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Frequently Asked Questions

What documents are needed to obtain a marriage license?

All documents must be certified with a raised seal. You will need a birth certificate or Baptismal Certificate (if birth certificate cannot be obtained) or Naturalization Papers (if birth certificate cannot be obtained) and a photo ID (driver’s license, non-driver’s or work ID with a birth date on it). All previous marriage info is needed (Divorce, Annulment, Death certificates)  Passports cannot be used as a substitute for a birth document. Both parties must be present with $40.00 dollars. CASH ONLY

What time are Marriage Licenses Issued?

We issue marriage licenses from 9:00AM until 4:30PM (Monday Thru Friday ONLY) at City Hall, Room 202, Albany, NY  12207 (518-434-5090)

When can I get married?

NYS Law requires a 24-hour waiting period before a ceremony can be performed.  The license is valid for sixty (60) days from the day after you receive it.

Is a blood test Required for a Marriage License in New York State?

NO

Where are marriage licenses kept on file?

Marriage licenses are kept on file where the original marriage license was obtained. Each town, city, village keeps their own records. e.g. Guilderland, Colonie & Bethlehem. If you are still having trouble locating it, or have forgotten where you obtained it, you may go through NYS Dept of Health(518-474-3077)

Do I get my birth certificate from the City Clerk’s Office?

Birth certificates are not obtained in the City Clerks Office; they are obtained from the Bureau of Vital Statistics, a division of the City Clerk’s Office, at 518-434-5045 (address:  City Hall – Rm 254M, Albany, NY  12207)