Marriage License Applications
You can apply for a marriage license Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. There is a $40.00 fee, cash, and debit/credit cards accepted (if using a card there is an additional convenience fee).
Both parties must be present at same time; official identification is required please see below (proof of age and identity). For those previously married, a certified copy of the divorce or death document for each of the previous marriage(s) is required. The process takes approximately 20 minutes so plan accordingly. Please call ahead for specific information regarding the licensing process; we can supply a listing of local justices and marriage officials within the area at the time of licensing. The license is issued the same day – there is a twenty-four clock hour waiting period (from the time you receive your license) before you can be married. A marriage license is valid for 60 calendar days, beginning the day after it was issued. The marriage license is valid for New York State only.
Where do you get a marriage license?
A couple who intends to be married in New York State must apply in person for a marriage license to any village, town or city clerk in the state. The application for a license must be signed by both applicants in the presence of the village, town or city clerk. A representative cannot apply for a license on behalf of the applicants. This applies even if the representative has been given a Power of Attorney. Notarized marriage license affidavits signed by the applicants cannot be substituted for their personal appearance.
Proof of Age and Identity:
- Certified Birth Certificate
- Baptismal Record
- Naturalization Record
- Census Record
And one of the following identity related documents:
- Driver's license
- Passport
- Employment picture ID
- Immigration record
Surname Options:
(1) Every person has the right to adopt any name by which he or she wishes to be known simply by using that name consistently and without intent to defraud.
(2) A person's last name (surname) does not automatically change upon marriage, and neither party to the marriage is required to change his or her last name. Parties to a marriage need not take the same last name.
(3) One or both parties to a marriage may elect to change the surname by which he or she wishes to be known after the marriage by entering the new name in the appropriate space provided on the marriage license. The new name must consist of one of the following options:
- the surname of the other spouse;
- any former surname of either spouse; or
- a name combining into a single surname all or a segment of the premarriage surname or any former surname of each spouse; or
- a combination name separated by a hyphen or space, provided that each part of such combination surname is the premarriage surname, or any former surname, of each of the spouses.
(4) One of both parties to a marriage may elect to change the middle name by which he or she wishes to be known after the solemnization of the marriage by entering the new name in the appropriate space provided in the Affidavit Section of this application. Such entry shall consist of one of the following options:
- the current surname of the spouse electing to change his or her name; or
- any former surname of the spouse electing to change his or her name; or
- the surname of the other spouse
The use of this option will provide a record of your change of name. The marriage certificate, containing the new name, if any, is proof that the use of the new name, or the retention of the former name, is lawful.
Neither the use of, nor the failure to use, this option of selecting a new surname or middle name by means of this application abrogates the right of each person to adopt a different name through usage at some future date.
The local Social Security Administration office should be contacted so that its records and your social security identification card reflect the name change. There is no charge for this service.
Whether you decide to use or not use this option a the time of your marriage license application, you still have the right to adopt a different name through usage at some future date. However, your marriage license cannot be changed to record a surname you decide to use after your marriage.
If you plan to use your married name at work, be sure to have your name changed in Social Security records. This way, you will get credit for all your earnings. It's easy and it's absolutely free. Contact any Social Security office. You can find the address and phone number of your local Social Security Office at http://www.ssa.gov. You will need documentary evidence showing both your old name and your new name.
In an effort to expedite the process please complete the application below and bring into the office with all other required paperwork.
