Learn About Getting a Marriage License in New York City

Understanding New York City Marriage License Requirements

A marriage license in New York City is a legal document that allows two people to marry. It is issued by the city and serves as official proof that a marriage ceremony can take place. Before a couple can have their wedding—whether at a church, venue, or courthouse—they must obtain this license from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

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New York State law sets basic requirements for who may obtain a marriage license. Both people must be at least 18 years old. If either person is 16 or 17 years old, they may still marry but need parental or guardian consent, plus court approval. People who are currently married to someone else cannot obtain a new marriage license until their previous marriage ends through divorce or death of the spouse.

Both people must be mentally capable of understanding the nature of marriage. This means each person must be able to comprehend that they are entering into a legal contract. Additionally, New York does not allow marriage between close relatives. Specifically, people cannot marry their parents, children, siblings, grandparents, or grandchildren. Cousins may marry in New York.

There is no waiting period in New York City after obtaining a marriage license. This means a couple may marry on the same day they receive their license. However, the license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance. If the couple does not marry within those 60 days, the license expires and they must obtain a new one.

Practical Takeaway: Before visiting the marriage license bureau, confirm that both people meet the basic age and legal requirements, and check that neither person has an existing marriage that has not been legally dissolved.

Where to Get a Marriage License in New York City

New York City has five borough marriage license bureaus, one in each borough. Manhattan's office is located at the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene at 125 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013. Brooklyn's office is at 2601 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11235. The Queens office is at 41-17 Crescent Street, Long Island City, NY 11101. The Bronx office is at 1826 Arthur Avenue, Bronx, NY 10457. Staten Island's office is at 51 Stuyvesant Place, Staten Island, NY 10301.

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Couples do not need to visit the office in their home borough. They may visit any of the five offices regardless of where they live or where they plan to marry. However, visiting the office closest to home may be more convenient. Each office maintains similar hours and processes applications in the same way.

The office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Some offices may have extended hours on certain evenings. It is wise to contact the specific office before visiting to confirm current hours, as these may change. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene website provides phone numbers for each borough office. Calling ahead can answer questions about what documents to bring and current wait times.

Walk-in service is available at all marriage license offices. This means couples do not need to schedule an appointment in advance. However, wait times can vary. During peak seasons, such as June and July, wait times may be longer. Visiting early in the day or on a weekday morning often results in shorter waits than visiting in the afternoon or on Friday.

Practical Takeaway: Choose the borough office most convenient to you, check its hours before visiting, and consider visiting early in the day on a weekday to reduce wait time.

Documents You Must Bring

Both people must bring valid, government-issued photo identification. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. The identification must be current and not expired, though some offices may accept IDs that expired within a short timeframe—this should be confirmed when calling the office. The name on the ID should match the name the person plans to use on the marriage license. If a name has changed, the person may need to bring additional documents showing the legal name change.

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Both people must also bring proof of age. A birth certificate is the standard document used for this purpose. The birth certificate should be an original or certified copy, not a photocopy. If a person does not have their birth certificate available, other documents that show date of birth and are considered official records may be accepted. These could include a passport, a driver's license, or a military ID. It is best to confirm with the marriage license bureau what documents are acceptable if a birth certificate is unavailable.

If either person was previously married, they must bring documentation showing how that marriage ended. If the previous marriage ended in divorce, a certified copy of the final divorce decree is required. If the previous spouse died, a certified copy of the death certificate is needed. These documents prove that the person is legally free to marry again. The certified copy must come from the appropriate court or vital records office, not a personal copy.

If either person is changing their name as part of the marriage, they should bring their current identification under their current name, but they can provide the new name they wish to use on the marriage license. For example, if someone with a maiden name plans to take their spouse's surname, they provide the maiden name on their ID but state their married name on the license. If either person plans to use a hyphenated surname or a different name change, they should discuss this with the license clerk to understand the process.

Practical Takeaway: Gather your valid government-issued photo ID, certified birth certificate, and any divorce decrees or death certificates from previous marriages before visiting the marriage license bureau.

The Application Process and What to Expect

When you arrive at the marriage license bureau, you will typically be given a number or placed in a queue. Once called, you will approach a clerk's desk. Both people must be present in person to obtain a marriage license—one person cannot obtain it for both. The clerk will ask you questions to confirm that you meet the legal requirements and will review your documents.

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The clerk will ask for basic information about both people, including full legal names, dates of birth, and current addresses. You will be asked about your marital history—whether either of you has been married before, and if so, how the previous marriage ended. The clerk may ask about your occupations and parents' names. These questions help the clerk complete the license application accurately and verify that you meet state requirements.

You will need to state what name you wish to appear on the marriage license. This does not have to be the same as the name on your ID. If either person is changing their name as part of the marriage, this is when you provide the new name. The name you choose on the license is the legal name you will be known by after marriage, so choose it carefully. You cannot change it again without a court order.

Once the clerk completes the application, you will be asked to review it for accuracy. This is important—check that all names, dates, and information are spelled correctly. If anything is wrong, tell the clerk and they will make corrections. Both people will then be asked to sign the application in front of the clerk. Some offices may require you to raise your right hand and affirm that the information you provided is true, similar to taking an oath.

The clerk will collect a fee, which is currently $35 in New York City. Payment may be made by cash, credit card, or debit card, depending on the office. Once payment is received, you will be given the marriage license. The license is typically provided as a multipage document that includes pages for you and your spouse, the officiant (person performing the ceremony), and the witnesses. Keep this document safe until your wedding.

Practical Takeaway: Both people must attend the appointment in person, review the completed application for accuracy, and bring $35 to pay the fee at the time of issuance.

Using Your Marriage License and Officiant Requirements

Once you have your marriage license, you may use it to marry within the next 60 days. The license is valid in all five New York City boroughs and throughout New York State. You cannot be married elsewhere until you return to New York City and obtain a New York City license, even if you are from another state. New York recognizes marriages performed by various types of officiants.

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An officiant is the person who performs the marriage ceremony. In New York, officiants may include ordained clergy members such as priests, rabbis, ministers, and imams