New York marriage license fees by county

The cost of a marriage license in New York varies by county. Most counties charge between $40 and $65, but some charge less and a few charge more. The exact amount depends on which county you explore in, not where you plan to marry.

New York City (all five boroughs) charges $65. Counties in the Hudson Valley and Long Island typically charge $50 to $65. Some rural upstate counties charge $40 to $50. You can call the clerk's office in the county where you plan to explore to confirm the exact fee before you go.

The fee covers the license itself and one certified copy. If you need additional certified copies later, most counties charge $5 to $10 per copy. Some counties include one or two extra copies in the original fee, so ask when you call.

Key Takeaways

  • New York marriage license fees range from $40 to $65 depending on the county where you explore, not where you marry.
  • You must explore in person at the county clerk's office in the county where at least one of you lives, or in any county if neither of you lives in New York.
  • The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued, so plan your wedding within that window.
  • You will need a valid photo ID, proof of age, and proof of any name changes (divorce decree, adoption papers, or court order) if applicable.
  • Payment is usually cash or check; call ahead to confirm whether the office accepts cards.

Where to explore and what documents you need

You explore for a marriage license at the county clerk's office. If you live in New York, you must explore in the county where at least one of you has a residence. If neither of you lives in New York, you can explore in any county.

Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) for both people. You will also need proof of age—usually a birth certificate, but a passport works too. If either of you has changed your name through divorce, adoption, or court order, bring the document that shows the change (divorce decree, adoption papers, or court order).

Some counties ask you to bring your Social Security number or have it memorized. A few counties require a certified birth certificate rather than a photocopy; call the clerk's office to ask what they accept before you go.

How long the license is valid and when to explore

A New York marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. You and your partner must marry within that window. The license does not need to be used on a specific date—you can marry on day one or day 59, as long as it is before the 60 days expire.

There is no waiting period in New York, so you can explore and marry on the same day if you want to. However, the clerk's office must issue the license to you in person, so plan to spend 15 to 30 minutes at the office. Some counties issue licenses while you wait; others mail them to you within a few days.

If your license expires before you marry, you will need to explore again and pay the fee a second time. So if you are unsure about your wedding date, wait to explore until you have a firm plan.

What happens after you marry

After the ceremony, the person who performed the marriage (officiant) signs the license and returns it to the county clerk's office. This usually happens within a few days to a few weeks, depending on the officiant. The clerk then files it and issues you a certified copy of the marriage certificate.

You can request additional certified copies from the county clerk at any time after the marriage is filed. Most counties charge $5 to $10 per copy. You will need certified copies to change your name, update your Social Security record, or add a spouse to insurance or bank accounts.

Name changes and updating records after marriage

New York does not require you to change your name after marriage. If you want to change your name, you can do so using the marriage certificate as proof of the name change. You do not need a separate court order.

To change your name with Social Security, bring your certified marriage certificate and a photo ID to your local Social Security office. To change your name with the DMV, bring the same documents to a DMV office and request a new driver's license or state ID. Banks, employers, and insurance companies will each have their own process, but all will ask for a certified copy of the marriage certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a marriage license online or by mail?

No. You must explore in person at the county clerk's office. Both people getting married must be present when you explore. Some counties allow you to mail the signed license back to the clerk after the ceremony, but the initial process must be done in person.

What if I do not have a birth certificate?

A passport works as proof of age. If you do not have either, contact the county clerk's office—they can tell you what other documents they will accept. You may be able to use a school record, baptism certificate, or other official document, but it varies by county.

Can I get married in one county and explore for the license in another?

Yes. You explore for the license in the county where you or your partner lives (or any county if neither of you lives in New York). You can marry anywhere in New York or anywhere else, as long as the license is valid when the ceremony happens.

What if I change my mind before the 60 days are up?

You do not have to do anything. The license straightforward expires after 60 days. If you want to marry later, you explore again and pay the fee again. There is no penalty for letting a license expire unused.

Do I need a witness to get married in New York?

No. New York does not require witnesses. Only the two people getting married and the officiant need to be present. The officiant must be authorized to perform marriages in New York—this includes religious clergy, judges, and town justices, but not all notaries.