Marriage License
HOW TO APPLY FOR A NEW YORK STATE MARRIAGE LICENSE:
Applications can be processed in Room 1301 in City Hall and both parties must be present when to apply. Both applicants must provide the following:
- A current Driver's license with photo or a state issued photo ID such as a non-driver's license, passport, etc.
- A Certified Birth Certificate listing parent's names.
- If a birth certificate does not exist, a baptismal or early school transcript can be used in place of a birth certificate only if these records include birth certificate information. You need to provide a "no record" certificate to prove that there is no record of birth on file with the state or country that you were born in, in order to be able to use a baptismal or early school transcript in lue of the birth certificate.
- For foreign language birth certificates: You need to provide a certified translation into English along with the original.
- For Canadians: Please make sure to bring the LONG FORM of your birth certificate. Small card birth certificates are not accepted due to not having parents' names on them.
- For Refugees: If you do not have a birth certificate, you must go to the agency that is sponsoring you and they will write your name, birth date, birth place, and parents' names on their letterhead. The envelope must be sealed when it arrives in the office - you will not receive this information back.
- If previously married: You must provide a copy of your final divorce decree that has the County stamp on it as to where it was filed. If there was more than one divorce, you will have to provide the date of all divorces and have the paperwork for the latest divorce.
- Social Security Number
You must be 18 years or older in order to apply for a marriage license.
If under 18 years of age, both parents must be present with ID to sign a consent form.
If previously married, you must provide a copy of your final divorce decree that has the County stamp on it as to where it was filed.
If your spouse is deceased, you must provide the date of death.
The present fee for a New York State Marriage License is $40.00.
The license is issued immediately, the marriage ceremony may not take place with 24 hours from the exact time that the license was issued.
The marriage license is valid for 60 days, beginning the day after it is issued.
Appointments for wedding ceremonies at City Hall or within the Buffalo City limits can be made at the time of the license or by contacting our office.
For an application, click here, then download, fill out and print. Submit to City Hall's Vital Statistics with $40.00.
