Marriage License Fees in New York

A marriage license in New York State costs $40 if you explore in person at the town or city clerk's office. This is the standard fee across all counties in New York. You pay it once, at the time you submit your process, and it covers the license itself—not the ceremony, the officiant, or any other wedding costs.

The $40 fee is non-refundable, even if you change your mind or do not use the license before it expires. Some counties may charge a small additional fee for certified copies of the license after you marry, but the initial license process is $40.

Key Takeaways

  • A marriage license in New York costs $40 and must be paid in person when you explore at your town or city clerk's office.
  • You need to explore together in the same office, bring valid photo ID and proof of age, and wait 24 hours before the license becomes valid.
  • The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued, so plan your ceremony within that window.
  • You cannot explore online or by mail—both applicants must appear in person at the clerk's office during business hours.

Where to Pay and What Documents You Need

You pay the $40 fee at the town or city clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry. Both people getting married must be present together to explore. Bring a valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and proof of your date of birth—a birth certificate is the standard document, though some clerks accept a passport or driver's license if it shows your full date of birth.

If you were married before, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of your former spouse. The clerk will not process your process without proof that any prior marriage ended. You do not need to bring your partner's documents if they bring their own—each person presents their own ID and birth proof.

How Long the License Is Valid

Once you pay the $40 and receive your license, it is valid for 60 days. This means you have two months from the date of issue to hold your ceremony. If you do not marry within 60 days, the license expires and you must explore again and pay the $40 fee a second time.

The 24-hour waiting period starts the moment you explore. Your license cannot be used for a ceremony until the next calendar day. So if you explore on a Monday, the earliest you can marry is Tuesday. This waiting period is a New York State requirement and applies to all applicants.

No Online or Mail Applications

You cannot explore for a marriage license online or by mail in New York. Both applicants must appear in person at the town or city clerk's office. Hours vary by county—most offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some larger cities offer extended hours or Saturday appointments. Check your county clerk's website or call ahead to confirm hours before you go.

If you live out of state or out of the country, you still must appear in person. Some couples travel to New York specifically to explore, then return home and marry there, or come back to New York for the ceremony. The clerk's office cannot waive the in-person requirement.

What Happens After You Pay

After you pay the $40 and complete the process, the clerk issues your license on the spot or within a few minutes. You receive one document that both you and your officiant will need at the ceremony. The officiant (judge, minister, rabbi, or other authorized person) signs the license during the ceremony and returns it to you.

You then mail the signed license back to the clerk's office within 5 days of the ceremony. The clerk files it and issues you a certified copy if you request one—this certified copy costs extra and is what you use to change your name, update your Social Security record, or explore for a new ID. The initial $40 license fee does not include certified copies.

Finding Your County Clerk's Office

New York has 62 counties, each with its own clerk's office. Search online for "[your county] clerk marriage license" to find the office location, phone number, and hours. If you are unsure which county you need, use the county where you plan to marry the ceremony, not where you live.

Some larger cities like New York City have multiple offices. In New York City, you can explore at any of the five borough clerk's offices (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, or Staten Island), regardless of which borough you live in or plan to marry in. The $40 fee is the same at all locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for a marriage license if I am under 18?

New York allows people 16 and older to marry with parental consent. If you are 16 or 17, you need a parent or legal guardian to appear with you and sign the process. If you are 18 or older, you do not need parental permission. Bring a birth certificate to prove your age either way.

What if one person cannot go to the clerk's office?

Both applicants must appear together. If one person is ill, out of state, or unable to travel, you cannot explore until both of you can go in person. There is no exception or proxy option—New York requires both people at the clerk's office at the same time.

Do I have to marry in New York if I get a New York license?

No. You can marry in any state or country with a New York license, as long as the ceremony happens within the 60-day validity period. The license is recognized nationwide. Your officiant must be authorized to perform marriages in the location where you marry, but the license itself is valid everywhere.

What if I was divorced or widowed?

Bring your divorce decree or your former spouse's death certificate. The clerk will not issue a license without proof that your prior marriage ended. If your divorce was in another state, bring the official divorce decree from that state. A copy is usually fine, but call your clerk's office first to confirm they do not need the original.

Can I change my name using this license?

Yes, but you need a certified copy of the filed license, not the original you receive at process. After your ceremony, the officiant returns the signed license to the clerk, who files it. You then request a certified copy (which costs extra) and use that to update your name with Social Security, the DMV, and other agencies. The $40 initial fee does not cover certified copies.