How to Get Marriage Licenses In New York | Full Guide

In an advancing world, where technology and order are the binding ribbons holding this world together. There exists a need of both technology and orderliness to feature in every aspect of our daily lives.

Marriage being the bedrock of every community cannot be left out in this advancement. The need for order brought about a document by which the entire civilization, especially the government is informed that two individuals have decided to become one.

This document that fulfills this role is the marriage license. However advancement in technology and other recent events such as covid19 has made the need for marriage license to be obtained online more important.

This has led to a shift into what we can call an online marriage. 
But the question what is marriage license and how is online marriage possible. 

What Is Marriage License?

A marriage license is a document issued, either by a religious organization or state authority, authorizing a couple to marry. This license serves as a one of the key criteria to obtain a marriage certificate. The license once it has been signed by the officiant is returned to the county for marriage certificate issuing. 

The marriage license has overtime been regarded as an application letter to get married. The process of getting this license vary from place to place. In certain places, marriage licenses are not even required, in others common law marriage and cohabitation are acknowledged.

However, in places such as New York, marriage license are very important and defaulters may have to obtain a pardon if they marry without license.

You Should Check Out; I Want To Get Paid To Marry a Foreigner in 2022: 4 Things You Should Always Know

Online Marriage License In New York

In recent years the process of obtaining a marriage license in New York have become easier and flexible. Licenses can now be obtained online at nyc.gov/Cupid.

Here the application process is began after which it can be concluded by booking an appointment where the license is finally gotten.

However, as simple or basic as this appears it can get a little complex if you are not well informed. In this article we will walk through some of those things that might complicate marriage license application for you.

How Long Is A Marriage License Good For In New York?

A New York State Marriage License is valid for 60 days (except for active military personnel, for whom the validity runs for 180 days).

A Marriage License issued in New York can be used anywhere within New York State but may not be used outside New York State. 

How Much Is A Marriage License In New York?

The marriage license fee is usually $35 by credit card or money order payable to the City Clerk.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Copy Of My Marriage License In New York?

A city clerk employee give you your license within moments of receiving your completed application and payment, according to the office. This means you should get your license just immediately after you applied. However, you are not allowed to get married until after 24hrs of receiving your license.

Where Do I Go To Get A Copy Of My Marriage License In New York?

A couple who intends to be married in New York State must apply in person for a marriage license to any town or city clerk in the state. The application for a license must be signed by both applicants in the presence of the town or city clerk. A representative cannot apply for the license on behalf of the applicant. 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. health.ny.gov

How To Fill Out A Marriage License In New York

It is important to recognize that this has three sections. The spouse section, the witness section and the officiant section.

The Spouse Section

You are expected to get the marriage license from https://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov. or you can obtain it in person.

After obtain this marriage license you are expected to fill in the right information of  both spouses. Usually in space Spouse A and B should contain their information respectively. 

After filling their information they are both expected to sign at the bottom of the marriage license. The spouse section is usually in the top half of the marriage license.

Witness Section

In this section you are expected to fill the accurate details of the two witnesses. They are both expected to sign on the line to the right of their respective names.

The Officiant Section

Here, the details of an ordained and duly registered officiant is usually required, it is usually wise to add your NYC ID number. It is also important to note and include the time and location.

6 Steps To Take To Get Your Marriage License

In recent times, before going to obtain marriage license either virtually or in-person, it is important to book an appointment on the website  nyc.gov/Cupid  

1. Before your appointment, please begin the application process to receive a Marriage License online via “City Clerk Online”
2. You and your prospective spouse must complete the application process by appearing at the 3. Office of the City Clerk for a scheduled appointment in-person or virtually, together and at the same time. Proxy marriage is not permitted in New York, so no other party may apply on behalf of either spouse.
4. Your Marriage License will be processed.
5. You should carefully read your Marriage License to make sure there are no mistakes.
6. You will take the Marriage License with you when you leave our office or receive it by digital download in your Cupid account after a virtual appointment.
You must wait a full 24 hours before your Marriage Ceremony can be performed unless you obtain a Judicial Waiver. Note: Please contact NYS Supreme Court for information regarding availability of judicial waiver.

Is Marriage License Worth Having?

Human beings look for justification for everything they do, it is believed that an unjustified project is not worth doing. However, that should not be a question that is posed in the path of marriage license as it’s important cannot be overemphasized.

Marriage License represents the right of couples to get marriage, just as a driver needs driver’s license to drive. It is illegal to get married without having a marriage license, meaning no marriage license, no marriage.

Having a marriage license is important in various walks of life. It helps you get a marriage certificate which is quite useful in banking, tax or insurance purposes. Marriage License serves as the only through which your marriage can be recognized by the state and by the government.

This simply implies that for anyone who wishes to have a complete marriage, this is a must have for you. Owning to how easy it is to get and how important it is, in my opinion the importance outweighs the stress. So if I was to answer is a marriage license worth it, I would say yes it is worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions On Marriage License In New York 

How do I get married in New York City?


You have to first obtain a Marriage License and then have a Marriage Ceremony in the City Clerk’s Office or a Marriage Ceremony outside the City Clerk’s Office.

How do I obtain a Marriage License?


Follow the steps highlighted in the article above to obtain your marriage license. 

Is there a waiting period? Can we get married right away?


Yes, you have to wait 24hrs before you can get married, except you have a waiver.

How long is the Marriage License valid?


A marriage license is valid for only 60 days except for members of the armed forces. Theirs is valid for 180 days.

How much does the Marriage License cost?


The fee for a Marriage License is $35 by credit card or money order payable to the City Clerk.

Conclusion

Marriage license is a very important document you should possess once you desire to get married in New York. It is as important to couples as much as driver’s license is important to drivers, so when you are ready to get married go and apply for the marriage license after which you can go ahead with the rest of the ceremony.

References

Recommendations

Leave a Reply
You May Also Like