Searching For Free Marriage Records Online

New York is not so lenient in providing marriage documents to the public. Although they are part of the vital records, which are public records, they cannot be accessed by just anyone. The only ones who can access New York Marriage Records are either of the couple, and any person who possess a documented judicial or any other legal purpose.

One purpose for acquiring a marriage document is when it is needed by a person who is applying to claim a benefit. Included in the documentation is an official letter from the agency confirming that a marriage document is required for the benefit to be claimed.

Certified copies of New York marriage documents are stored and taken care of by the New York State Department of Health. Only marriage certificates of marriages that happened from 1881, and from outside of New York City are available at the agency. Marriages prior to 1881 are filed and stored at their respective clerk office. The New York City Marriage Bureau issues marriage certificates of the 5 boroughs of New York City which are namely: Manhattan, Kings, Queens, Staten Island (Richmond), and the Bronx (Brooklyn). Uncertified marriage certificates can be issued if the marriage is 50 years old or older and if the both the husband and the wife have passed away.

To acquire the marriage documents, you need to provide the following information: husband’s full name and birthday, wife’s maiden name and birthday, address of the husband and wife, date and place of matrimony, purpose for acquiring the documents, proof relationship to either the husband or wife, and a proof of identification.

The New York State Department of Health accepts mail requests of marriage certificates. They require a fee of $30 per copy of the certificate and $15 additional fee for priority handling. Government agencies take a while to process the documents. Luckily, you can access them through private record providers. Surf the net so you can find a service provider that will fit your needs and find out if they are for free or do they come with a corresponding fee.

Do not forget that a marriage ceremony cannot be performed without a marriage license. Marriage license records are maintained at the clerk office where the license was filed. You can acquire a license as early as 14 years old but must come with consent from either the parents or a judge from the Supreme Court. A license must be applied for by both the husband and wife in one setting. They are only valid for 60 calendar days and are not ready for use 24 hours after it is issued.

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