# Marriage license rules in the United States

In the US, a local clerk issues the marriage license. New York, California and Texas set different waiting periods, fees and validity, so check the state where you marry.

Updated 2026-10-01. Country: United States. Also on the [web page](https://marriagelicense.fyi/guides/us-marriage-license-rules).

In the United States, a local clerk issues the marriage license: a town or city clerk in New York, and the County Clerk in California and in Fort Bend County, Texas. The three states below set different waiting periods, fees and validity, so always check the rules of the state where you will marry.

## New York

You apply in person to any town or city clerk in the state. Both applicants sign the application in front of the clerk. The license is issued at once, but the ceremony cannot take place within 24 hours. A judge can waive this wait.

The license is valid for 60 calendar days, starting the day after it is issued. Outside New York City it costs US$40. In New York City, ask the City Clerk's Office for current fees and requirements. No blood test is required. Nobody under 18 can get a license. You need at least one witness at the ceremony.

## California

The County Clerk issues the license. You do not need to be a California resident to marry in California. Both people must appear in person with valid picture ID. Some counties also ask for a birth certificate.

No blood test is required. The license is valid for 90 days from issue. Fees and hours vary by county. After the ceremony, the officiant must return the license within 10 days.

## Texas

In Fort Bend County, you get the license from the County Clerk's office. A formal license costs US$71. The fee drops to US$11 with proof of a state-approved premarital course.

Fort Bend County says there is a 72-hour waiting period after you buy the license. Some exceptions apply, such as a written waiver from a judge. The license is valid for 90 days, including the day of purchase. Both people must be 18 or older, unless a court order removed the disabilities of minority. After a divorce, you usually wait 30 days before you can remarry.

## What to check locally

Rules for ID, previous marriages and civil ceremonies can change by county. Some offices need an appointment. Before you travel or book a venue, confirm the current fee, ID list and waiting period with the clerk's office that issues your license.

## Sources

- [New York State Department of Health: Information on Getting Married in New York State](https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/4210/)
- [California Department of Public Health: California Marriage - General Information](https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/California-Marriage-License-General-Information.aspx)
- [Fort Bend County, Texas: Formal Marriage License](https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/formal-marriage-license)

## Questions

### Who issues a marriage license in the US?

A local office issues it. In New York it is a town or city clerk. In California, and in Fort Bend County, Texas, it is the County Clerk.

### Is there a waiting period?

It depends on the state. New York has a 24-hour wait. Fort Bend County, Texas, states a 72-hour wait. The California state page does not mention one, so ask the county clerk.

### Do I need a blood test?

New York and California say no blood test is required. The Fort Bend County page does not mention a blood test.

### Do I need to live in the state?

Not in California. The state says you do not need to be a California resident to marry there.