Fulton County Marriage License

Fulton County marriage license applications are handled by the town and city clerks across this upstate New York county. Johnstown is the county seat, and the City of Gloversville also has a busy clerk office that processes marriage license requests. Whether you want to apply for a new license or look up an old marriage record, the local clerks are your first stop. Fulton County has marriage records dating back to 1900 at the county level, with some town clerks holding even earlier files. This page covers all you need to know about getting a marriage license in Fulton County.

Fulton County Marriage License Offices

The Fulton County Courthouse is at 223 West Main Street, Johnstown, NY 12095. You can reach the Fulton County Clerk at (518) 706-3290. The county clerk's office holds marriage records from 1900, divorce records, and court records going back to 1838. Land and probate records start in 1838 as well. However, marriage licenses are issued by the town and city clerks, not the county clerk. Under DRL Section 13, couples must apply at a town or city clerk to get their license.

The City of Gloversville Clerk's office is another popular spot for marriage license applications in Fulton County. The City Clerk also serves as the City Health Registrar and can provide certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates. Any vital records request needs a photo ID from an eligible applicant, per New York State Department of Health rules. The Bleecker Town Clerk at 575 County Highway 112 in Gloversville is another option for Fulton County residents. Phone: (518) 725-8382. All clerks charge the same $40 fee.

How to Get a Marriage License in Fulton County

Both partners must appear in person at the same time. No exceptions. Bring your photo ID and birth certificate. If you had a prior marriage, bring your divorce decree or death certificate. The clerk fills out the form and takes your $40 fee. The license is issued on the spot. Then a 24-hour waiting period starts per DRL Section 13-b. After that wait, the license is good for 60 days.

You do not have to get married in Fulton County just because you got the license there. It works in all 62 New York counties. After the ceremony, the officiant signs the license and sends it back to the issuing clerk. The clerk then files it with the state and mails you a Certificate of Marriage Registration in about two to four weeks. If you do not get it within four weeks, call the clerk. Under Section 11 of the Domestic Relations Law, judges, mayors, clergy, and appointed marriage officers can all perform the ceremony.

The Fulton County government website has info on county departments and services. Check it for the latest office hours and contact numbers.

This page shows the Fulton County Clerk's online presence with details on available records and services.

Note: The City of Gloversville Clerk requires photo ID for all vital records requests, including marriage license copies.

Fulton County Marriage License Copies

A certified copy costs $10 from the clerk who issued the license. The New York State Department of Health charges $30 per copy and takes 10 to 12 weeks. For genealogy work, the state genealogy section can provide uncertified copies of marriage records at least 50 years old when both spouses are dead. That starts at $22 for a one to three year search.

The Fulton County Clerk holds birth records from 1880 and death records from 1880 at the county level. Marriage records start in 1900. Probate records at the Surrogate Court go back to 1838. For marriage records before 1900, you will likely need to check with the individual town clerk where the license was purchased, or look through the New York State Archives for marriage indexes from 1881 onward.

Fulton County Marriage Records History

Statewide registration for births and deaths started in 1880 in New York. General compliance for births came by 1915 and for deaths by 1890. Fulton County's marriage records at the county level begin in 1900, but some town clerks may have earlier files. The New York State Library has genealogy resources for researchers looking into Fulton County marriage history. The State Archives holds microfiche indexes that cover marriage records from 1881 for all of New York outside New York City.

If you know the town where the license was purchased, go to that clerk first. It is faster and cheaper. Town clerks charge $10 for a copy. The state charges $30 and takes months to process.

Cities in Fulton County

Fulton County includes the cities of Johnstown and Gloversville. No cities in this county meet the population threshold for a dedicated page. All local clerks issue marriage licenses valid statewide.

Nearby Counties

These counties are next to Fulton County. Contact the right clerk for where your license was filed.