Clarkstown Marriage License

Clarkstown marriage license applications are processed at the Clarkstown Town Clerk's office at 10 Maple Avenue in New City. The town is the second largest in Rockland County and includes the hamlets of New City, Nanuet, West Nyack, Central Nyack, and Congers. Couples from anywhere in New York State can visit the clerk's office during regular hours to apply for a marriage license. The process is straightforward, and most couples finish in a single visit. The clerk also keeps records of past marriages on file and can issue certified copies when needed.

Marriage License Filing in Rockland County

Marriage licenses in Clarkstown are filed through Rockland County. In Rockland County, marriage licenses come from town and city clerks, not the county clerk. The Rockland County Clerk at 1 South Main Street in New City handles land records, court documents, and naturalization records. It does not issue marriage licenses.

Under DRL Section 13, you can apply at any town or city clerk in New York State. You do not have to live in Clarkstown. If the Clarkstown clerk's hours do not work for you, the nearby Town of Ramapo also processes marriage licenses, though Ramapo requires appointments. Orangetown, the other major town in Rockland County, is another option for couples who live in the southern part of the county.

Note: Rockland County has maintained land records since 1798, but marriage records are kept at the town clerk level.

How to Get a Clarkstown Marriage License

Both partners must appear together at the Clarkstown Town Clerk's office. The address is 10 Maple Avenue, New City, NY 10956. Call (845) 639-2050 with questions. Bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state-issued non-driver ID. A certified birth certificate showing your parents' names is required. Know your Social Security number.

If either partner was married before, bring the final divorce decree or a death certificate for the former spouse. Every prior marriage must be fully resolved before a new license can be issued. The fee is $40. After the clerk processes your application, you receive the license that same day. Per DRL Section 13-b, a 24-hour waiting period starts. You cannot marry the same day you get the license. The Clarkstown marriage license remains valid for 60 days and works anywhere in New York State. Active military members get 180 days.

The screenshot below comes from the Clarkstown Town Clerk's website, showing the town's official online portal.

The town website lists clerk services, office hours, and contact information for the Clarkstown Town Clerk.

The Clarkstown Town Government site provides additional details on town departments and services.

This portal covers all Clarkstown departments including the town clerk's office.

After the Clarkstown Wedding

Once the wedding is done, the officiant has five days to return the signed marriage license to the Clarkstown Town Clerk. Both spouses, the officiant, and at least one witness sign the license at the ceremony. Per DRL Section 14, the clerk prepares the form and gives it to the couple before the wedding day.

Under Section 11 of the Domestic Relations Law, judges, mayors, ordained clergy, and one-day marriage officers can all perform ceremonies. Once the signed license comes back to the Clarkstown clerk, it gets filed with New York State. You should receive a Certificate of Marriage Registration in the mail within about 20 days. That certificate serves as your official proof of the marriage. If a month passes and you still have not received the certificate, call the Clarkstown Town Clerk to check on your filing status.

Clarkstown Marriage License Copies

Certified copies of a Clarkstown marriage license cost $10 each from the town clerk. Visit with a photo ID, or mail a notarized letter with both spouses' names and the marriage date. Include a $10 check or money order payable to the Clarkstown Town Clerk. Mail it to 10 Maple Avenue, New City, NY 10956. In-person requests are usually handled the same day, while mail requests can take a week or more depending on volume at the office.

The New York State Department of Health issues certified copies for $30. Regular processing takes 10 to 12 weeks. Priority handling adds $15 to the cost. The DOH genealogy section handles marriage records over 50 years old when both spouses are deceased. The standard genealogy search fee is $22 for a three-year period.

Note: Recent marriage records can only be requested by the bride or groom, unless the record is over 50 years old and both spouses have passed away.

Clarkstown Town Clerk Contact

The Clarkstown Town Clerk manages marriage licenses, vital records, dog licenses, and other permits for the town. New City serves as the county seat of Rockland County, so both the town clerk and the county clerk offices are located in the same area. For marriage license questions, call the number above or stop by during regular hours.

Clarkstown's central location in Rockland County makes the clerk's office easy to reach from many nearby communities. The town sits along the New York State Thruway and the Palisades Interstate Parkway, providing quick access from northern New Jersey and the rest of the lower Hudson Valley. The New York State Archives also holds historical marriage records and can assist with genealogy research for older Clarkstown records that may not be on file with the town clerk.

Nearby Cities

These towns near Clarkstown also issue marriage licenses through their local clerks.