Marriage License Information
Getting married in New York State is pretty simple, license-wise. In order to be married within the state, you will need a New York State Marriage License, which can be obtained at any Town or City Hall. The License becomes valid for use after 24 hours, and is good for 60 days.
If you are getting your Marriage License in New York City:
It does not matter if you have a New York City or New York State Marriage License, they are both valid for use anywhere in New York State.
Once you have your ceremony, the officiant submits the completed license within 5 days to the town or city hall it was obtained from. The official sites state that it takes 2 weeks from when they receive it before the Marriage Certificate comes, but it can be longer or shorter, depending on how busy they are.
Are either you or your partner on Active Duty in the military? The license is then valid for 180 days.
Need a copy of your Birth Certificate? Go here:http://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/birth.htm
Need a copy of a Divorce Decree? Go here: http://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/divorce.htm
Are you a same-sex couple? In New York, the license process and state benefits and recognition are the same as a male-female couple. Federal benefits and recognition are not the same, yet. If you live in a state that recognizes same-sex marriage, then federal benefits of married couples apply. This is the case in New York. Out-of-state couples please note that benefits and recognition vary by state.
- Cost: $40, cash is generally accepted, other payments acceptance vary by town.
- Both partners need to be present, with a birth certificate and drivers license as the most commonly used proof of ID. A full list of acceptable ID (and other information) can be found on the state website: http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/consumer/vr/married.htm.
- If either of you are divorced you will need an original or certified copy of the divorce decree.
If you are getting your Marriage License in New York City:
- Cost: $35 Only certified check, money order, or credit card. No Cash Accepted in NYC
- Both partners need to be present, but only a drivers license or passport is required for ID. You can fill out the form online and pick it up together within 20 days to save time.
- If either of you are divorced you will need an original or certified copy of the divorce decree.
- More info here: http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov./html/marriage/license.shtml.
It does not matter if you have a New York City or New York State Marriage License, they are both valid for use anywhere in New York State.
Once you have your ceremony, the officiant submits the completed license within 5 days to the town or city hall it was obtained from. The official sites state that it takes 2 weeks from when they receive it before the Marriage Certificate comes, but it can be longer or shorter, depending on how busy they are.
Are either you or your partner on Active Duty in the military? The license is then valid for 180 days.
Need a copy of your Birth Certificate? Go here:http://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/birth.htm
Need a copy of a Divorce Decree? Go here: http://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/divorce.htm
Are you a same-sex couple? In New York, the license process and state benefits and recognition are the same as a male-female couple. Federal benefits and recognition are not the same, yet. If you live in a state that recognizes same-sex marriage, then federal benefits of married couples apply. This is the case in New York. Out-of-state couples please note that benefits and recognition vary by state.
