Ramapo Marriage License Lookup

Ramapo marriage license applications are handled by the Ramapo Town Clerk at 237 Route 59 in Suffern. Unlike many other town clerk offices in New York, Ramapo requires an appointment for all marriage license applications. The town is the largest in Rockland County, and its clerk's office serves the unincorporated areas of Ramapo plus the villages of Airmont, Kaser, New Hempstead, and New Square. Couples from anywhere in New York State can apply here as long as they schedule their visit in advance. The clerk also keeps records of past marriages on file for those who need certified copies.

Marriage License Filing in Rockland County

Marriage licenses in Ramapo are filed through Rockland County. In Rockland County, marriage licenses are issued by town and city clerks, not the county clerk. The Rockland County Clerk's office at 1 South Main Street in New City handles land records, court records, and naturalization records, but it does not process marriage licenses.

Under DRL Section 13, any couple can get a marriage license from any town or city clerk in the state. You do not have to live in Ramapo or Rockland County. The license is valid for use anywhere in New York. Rockland County has maintained land records since 1798 and naturalization records from 1843, but marriage records are kept at the town clerk level. If you need a historical Ramapo marriage record, the town clerk is the first place to check.

Note: Ramapo requires appointments for marriage license applications. Walk-ins are not accepted.

How to Get a Ramapo Marriage License

The Ramapo marriage license process starts with scheduling an appointment. Contact the Town Clerk, Jeffrey A. Posner, at (845) 357-5100 ext. 263 or email jposner@ramapogov.com to set up a time. Both partners must come to the appointment together. The office is at 237 Route 59, Suffern, NY 10901.

Bring these items to your appointment:

• Original birth certificate for each partner
• Valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID)
• If previously divorced, certified copy of the Judgment of Divorce
• Social Security number
• Foreign documents must include a certified English translation

Both parties must be at least 18 years old. The fee is $40. A convenience fee applies if you pay by credit or debit card. After the clerk processes your application, you get the license that same day. Per DRL Section 13-b, a 24-hour waiting period begins. You cannot get married on the same day you receive the license. The Ramapo marriage license stays valid for 60 days and works anywhere in New York State. Active military personnel get 180 days with proper documentation.

The screenshot below shows the NY.gov marriage guide, which explains statewide marriage license rules and requirements.

This state page outlines the steps for getting married in New York, including ID rules and waiting periods.

After Your Ramapo Marriage Ceremony

The officiant must return the signed marriage license to the Ramapo Town Clerk within five days of the ceremony. Both spouses, the officiant, and at least one witness must sign the license. Per DRL Section 14, the clerk fills out the license form and gives it to the couple, who then hand it to their officiant for the wedding.

Under Section 11 of the Domestic Relations Law, judges, mayors, clergy, and appointed one-day marriage officers can perform ceremonies. Once the signed license comes back to the Ramapo Town Clerk, the clerk files it with the state. You should receive a Certificate of Marriage Registration in the mail within about 20 days. Keep that certificate safe. It is your official proof that the marriage is recorded.

Ramapo Marriage License Copies

A certified copy of your Ramapo marriage license costs $10 from the town clerk. You can request one in person with photo ID or by mail with a notarized letter. Include the names of both spouses and the date of the marriage, along with a check or money order for $10 payable to the Ramapo Town Clerk. Mail requests go to 237 Route 59, Suffern, NY 10901. Since Ramapo operates by appointment, you may want to call ahead if you plan to pick up a copy in person.

The New York State Department of Health provides certified copies for $30, though processing runs 10 to 12 weeks. Priority service adds $15. For older records, the DOH genealogy section handles marriage records over 50 years old when both spouses are deceased. The genealogy search fee starts at $22.

Note: The Ramapo Town Clerk serves as Registrar of Vital Statistics for births, marriages, and deaths in unincorporated Ramapo and the villages of Airmont, Kaser, New Hempstead, and New Square.

Ramapo Town Clerk Contact

The Ramapo Town Clerk also handles birth certificates, death certificates, dog licenses, and other town permits. For marriage license appointments specifically, call the extension listed above or send an email directly to the clerk.

Ramapo covers a large area of Rockland County and includes several villages with their own local governments. However, the Ramapo Town Clerk is the office that handles all marriage licenses for the unincorporated town and the villages of Airmont, Kaser, New Hempstead, and New Square. Village clerks in these areas do not issue marriage licenses. The New York State Archives vital records page has more information on how the state keeps and stores marriage records from across all counties.

Nearby Cities

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