How to Get a Marriage License in New York
New York marriage license at a glance
- License fee
- $40 statewide ($35 in NYC — set by NYC); +$5 NYC online convenience varies
- Waiting period
- 24 hours (license effective 24 hrs after issuance; judge-waivable)
- Minimum age
- 18 without consent
- Blood test
- no
Confirm the fee before you go. The marriage-license fee in this state is set by the county and varies, so the figure above is a representative range — check the exact, current fee on the issuing county clerk's own fee schedule. This page is informational only and is not legal advice.
Couples seeking to marry in New York must obtain a marriage license from their town or city clerk's office. In New York City, applicants may apply online through Project Cupid or in person at the City Clerk; many towns outside the city also offer online applications and video appointment options. The statewide fee is $40, though New York City sets its own fee at $35, with an additional $5 convenience charge for online applications in the city. Because county clerks set fees in many cases, applicants should confirm the exact current fee on their specific county clerk's official website before applying. Applicants must present government-issued photo identification and proof of age.
New York's marriage statute requires applicants to be at least 18 years old; those aged 17 may marry only with parental consent and court approval, while marriage under age 17 is not permitted. A license becomes effective 24 hours after issuance, though a judge may waive this waiting period. Once issued, the license remains valid for 60 days, or 30 days if either party resides in Montgomery County. At the ceremony, one witness aged 18 or older must be present. Prospective couples should verify current eligibility requirements and fees directly on their county clerk's official page or the state government website before submitting an application.
What a marriage license actually is
A marriage license is the government document that authorizes your marriage; you apply for it before the ceremony, and once it’s signed and returned it becomes your marriage record. The fee, waiting period and ID rules below are what each state and county sets — always confirm the exact current amount with the issuing clerk.
| Requirement | New York |
|---|---|
| License fee | $40 statewide ($35 in NYC — set by NYC); +$5 NYC online convenience varies |
| Fee set by | County (varies by county) |
| Waiting period | 24 hours (license effective 24 hrs after issuance; judge-waivable) |
| License validity | 60 days (30 days if either party is a Montgomery County, NY resident) |
| ID required | government photo ID; proof of age |
| Residency required | no |
| Minimum age | 18 without consent; 17 with parental consent AND court approval; under 17 not permitted |
| Blood test | no |
| Witnesses | 1 witness (18+) at the ceremony |
| Online option | NYC (Project Cupid) and many towns offer online application; some video-appointment issuance |
| Where to apply | Town/City Clerk; NYC City Clerk (municipal; fee set locally) |
| Governing law | Set by state statute — refer to your state’s official statutes and the issuing County Clerk for the governing rule |
Full New York requirements → · Fees & waiting → · How to apply → · Look up another state →
Compiled from public-record New York marriage law and the issuing agency, verified June 2026. Primary source → · How we compile this. Informational only — not legal advice.