New York Marriage Records

New York is an open-record state. Vital records of many different kinds including birth, death, divorce and marriage can be obtained by following set guidelines. New York Marriage Records, along with the other aforementioned records, are kept by the New York State Department of Health’s Vital Records Certification Unit.

Obtaining New York Marriage Records from the Vital Records Certification Unit is a straight forward process but can be time consuming. Requests for New York Marriage Records can be made by submitting an application via the US Postal Service to the Vital Records Processing Center. Each copy of a marriage record from the Vital Records Certification Unit costs $30 or $45 depending on whether or not priority handling is requested. If priority handling is requested individuals are recommended to submit an application to the Vital Records Processing Center by overnight delivery. These priority requests will then be handled and sent back by first class mail or overnight delivery if a prepaid return mailer is provided. Money must be sent as a check or money order made payable to the New York State Department of Health. Mailed-in cash will not be accepted.

The New York State Department of Health provides individuals with a downloadable application that must be filled out to obtain New York Marriage Records. If an individual seeking a New York Marriage Record is not listed on the marriage certificate they must provide documentation establishing a proper purpose for seeking the record.

Information required within this application includes the name of both marriage participates, the county and location in which the marriage took place, the purpose for why the record is being requested and things of that nature. Applicants must also provide a valid form of identification in the form of a photocopied driver license, passport or U.S. Military issued photo-ID. The Department of Health also accepts photocopies of utility or telephone bills that show the applicants name and address as valid forms of identification.

Upon completing and submitting the necessary documents, individuals seeking New York Marriage Records can expect to wait 10 – 12 weeks from the day the application is received. However, those who opt for priority handling can see that time shaved down to 2 – 4 weeks from the time the application is received but pay a higher fee as detailed above.

Vital Records Certification Unit contact info:
Address: New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602

New York Marriage License Public Records

When seeking New York Marriage Records it takes quite some time before the request is filled even when priority handling is requested. Luckily, thanks to the emergence of the Internet, there is no shortage of online providers willing to make things easy for you. These online Marriage Record providers take the hassle away from searching for New York Marriage Records and accept requests 24/7. These requests are backed by full-refund guarantees and are usually ready within minutes and not weeks. Give one a try here. Order a professional Marriage Records Search with Archives today!