New Rochelle Marriage License

New Rochelle marriage license applications are handled by the City Clerk's office at City Hall on North Avenue. The city sits in southern Westchester County, just north of the Bronx, making it a convenient option for couples throughout the lower Hudson Valley and beyond. You do not need to live in New Rochelle to apply for a marriage license here. The clerk's staff processes applications on weekdays, and couples can walk in together with their documents and leave with a license the same day. The office also maintains records of past marriages for those who need certified copies.

New Rochelle Marriage License Filing

Marriage licenses in New Rochelle are filed through Westchester County. The New Rochelle City Clerk is the primary issuing office for residents and visitors, but other town and city clerks in Westchester County also issue licenses. Under DRL Section 13, any couple can get a marriage license from any town or city clerk in New York State, regardless of where they live or plan to marry.

The Westchester County Clerk's office in White Plains handles land records, court filings, and authentication services. It does not issue marriage licenses. If you need an apostille or authentication for a marriage certificate for use overseas, the Westchester County Clerk can authenticate a certified copy for $3 per document. From there, you send it to the New York Department of State for the apostille step, which costs $10 per document. This two-step process is common for couples who plan to use their marriage certificate abroad.

How to Get a Marriage License in New Rochelle

Both partners must show up together at the New Rochelle City Clerk's office. The office is at City Hall, 515 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801. Call (914) 654-2140 to check current hours or to find out if you need an appointment. Bring a valid photo ID. A driver's license, passport, or state-issued non-driver ID all work. You also need an original birth certificate that lists your parents' names.

If either partner was married before, bring certified copies of all divorce decrees or death certificates for previous spouses. All prior marriages must be fully resolved before a new license can go through. The fee is $40. Once the clerk processes your application, you walk out with the license in hand. A 24-hour waiting period then begins per DRL Section 13-b, which means you cannot hold the ceremony the same day. Your New Rochelle marriage license stays valid for 60 days and can be used anywhere in New York State. Active military personnel receive an extended 180-day validity period.

The screenshot below shows the New Rochelle City Clerk's website with details on city services including marriage license applications.

This page lists New Rochelle city services and provides contact details for the clerk's office.

No blood test or medical exam is needed to get a marriage license in New York. Both parties must be at least 18 years old. There is no exception for minors in the current law.

Note: Documents in a foreign language must come with a certified English translation.

After the New Rochelle Marriage Ceremony

After the wedding, the officiant must return the signed marriage license to the New Rochelle City Clerk's office within five days. The officiant, both spouses, and at least one witness sign the license at the ceremony. Per DRL Section 14, the clerk fills out the license and hands it to the couple, who give it to their officiant.

Under Section 11 of the Domestic Relations Law, judges, mayors, ordained clergy, and one-day marriage officers can all perform the ceremony. The state allows anyone 18 or older to get a one-day officiant license from any city or town clerk. Once the signed license comes back to the New Rochelle City Clerk, the office files it with the state. A Certificate of Marriage Registration arrives by mail within about 15 to 20 days. That certificate is your official proof that the marriage is on file.

The New Rochelle City Government website has more information on local services available to residents and visitors.

The city government site offers additional details on departments and services in New Rochelle.

New Rochelle Marriage License Copies

A certified copy of your New Rochelle marriage license costs $10 from the city clerk who issued it. Visit the office in person with a photo ID, or send a written request by mail with a notarized letter that includes the full names of both spouses and the date of the marriage. Mail a check or money order for $10 payable to the New Rochelle City Clerk at City Hall, 515 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801.

The New York State Department of Health provides certified copies for $30 each. Regular processing takes 10 to 12 weeks. Priority handling adds $15 and cuts the wait to about two weeks. For faster results, VitalChek processes rush orders with a credit card at a higher fee. The NYS DOH genealogy section handles records older than 50 years when both spouses are deceased.

Note: Only the bride or groom can request a certified copy of a recent marriage record unless a court order is obtained.

New Rochelle City Clerk Contact

The New Rochelle City Clerk's office handles a range of city services beyond marriage licenses, including birth and death certificates, dog licenses, and notary services. For questions about your marriage license application or to follow up on a filed license, call the office during regular hours. Staff can also help with certified copies of older marriage records that are on file with the city.

Nearby Cities

These cities and towns near New Rochelle also issue marriage licenses through their local clerks.