To obtain a marriage license in New York City, couples must present valid identification such as a government-issued photo ID or passport. Proof of age is required, with a minimum age of 18, while minors need consent from a parent or guardian. Applicants should also provide their Social Security numbers if applicable and complete the marriage license application at a City Clerk's office.
What Documents Are Necessary for a Marriage License in New York City?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Real ID Act Compliance | To obtain a marriage license in New York City under Real ID Act compliance, applicants must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a Real ID, U.S. passport, or a valid foreign passport with a visa. Proof of age and identity, including birth certificates or other legal documents, alongside the official application form, is required to meet state and federal identification standards. |
| 2 | Electronic Apostille (e-Apostille) | A marriage license in New York City requires a valid identification document such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID, and submitting an Electronic Apostille (e-Apostille) if the marriage certificate is issued outside the U.S. The e-Apostille streamlines the authentication process by providing a secure, digital certification, ensuring international recognition of the marriage license. |
| 3 | Digital Birth Certificate Submission | Applicants for a marriage license in New York City must provide valid identification and proof of age, with digital birth certificate submission accepted as a secure and efficient method to verify birth details. The New York City Clerk's Office allows the upload of digitally certified birth certificates through their online portal, streamlining the application process and ensuring accurate verification. |
| 4 | Consular Authentication | Obtaining a marriage license in New York City requires submitting valid identification such as a passport or government-issued ID, proof of age, and completion of the marriage license application form. Consular authentication is necessary for foreign documents, ensuring that any international birth certificates or divorce decrees used to meet legal requirements are officially verified by the corresponding consulate or embassy before submission. |
| 5 | Notarized Parental Consent (for minors) | Minors applying for a marriage license in New York City must provide notarized parental consent from both parents or legal guardians, which verifies permission for the marriage. This notarized document is a mandatory requirement to ensure legal authorization when one or both applicants are under the age of 18. |
| 6 | Domestic Partnership Certificate | A Domestic Partnership Certificate in New York City serves as an alternative to a marriage license for couples seeking legal recognition without formal marriage, requiring proof of joint residence and shared financial responsibility. This certificate must be accompanied by valid photo identification and proof of age for both partners to complete the application process. |
| 7 | Pre-CANA Certificate | A Pre-CANA Certificate, verifying completion of premarital counseling, is required for couples seeking a marriage license in New York City who wish to waive the 24-hour waiting period. Alongside this certificate, applicants must present valid identification such as a government-issued photo ID or passport to obtain the license. |
| 8 | Remote Online Notarization (RON) | For a marriage license in New York City, applicants must provide valid identification such as a driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID, and proof of age; Remote Online Notarization (RON) enables the submission and notarization of these documents electronically, facilitating a secure and convenient process without in-person visits. This digital notarization method is authorized by New York State law, ensuring the marriage license application is legally binding and recognized. |
| 9 | Self-Identification Affidavit | A Self-Identification Affidavit is required for obtaining a marriage license in New York City to confirm the identities and legal eligibility of the parties involved. This affidavit must include full names, birthdates, and any previous marital status details to ensure compliance with state marriage laws. |
| 10 | Certified Divorce Decree QR Verification | Obtaining a marriage license in New York City requires presenting a certified divorce decree if previously married, which can be verified efficiently through a QR code linked to official court records. This digital verification method ensures the authenticity of the divorce document, expediting the application process and reducing the risk of fraud. |
Introduction to Marriage Licenses in New York City
| Introduction to Marriage Licenses in New York City | |
|---|---|
| Purpose of a Marriage License | A marriage license is an official document that authorizes a couple to marry legally within New York City. It validates the union under state law and is required before a wedding ceremony can be performed. |
| Who Needs a License | Couples planning to get married in New York City must obtain a marriage license regardless of their residency status or nationality. |
| Issuing Authority | The City Clerk's Office in New York City issues marriage licenses. Applications must be submitted in person by both parties. |
| Application Process | You must provide specific documents and information when applying for your marriage license. The process is designed to ensure legal eligibility and consent of both individuals planning to marry. |
| Validity and Usage | Once issued, the marriage license is valid for 60 days. It can be used at any authorized wedding venue in New York State during this period. |
Eligibility Criteria for Marriage License Applicants
To obtain a marriage license in New York City, applicants must present valid identification such as a government-issued photo ID or passport. Both parties must be at least 18 years old and not currently married. You must also provide proof of age and, if applicable, previous marriage dissolution documentation.
Primary Identification Documents Needed
To obtain a marriage license in New York City, you must present primary identification documents. These documents confirm your identity and age to meet legal requirements.
Your accepted primary identification includes a valid passport, a U.S. driver's license, or a state-issued identification card. An original or certified birth certificate is also commonly required to verify your birth details.
Proof of Age Requirements
To obtain a marriage license in New York City, proof of age is a crucial requirement. You must present valid identification verifying your age to ensure eligibility for marriage.
Acceptable documents for proof of age include a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Birth certificates are also commonly accepted as proof of age. These documents confirm you meet the legal age requirement to marry in New York City.
Previous Marriages: Divorce and Death Certificates
When applying for a marriage license in New York City, specific documents related to any previous marriages must be provided. Divorce decrees or death certificates serve as proof that prior marriages have legally ended.
You must submit an official divorce judgment if you were previously married and divorced. If your former spouse is deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate is required to complete your application.
Parent or Guardian Consent for Minors
Obtaining a marriage license in New York City requires specific documents, especially for minors. Parental or guardian consent is mandatory for applicants under 18 years old.
- Proof of Age - Minors must present a valid birth certificate or other official identification to verify their age.
- Parental or Guardian Consent Form - A notarized consent form signed by a parent or legal guardian is required for applicants under 18.
- Identification for Parent or Guardian - The consenting parent or guardian must provide valid photo identification to confirm their identity.
Social Security Number Documentation
When applying for a marriage license in New York City, you must provide documentation of your Social Security Number (SSN) if you have been issued one. This requirement ensures proper identification and record-keeping by the city clerk's office.
- Valid Social Security Number Required - You must present your SSN as proof if you have been assigned one by the Social Security Administration.
- Acceptable Documentation - A Social Security card or a tax return displaying your SSN is commonly accepted for verification.
- Non-U.S. Residents Without SSN - Individuals without an SSN must affirm this status in writing when applying for the license.
Foreign Applicants: Translation and Apostille Guidelines
Foreign applicants seeking a marriage license in New York City must provide specific documents to comply with local regulations. Understanding translation and apostille requirements ensures a smooth application process.
- Certified Translation Required - All foreign documents must be translated into English by a certified translator to be accepted.
- Apostille Authentication - Foreign birth certificates and other vital records must have an apostille stamp to verify their authenticity.
- Original Documents Submission - Applicants must present original or official copies of all required documents, including translated versions and apostilles.
Meeting these guidelines helps foreign applicants secure a valid marriage license in New York City without delays.
Application Form and Submission Process
To obtain a marriage license in New York City, you must complete the official application form available through the City Clerk's website or at local borough offices. The application requires personal information, including identification details, and must be submitted in person by both parties. You must bring valid photo identification and the completed application to the City Clerk's office to finalize the submission process and receive the license.
What Documents Are Necessary for a Marriage License in New York City? Infographic
