New Mexico marriage license: cost and requirements
There is no waiting period and the license doesn't expire. You need 2 adult witnesses.
New Mexico summary
Official source Reviewed Nov 4, 2026 · Official source, with details that may vary.
- Cost
- Varies by county: $55 in Santa Fe and Doña Ana. The statute cited in 2013 set $25.
- Waiting period
- No waiting period (Santa Fe County).
- Validity
- Does not expire (Santa Fe County).
- Witnesses
- 2 witnesses age 18 or older at the ceremony (NMSA 40-1-2, cited by Santa Fe County).
How much is a marriage license in New Mexico?
Varies by county: $55 in Santa Fe and Doña Ana. The statute cited in 2013 set $25.
What do you need to get the license?
- ID: Current government photo ID (name and date of birth) or a valid passport.
- Minimum age: 18 with ID. At 16 or 17: certified birth certificate and consent from each living parent, or a court order. Under 16: only with an order from a district court.
- Other requirements: Both must appear together. No blood test is required. The signed license is returned within 90 days after the ceremony.
Where do you get it, and who issues it?
County clerk.
Where it is valid: Any New Mexico county.
Is there a waiting period, and does it expire?
- Waiting period: No waiting period (Santa Fe County).
- Validity: Does not expire (Santa Fe County).
How many witnesses, and who can marry you?
- Witnesses: 2 witnesses age 18 or older at the ceremony (NMSA 40-1-2, cited by Santa Fe County).
- Who can officiate: Ministers ordained by a religious organization or authorized tribal authorities; also judges.
New Mexico counties with an AltarPlan guide
We haven't published New Mexico county guides yet: we verify them one by one against the official source. In the meantime, these rules apply statewide and the office can confirm the exact fee.
Other counties couples often look up
We haven't verified these counties yet. The New Mexico rules on this page apply; the fee and the office depend on the county, so confirm them on the official website.
- Bernalillo County (Albuquerque)State rule No guide of its own yet.
- Dona Ana County (Las Cruces)State rule No guide of its own yet.
How to get a marriage license in New Mexico
- Confirm where to apply: County clerk.
- Gather your ID: Current government photo ID (name and date of birth) or a valid passport.
- Get your payment ready: Varies by county: $55 in Santa Fe and Doña Ana. The statute cited in 2013 set $25.
- Count the waiting period: No waiting period (Santa Fe County).
- Marry within the validity period: Does not expire (Santa Fe County).
- Before you go, confirm everything with the office that issues the license: fees and hours change.
Frequently asked questions
Is a New Mexico marriage license valid anywhere in the state?
Any New Mexico county.
What is the minimum age to marry in New Mexico?
18 with ID. At 16 or 17: certified birth certificate and consent from each living parent, or a court order. Under 16: only with an order from a district court.
Who can officiate a wedding in New Mexico?
Ministers ordained by a religious organization or authorized tribal authorities; also judges.
Does AltarPlan issue the license?
No. AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. This information is a general guide, not legal advice: confirm with the office.
Sources and review date
- Santa Fe County Clerk, Marriage Licenses (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
- Doña Ana County Clerk, Marriage License (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
Reviewed Nov 4, 2026. If you spot an error, write to us.
AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the county office.