issued photo ID; Social Security number
- Blood test?
- No (not required in any US state)
- Common-law marriage?
- Not recognized
- Statute
- N.Y. Dom. Rel. Law §§ 13 et seq.
Source: www.health.ny.gov. Fees vary by county within New York — check with the local clerk before applying.
New York counties — where to apply
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Informational only — not legal advice. Verify all requirements with your local county clerk before applying.