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1. What documents are needed to obtain a marriage license?

All documents must be certified with a raised seal. You will need a birth certificate or Baptismal Certificate (if birth certificate cannot be obtained) or Naturalization Papers (if birth certificate cannot be obtained) and a photo ID (driver’s license, non-driver’s or work ID with a birth date on it).

All previous marriage information is needed (Divorce, Annulment, Death certificates). Passports cannot be used as a substitute for a birth document. Both parties must be present with $40 (cash only).

2. How do I apply to become a 1-day marriage officiant?

You can contact the City Clerk's Office where the parties to the marriage have applied or will apply for their marriage license.

3. What time are marriage licenses issued?

We issue marriage licenses by appointment from 9 am until 4 pm (Monday through Friday only) at City Hall, Room 202, Albany, NY 12207. For more information contact the City Clerk’s Office by calling 518-434-5090.

4. When can I get married?

NY State Law requires a 24-hour waiting period before a ceremony can be performed. The license is valid for 60 days from the day after you receive it.

5. Is a blood test required for a marriage license in the State of New York?

No, a blood test is not required to obtain a marriage license in the State of New York.

6. Where are marriage licenses kept on file?

Marriage licenses are kept on file where the original marriage license was obtained. Each town, city, or village keeps their own records, e.g. Guilderland, Colonie and Bethlehem. If you are still having trouble locating it, or have forgotten where you obtained it, you may go through NY State Department of Health by calling 518-474-3077.

7. Do I get my birth certificate from the City Clerk’s Office?

Birth certificates are not obtained in the City Clerks Office; they are obtained from the Bureau of Vital Statistics, a division of the City Clerk’s Office located at:
City Hall, Room 254M
Albany, NY 12207

Contact Vital Statistics by calling 518-434-5045.

8. Where do I get my Certificate of Residency?

These may be obtained at the County of Albany located at:
112 State Street
Albany, NY 12207
Phone: 518-447-7070

9. Can I obtain my divorce documents at the City Clerks Office?

Divorce documents are obtained from the county in which you filed for divorce; if that is the County of Albany, they can be found and reached at:

Albany County Clerk, 16 Eagle Street - Room 128, Albany, NY 12207
Phone: 518-487-5100 or email: countyclerk@albanycounty.com 

10. Where did Animal Control move to?

Animal Control is no longer a part of the City Clerks office; they can be reached at the Albany Police Department located at 526 Central Avenue, or by calling 518-434-5091.

11. Where should I make taxi complaints?

Taxi complaints may be made to Traffic Safety by calling 518-434-5791.

12. Where is the Family Court?

Family Court is now located at 30 Clinton Avenue (the old Salvation Army building). For more information, call 518-285-8600.