How to get Marriage Certificate in New York, USA? Procedures and documents required
An individual must apply in person for a marriage licence at any town or municipal clerk in New York State if a couple plans to get married there. In the presence of the town or city clerk, the licence application must be signed by both applicants. On behalf of the applicant, a representative cannot submit the licence application.
Procedure to apply
- At nyc.gov/cupid, couples can now apply for a marriage licence in person or online. Marriage licences can only be obtained in person with an appointment, therefore couples must show up on time. Latecomers might not be allowed entry.
- Please start the “City Clerk Online” application process for a marriage licence before your appointment.
- You must finish the application process with your intended spouse by showing up in person or virtually, at the appointed appointment time, at the Office of the City Clerk.
- No third party may submit an application on behalf of either spouse since proxy marriage is not legal in New York.
- We will process your marriage licence.
- Your marriage licence should be carefully read to ensure there are no errors.
- After a virtual appointment, you will either receive the marriage licence as a digital download in your Cupid account or take it with you when you leave our office.
- If you don’t get a judicial waiver, you have to wait a full 24 hours before having your wedding. Please get in touch with the NYS Supreme Court if you want details on the availability of judicial waiver.
Documents Required
Both partners must provide the clerk with official documentation proving their ages. The following documents are examples of potential ones. To learn what is needed, speak with the clerk’s office where you intend to buy your licence.
- A certified copy of a birth record
- a birth certificate provided by the municipal registrar of vital statistics, the state department of health, or another public official tasked with the same responsibilities under the laws of any other state, territory, or nation.
- a baptismal record,
- a passport,
- an automobile driver’s license,
- any government or school issued identification card that contains a photograph of the applicant,
- a life insurance policy,
- an employment certificate,
- a school record,
- an immigration record,
- a naturalization record,
- a court record, as well as any other document or record produced by a governmental body that includes the birthdate.
Fees
- A marriage licence costs $35 and can be purchased with a credit card or money order made out to the city clerk.