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New Mexico marriage license: fee, waiting period and how to apply

What New Mexico's official pages say about getting married there: the fee, the waiting period, how long the license lasts, witnesses, officiants, ID and where to apply. Each rule links its source.

By Wedding RemedyPublished October 30, 2026

Editorial standards

New Mexico marriage license at a glance

Fee: $55 at the county clerk, a statewide fee raised from $25 by Senate Bill 290 in June 2025. Cash or card (no American Express). Waiting period: None. The license is ready immediately. How long it is valid: The Bernalillo County Clerk says licenses do not expire.

New Mexico marriage license rules

The rules below restate official pages, linked with the date they were read. Last checked October 30, 2026. Rules and fees change, and this is not legal advice: confirm with the clerk where you apply before you rely on a rule.

Fee: $55 at the county clerk, a statewide fee raised from $25 by Senate Bill 290 in June 2025. Cash or card (no American Express). (Source: berncoclerk.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Premarital education discount: None stated on the official pages we read. Check with your county clerk. Official page
Waiting period: None. The license is ready immediately. (Source: berncoclerk.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
How long the license is valid: The Bernalillo County Clerk says licenses do not expire. (Source: berncoclerk.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where the license can be used: Any county clerk issues licenses; a New Mexico license may only be used for a wedding in New Mexico. Residency is not required. (Source: berncoclerk.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Witnesses: No witnesses are needed to get the license. At the wedding, two witnesses sign the marriage certificate. (Source: berncoclerk.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Who may officiate: Anyone who is licensed, ordained or certified may perform a wedding. It does not have to be a judge, and the clerk does not verify officiant credentials. (Source: berncoclerk.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Officiants ordained online: Not stated here. Ask the county clerk before you rely on an online ordination. Official page
Age: Both must be at least 18. A 16- or 17-year-old needs parental consent; a 15-year-old needs a court order. (Source: berncoclerk.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
ID and documents to bring: Each person brings two current, original forms of government-issued ID, such as a driver license, passport, military ID, Social Security card or birth certificate. Names must match. (Source: berncoclerk.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Where to apply: Both partners go together to a county clerk's office. Bernalillo County Clerk is at 415 Silver Ave SW, Albuquerque. No appointment needed. (Source: berncoclerk.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Online application: Yes. An online application can be filled out before the visit, but both partners must still come to the office to get the license. (Source: berncoclerk.gov, checked October 30, 2026)
Certified copy of the marriage certificate: After the officiant returns the certificate within 90 days and it is recorded, order certified copies online or at the clerk's office for $3 each. (Source: berncoclerk.gov, checked October 30, 2026)

Common questions

How much is a marriage license in New Mexico?

$55 at the county clerk, a statewide fee raised from $25 by Senate Bill 290 in June 2025. Cash or card (no American Express).

Is there a waiting period to get married in New Mexico?

None. The license is ready immediately.

How long is a New Mexico marriage license valid?

The Bernalillo County Clerk says licenses do not expire.

Do you need witnesses to get married in New Mexico?

No witnesses are needed to get the license. At the wedding, two witnesses sign the marriage certificate.

Who can officiate a wedding in New Mexico?

Anyone who is licensed, ordained or certified may perform a wedding. It does not have to be a judge, and the clerk does not verify officiant credentials.

How do you get a certified copy of a New Mexico marriage certificate?

After the officiant returns the certificate within 90 days and it is recorded, order certified copies online or at the clerk's office for $3 each.

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