Marriage License Fee in New York

It is issued by a town or city clerk and must be obtained before the ceremony. The license fee described here applies to licenses issued by town or city clerks outside New York City and includes the Certificate of Marriage Registration that the clerk sends after the completed license is returned by the officiant.

The license fee is separate from any optional ceremony charges or additional certified copies you may request, so treat it as the baseline cost for authorization to marry. Because the license is a statewide legal document, the waiting period, validity window, and return requirements are set by state law even though the application happens locally.

The same guidance directs couples applying through the New York City Clerk to contact that office for current fees and requirements, which means NYC uses a different fee schedule. Start with $40 if you are applying outside NYC, then confirm local payment methods and any surcharges with the issuing clerk.

If you are applying in NYC, use the City Clerk's fee schedule instead.

The DOH guidance says couples may apply in person to any town or city clerk in the state. In New York City, marriage licenses are issued by the City Clerk. The application must be signed by both applicants in the presence of the clerk, and a representative cannot apply on your behalf even with a power of attorney.

Domestic Relations Law Section 13 also requires that the license be delivered to the officiant who will perform the ceremony, so plan to pick up the license before the ceremony date. Because local clerks control appointments and intake, confirm whether your clerk requires an appointment and what identification and payment methods are accepted.

The clerk must also require documentary proof of age. The statute lists acceptable documents such as a birth record or certification, passport, driver's license, government-issued photo ID, and other official records showing date of birth.

The DOH guidance reinforces that both applicants must appear and sign in person and that notarized affidavits cannot substitute for personal appearance.

Section 15 lists acceptable records such as a birth certificate or certification, passport, driver's license, government-issued photo identification, or other official records showing date of birth. The DOH guidance also lists common identity documents such as a driver's license, passport, employment photo ID, or immigration record.

Clerks can require originals or certified copies, and individual offices may have stricter documentation rules. To avoid a second trip, confirm the exact documents your clerk accepts and bring more than one form of identification if possible.

Domestic Relations Law Section 15-a states that a marriage involving a person under 18 is prohibited and a clerk may not issue a license in that situation.

Because this is statutory, local clerks cannot waive the age minimum.

The clerk may require a certified copy of the divorce decree or other proof of termination of the prior marriage.

To avoid delays, bring any divorce documentation the clerk requests and be prepared to state the details accurately.

Section 13-b states a marriage may not be solemnized within 24 hours after issuance unless a court order authorizes immediate solemnization. The same section requires the license to state the day and hour it was issued and the period during which the marriage may be solemnized, and it requires the officiant to endorse the date and hour of the ceremony on the license.

Section 13-b allows a Supreme Court justice, a county judge, or a Family Court judge in the county where either party resides to issue a waiver when an emergency, hardship, or public interest is shown. If you need to marry sooner than 24 hours, plan time for the court order.

The DOH guidance explains the license is valid for 60 calendar days, beginning the day after it is issued. If the ceremony does not occur within that window, the license expires and a new application and fee are required.

Section 13-b also notes a statutory exception under the Veterans' Services Law that can authorize solemnization after 60 days for eligible service members. If you are on active duty, ask the clerk about that exception.

A marriage may not take place between an ancestor and descendant, siblings of the whole or half blood, or an uncle or aunt with a niece or nephew, regardless of whether the individuals are legitimate or illegitimate offspring. The marriage license application also requires a statement that no legal impediment exists to the marriage.

If you have a question about whether a relationship is within the prohibited degrees, ask the clerk before submitting the application.

The officiant does not have to be a resident of New York State, but the registration requirement is specific to NYC ceremonies. The guidance also notes that ship captains are not authorized to perform marriage ceremonies in New York State.

If you are planning a NYC ceremony, confirm registration status with the City Clerk before the ceremony date.

Authorized officiants include clergy or ministers of any religion and leaders of Ethical Culture societies, as well as a broad set of public officials such as certain mayors, county executives, and judges or justices. The statute also includes specific city clerk and deputy clerk roles in large cities.

Because the authorized list is statutory and detailed, confirm that your officiant fits one of the listed categories before scheduling the ceremony.

Section 11-d requires the town or city clerk to issue a one-day officiant license upon request, as long as the applicant is at least 18. The applicant must apply in the same clerk's office where the couple applies, and the license allows the officiant to perform a ceremony anywhere in the state.

The clerk charges a separate $25 fee for the one-day officiant license, which is distinct from the marriage license fee.

Section 14 requires the certificate of marriage to be returned to the issuing town or city clerk within five days after the ceremony, and failure to make the return is a misdemeanor. The DOH guidance adds that once the completed license is returned, the clerk issues a Certificate of Marriage Registration within 15 days and mails it to the couple.

If you do not receive the certificate within four weeks, contact the issuing clerk.

DOH guidance explains that for licenses issued outside New York City, a certified copy can be obtained from the town or city clerk who issued the license or from the New York State Department of Health. The guidance lists a $10 fee when ordering from the issuing clerk and a $30 fee when ordering from the state Department of Health.

New York City uses its own process and fees for certified copies, so NYC couples should follow the City Clerk's instructions.

New York City uses a separate fee schedule through the City Clerk, so do not assume the $40 amount applies in NYC.

Local clerks may also have appointment requirements, payment rules, and documentation checklists, so verify those details with the office where you will apply.

Confirm whether you are applying outside NYC ($40 fee) or through the NYC City Clerk, then schedule an appointment and verify required IDs and proof of age. Gather prior marriage and divorce information if applicable, and plan around the 24-hour waiting period or obtain a court waiver if needed. Schedule the ceremony within 60 days of issuance, choose an officiant authorized under Section 11 or obtain a one-day officiant license, and ensure the completed license is returned to the clerk within five days.

If your ceremony will be in New York City, confirm the officiant is registered with the City Clerk and review the NYC fee schedule. Keep your Certificate of Marriage Registration and any certified copies in a safe place for future records requests.

Applicants who do not appear in person, who lack acceptable proof of age, or who cannot provide required affidavit information (including Social Security numbers and parental information) may have to reschedule. Missing divorce documentation can also delay issuance.

Couples who try to marry within 24 hours without a court waiver or who schedule the ceremony beyond the 60-day validity window will have problems. Using an officiant who is not authorized under Section 11 or failing to return the license within five days can delay recording and the Certificate of Marriage Registration.