Marriage License Fees

New York · 2026

New York Marriage License: Cost and Requirements

A marriage license in New York costs $35–$40, depending on the county, and you wait 24 hours before the ceremony. The license is good for 60 days.

New York marriage license fees by county

Fees for the 11 counties we have verified, largest first. Each row links to a county page with where to apply and the official clerk link.

CountyLicenseCertified copyCourthouse ceremonyWait
Kings County$35$15$2524 hours (1 day)
Queens$35$15$2524 hours (1 day)
New York$35$15$2524 hours (1 day)
Suffolk$40$10—24 hours (1 day)
Bronx$35$15$2524 hours (1 day)
Nassau$40$10$6524 hours (1 day)
Westchester$40$10—24 hours (1 day)
Erie$40$10—24 hours (1 day)
Monroe$40$10$10024 hours (1 day)
Richmond$35$15$2524 hours (1 day)
Albany$40$10—24 hours (1 day)

— means the figure is not in our data. Check the county's official page.

New York marriage license rules

License fee

$35–$40 (N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 15(4))

New York City charges $35; town and city clerks elsewhere (Rochester, Hempstead, Buffalo, Yonkers, Brookhaven) charge $40. Card processing fees can add a little more.

Source: cityofrochester.gov

Premarital course discount

No discount

The statute's fee section has no premarital-course provision.

Source: web.archive.org

Waiting period

24 hours (1 day)

The ceremony cannot happen within 24 hours of the license unless a court orders otherwise. NYC says a New York Supreme Court judge or justice can waive it.

Source: web.archive.org

How long the license is valid

60 days

Valid 60 days, or 180 days for active military personnel.

Source: cityclerk.nyc.gov

Minimum age and parental consent

18

No one under 18 can marry in New York.

Source: cityclerk.nyc.gov

What to bring

Each applicant needs one form of proper identification, which also serves as proof of age.

Source: cityclerk.nyc.gov

Blood test

Not required

No premarital exam or blood test is required.

Source: cityclerk.nyc.gov

Do both of you have to appear?

Yes

Hempstead says both parties sign in front of a clerk and a representative cannot apply for them.

Source: hempsteadny.gov

Applying online

Varies by county

New York City lets couples apply online through Project Cupid with a virtual appointment; other clerks set their own process.

Official online application

Source: cityclerk.nyc.gov

Who can officiate

Includes self-uniting

Instead of a ceremony, New York allows marriage by a written contract signed by both parties and at least two witnesses, acknowledged before a judge.

Source: cityclerk.nyc.gov

Witnesses

1 required

NYC requires at least one witness aged 18 or older at the ceremony.

Source: cityclerk.nyc.gov

Who issues the license

Town or city clerk (NYC: Office of the City Clerk)

Town and city clerks issue licenses; a New York license works anywhere in the state but not outside it.

Source: cityclerk.nyc.gov

Not in our data yet: proxy marriage, out-of-state couples. Ask your county office.

Frequently asked questions

How much is a marriage license in New York?

$35–$40, depending on the county. New York City charges $35; town and city clerks elsewhere (Rochester, Hempstead, Buffalo, Yonkers, Brookhaven) charge $40. Card processing fees can add a little more.

Is there a waiting period in New York?

Yes, 24 hours (1 day). The ceremony cannot happen within 24 hours of the license unless a court orders otherwise. NYC says a New York Supreme Court judge or justice can waive it.

How long is a New York marriage license valid?

60 days. Valid 60 days, or 180 days for active military personnel.

How old do you have to be to get married in New York?

No one under 18 can marry in New York.

Does New York require a blood test?

No. No premarital exam or blood test is required.

Do you need witnesses to get married in New York?

NYC requires at least one witness aged 18 or older at the ceremony.

Sources

Last verified . Fees and rules change; confirm with your county before you go. Spot an error? Report it.

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