Marriage License Requirements in New York
New York State requires both applicants to apply together, in person, at any city, town, or village clerk’s office — not necessarily where you live or where you’ll marry. New York City is served by its own City Clerk’s Marriage Bureau rather than the five boroughs’ county governments. Requirements below apply statewide; fees and application methods vary by office.
| Minimum age to marry | 18. New York eliminated marriage under 18 for all minors in 2021 (no parental or judicial consent exception). |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | 24 hours after the license is issued, waivable only by a judicial waiver from a judge. |
| License validity | 60 days, beginning the day after issuance. |
| Blood test required | No |
| Documents you’ll need | Proof of age and valid photo identification for both applicants. If either applicant was previously married, bring the divorce decree or a death certificate for the prior spouse. |
What a New York marriage license typically costs
There’s a clean split by location: $35 in the five New York City boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island), and $40 everywhere else in the state, based on the offices we’ve researched.
The five New York City boroughs share a single City Clerk and one set of rules, so they have a single guide: New York City marriage license: Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Staten Island.
Counties we cover in New York
Requirements above are set by New York state law and apply the same way in every county. The fee, hours, and exact application process are set locally — select your county above for those specifics.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a New York marriage license cost?
$35 in the five New York City boroughs, and $40 elsewhere in the state, based on the offices we’ve researched. Check your specific county’s guide to confirm.
Do we have to apply where we live or where we’re getting married?
Neither, necessarily. New York lets you apply at any city, town, or village clerk’s office in the state, regardless of your residence or ceremony location.
Is New York City different from the rest of the state?
Yes. The five NYC boroughs are served by the City Clerk’s Marriage Bureau rather than individual county offices, and the fee is typically lower ($35 vs. $40) than the rest of the state.
Is a blood test required to get married in New York?
No. New York does not require a blood test or medical exam to obtain a marriage license.
See how New York’s fees compare to other states → Getting married in a different county than you live in →