How To Get A Marriage License In New York
Getting a marriage license in New York involves a few essential steps to ensure your marriage is legally recognized. Both parties must be present at the city or town clerk’s office with valid identification and proof of age. While you can start the application process online, the final submission must be done in person. The marriage license is valid for 60 days, with a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before it can be used. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about getting a marriage license in New York!
What legal criteria must be met to get married in New York State?
- Age Requirement: You must be 18 years or older to get married, with proof of age required.
- Identification: Both parties must be present with valid ID and sign the application in person.
- Marriage License: Obtain a marriage license from the city or town clerk’s office. A 24-hour waiting period is required before the ceremony.
- Proof of Terminated Previous Marriages: Provide documentation such as a divorce decree or death certificate if you were previously married.
- No Proxy Marriages: Both parties must be physically present during the ceremony; proxies are not allowed.
- Witness Requirement: At least one witness over the age of 18 must be present at the ceremony.
What do you need to get a marriage license in New York State?
- Identification: To apply for a marriage license in New York State, you need valid ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID, AND a birth certificate (except in NYC). It must be current and display your name, date of birth, and photo.
- Personal Information: You must provide personal details on the marriage license application, including your full name, date of birth, place of birth, Social Security number, current address, and possibly your parents’ names and birthplaces.
- Application Fee: A fee is required to apply for a marriage license, and it varies by county. Payment methods depend on the location, so check with the local clerk’s office for details.
- Waiting Period: After receiving your marriage license, there is a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before you can legally marry. This can be waived by a judge in special cases.
- Expiry: The marriage license is valid for 60 days, or 180 days for active military personnel. If the ceremony doesn’t happen within this period, you’ll need to apply for a new license.
How much does a New York State marriage license cost?
The cost of a marriage license in New York State varies depending on the location:
- New York City: The fee is $35, payable by credit card or money order.
- Outside New York City: The fee is generally $40. Exact amounts and accepted payment methods vary by county, so check with your local clerk’s office.
These fees cover the application process and issuance of the marriage license.
How long does it take to obtain a marriage license in New York State? And how long is the license valid for?
- In New York State, you can usually get a marriage license right away after applying. However, there is a required 24-hour waiting period before the license becomes effective. You cannot marry until at least 24 hours have passed since receiving the license.
- The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. This means you must have your wedding ceremony within this 60-day period. If the ceremony does not take place within this timeframe, you will need to apply for a new marriage license.
What do I do with my marriage license the day of my wedding?
- Bring it to the Ceremony: Ensure the marriage license is brought to the wedding venue and kept secure by a trusted person or your wedding planner.
- Give it to the Officiant: Hand the license to the officiant before the ceremony.
- Completion: The officiant and two witnesses will sign and complete the license with wedding details.
- Return the License: After the ceremony, return the signed license to the clerk’s office where it was issued. (You can also mail it back)
- Filing: The clerk’s office will file the license, making it an official record.
- Get Certified Copies: If needed, request certified copies from the clerk’s office for your records or legal use.
How do I get a copy of my New York State marriage license?
- Identify the Issuing Office: Determine the city or town clerk’s office where the marriage license was originally issued.
- Request a Copy: Contact the issuing office to request a copy of your marriage license. This can often be done in person, by mail, or online, depending on the office’s policies.
- Provide Information: You will need to provide specific information to request a copy, such as:
- Your full names (and those of your spouse)
- Date of marriage
- Place of marriage
- Any identifying information required by the office
- Submit Payment: Pay any applicable fees for obtaining a certified copy. Fees vary by location and can usually be paid by check, money order, or credit card.
- Receive the Copy: Once your request is processed, you will receive a certified copy of the marriage license. Processing times can vary based on the method of request and the office’s workload.
What if I want my friend or family member to officiant my wedding?
- Obtain Authorization: Ensure your chosen officiant is legally authorized in New York State, whether they are a religious leader, judge, or someone who has obtained a one-day officiant license or ordination. HERE is the link to become an ordained minister.
- Check Requirements: Verify local requirements, as they can vary by county or city.
- Complete Necessary Steps: f your officiant needs to be ordained or authorized, ensure they complete the necessary steps and receive their documentation.
- Coordinate with the Clerk’s Office: Make sure the officiant understands their responsibilities and coordinates with the local clerk’s office for any required paperwork.
- Prepare for the Ceremony: Ensure the officiant knows their role in the ceremony and the signing of the marriage license.
- Sign the License: On your wedding day, the officiant will perform the ceremony, sign the license, and return it to the clerk’s office for official filing.
What should I do if I lose my marriage license before the wedding?
- Report the Loss: Contact the city or town clerk’s office where you obtained the license to inform them of the loss.
- Request a Replacement: Inquire about the process for obtaining a replacement. Depending on the office’s policies, you may need to provide identification and possibly complete a new application.
- Apply for a New License: If necessary, apply for a new marriage license. This may involve paying the application fee again and waiting for the required processing time.
- Keep Documentation Safe: Once you receive a new marriage license, store it in a safe place to avoid losing it again before the wedding.
- Inform the Officiant: Ensure the officiant is aware of the replacement license and bring it to the wedding ceremony.
What happens if the marriage license is not returned to the clerk’s office after the ceremony?
- Unfiled License: The marriage will not be officially recorded. This means your marriage may not be legally recognized until the license is filed.
- Legal Issues: You may face complications with legal matters, such as name changes, spousal benefits, or any legal documentation that requires proof of marriage.
- Contact the Officiant: If you realize the license is missing after the ceremony, contact the officiant to check if they have the license or can assist in locating it.
- Notify the Clerk’s Office: Inform the city or town clerk’s office of the situation. They may provide guidance on how to resolve the issue, which might involve obtaining a new license or submitting a late filing.
- Follow Up: Follow any instructions provided by the clerk’s office to ensure that your marriage is properly documented and legally recognized.
Securing your marriage license is a crucial step in making your wedding day official. By following these steps and ensuring all paperwork is in order, you can focus on enjoying your special day. Remember, every detail counts when it comes to planning your wedding, so double-check everything to ensure a smooth and stress-free process. If you have any questions or need assistance with your wedding planning, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for expert guidance and support. We are here to help make your dream wedding a reality!
