Nassau County has no single county clerk issuing marriage licenses — state law puts this with individual town and city clerks. Nassau is made up of three towns (Hempstead, North Hempstead, Oyster Bay) and two cities (Glen Cove, Long Beach), each with its own clerk’s office.
| License fee | $40, the standard fee for licenses issued outside New York City. |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | 24 hours after issuance (New York statewide rule), waivable only with a judicial waiver. |
| Documents / ID required | Proof of age and photo identification for both applicants. |
| License validity | 60 days, beginning the day after issuance (New York statewide rule). |
| Where & how to apply | Apply in person, together, at any town or city clerk’s office in New York State (you do not have to live in, or marry in, the municipality) — in Nassau County, for example, the Town of Hempstead Clerk (the largest of the three towns). Both applicants must sign the application in front of the clerk. |
| Office hours | Varies by town/city clerk office — confirm hours for your specific municipality. |
Special notes
Frequently asked questions
Which office do we go to in Nassau County?
Any town or city clerk in New York State can issue the license — in Nassau, the Town of Hempstead, North Hempstead or Oyster Bay Clerk, or the City of Glen Cove or Long Beach Clerk are the local options. New York law assigns marriage licensing to individual towns and cities, not a single county office, and you do not have to apply where you live.
How to get a marriage license in Nassau County (Long Island), step by step
- Choose a town or city clerk. New York lets you apply at any town or city clerk in the state, not only where you live. Nassau has three towns (Hempstead, North Hempstead, Oyster Bay) and two cities (Glen Cove, Long Beach), each with its own clerk.
- Both applicants go in person and sign the application in front of the clerk, with proof of age and photo ID.
- Pay the $40 fee.
- Wait 24 hours after issuance unless a judge waives it, then marry within 60 days, counting from the day after issue.
- Your officiant returns the completed license to the issuing clerk within five days.
What to bring to the Nassau County office
- Proof of age and photo ID for both applicants
- $40 (confirm accepted payment methods with the clerk)
- Details of any prior marriage, if applicable
When to apply for your Nassau County license
With a 24-hour wait and a 60-day validity window, the easy rule is: apply between about two months and two days before the wedding. Hours differ between the five Nassau clerks, so check the one you plan to use before you travel to it — a single closed morning can cost you a day.
After the ceremony: filing your Nassau County license and getting certified copies
The officiant must return the completed license to the town or city clerk that issued it within five days of the ceremony, usually by mail. Certified copies are then available from that clerk (New York State lists $10 for licenses issued outside New York City) or from the State Department of Health. (Filing rules checked September 2026.)
You will need a certified copy for name changes and other paperwork — see our guide to what to do after the wedding.
Local tips for Nassau County
- There is no single “Nassau County Clerk” for marriage licenses; you choose among five municipal clerks or any other in the state.
- The largest is the Town of Hempstead Clerk, which is why most guides mention it first.
- Because the license is valid statewide, you can pick the clerk by hours and location instead of by where you marry.
More questions about getting married in Nassau County
Which office do we go to in Nassau County?
Any town or city clerk in New York State can issue the license. In Nassau the options are the Town of Hempstead, North Hempstead or Oyster Bay clerks, or the City of Glen Cove or Long Beach clerks.
Is the license valid in New York City?
Yes. A New York marriage license is valid anywhere in the state once issued.
Can one applicant go alone?
No. Both applicants must sign in front of the clerk.
Waiting periods by state → What licenses cost by state →
Last verified: August 2026
Read our general step-by-step guide →
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