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 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.

Is there a waiting period once I file for my marriage license?

Yes. Although the marriage license is issued immediately, the marriage ceremony may not take place within 24 hours from the exact time that the license was issued. When both applicants are 16 years of age or older, the 24-hour waiting period may be waived by an order of a justice of the Supreme Court or a judge of the County Court of the county in which either of the applicants resides. If either person is under 16 years of age, the order must be from the Family Court judge of the county in which the person under 16 years of age resides.

A marriage license is valid for 60 calendar days, beginning the day after it is issued.

 How much does a marriage license cost?

If the marriage license is issued by a town or city clerk in New York State outside of New York City, it costs $40. This fee includes the issuance of a Certificate of Marriage Registration. This certificate is automatically sent by the issuing clerk to the applicants within 15 calendar days after the completed license is returned by the officiant (person who performs the marriage ceremony). It serves as notice that a record of the marriage is on file. Couples who do not receive a Certificate of Marriage Registration within four weeks of the wedding should contact the town or city clerk who issued the license.

Where do I obtain a dog license?

You obtain a dog license at the Town Clerk’s office for the town in which you are a resident.

How long is my dog’s license good for?

Dog licenses are good for one year and expire on the last day of the last month for which it is issued.

Is my dog license transferable?

Dog licenses are not transferable.  If the dog is given to a new owner then that owner must immediately license the dog in their name and receive a new tag.

What vaccines are necessary to license my dog?

Your dog must have proof of current rabies vaccination.  If the vaccination expires the same month as the license renews you will need to get a new rabies vaccination before the Town Clerk can renew the license.

What is the fee to license my dog?

If your dog is spayed or neutered the fee to license your dog is $10.00.  If your dog is not spayed or neutered the fee is $18.00.

What if my dog loses its license tag?

If your dog should lose its license tag you will need to notify the Town Clerk and purchase a new tag for $5.00.

Is there a reduced fee if you are 65 years or older?

If you are 65 years or older you can license your spayed or neutered dog for $5.00 and if your dog is not spayed or neutered you can license it for $13.00.