New York Marriage License Fee & Waiting Period

In New York, the marriage license fee is set by individual county clerks, making the cost variable by jurisdiction. The statewide fee is generally $40, though New York City charges $35 for licenses issued in-person and may add a $5 convenience fee for online applications through its Project Cupid platform. Applicants should confirm the exact fee with their county clerk's office before applying.

After issuance, the marriage license becomes effective 24 hours later, though a judge may waive this waiting period in certain circumstances. Once effective, the license remains valid for 60 days, except in Montgomery County, where it expires after 30 days if either party resides there. A single witness is required to be present at the ceremony.

The fee is representative. Marriage-license fees here are county-set and vary; confirm the exact, current amount on the issuing county clerk's own fee schedule. Informational only — not legal advice.

Where the fee is actually set

In most states the marriage-license fee is set by the county, not the legislature, so a single statewide number can be wrong for you. The license document itself is issued by the county clerk — that office’s own fee schedule is the authoritative source for the current amount and any waiting period.

Full New York license guide → · Compare fee models by state →