New Mexico Marriage License Guide (2026)
New Mexico marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk for $55.00 statewide, set by NMSA 1978 Section 40-1-11, as amended by 2025's SB 290 (Chapter 124, signed 8 April 2025). There is no waiting period and no residency requirement, and the license does not expire once issued. Section 40-1-10(B) requires both parties to personally appear at the county clerk's office — that is the statute here, not just office practice — and asks for identification 'sufficient to satisfy the county clerk', a standard rather than a named document. The officiant must return the completed license within 90 days (Section 40-1-15(A)).
The one thing to knowThe fee rose from $25.00 to $55.00 in 2025 (SB 290, Chapter 124) - older sources may still list $25.00, and some list $40.00, a figure from a 2024 bill that never became law.
The process
- Both parties appear in person — required by statute
NMSA 1978 Section 40-1-10(B) requires the couple to personally appear at the office of the county clerk. If one of you cannot, a district court judge may for good cause authorize that person to obtain the license another way. Bring identification: the statute asks for whatever is 'sufficient to satisfy the county clerk' as to identity and qualification, so the clerk decides what counts — most want a government-issued photo ID. There is no pre-download application.
- Pay the $55.00 fee
The fee is $55.00 statewide under NMSA 1978 Section 40-1-11, amended from $25.00 to $55.00 by 2025's SB 290 (Chapter 124).
- Marry and return the license
The license does not expire and is usable anywhere in New Mexico. The officiant must return the completed license to the issuing county clerk within 90 days of the ceremony.
Marriage license fees by county — all 33 New Mexico counties
| County | Fee |
|---|---|
| Bernalillo County | $55.00 |
| Catron County | $55.00 |
| Chaves County | $55.00 |
| Cibola County | $55.00 |
| Colfax County | $55.00 |
| Curry County | $55.00 |
| De Baca County | $55.00 |
| Dona Ana County | $55.00 |
| Eddy County | $55.00 |
| Grant County | $55.00 |
| Guadalupe County | $55.00 |
| Harding County | $55.00 |
| Hidalgo County | $55.00 |
| Lea County | $55.00 |
| Lincoln County | $55.00 |
| Los Alamos County | $55.00 |
| Luna County | $55.00 |
| McKinley County | $55.00 |
| Mora County | $55.00 |
| Otero County | $55.00 |
| Quay County | $55.00 |
| Rio Arriba County | $55.00 |
| Roosevelt County | $55.00 |
| San Juan County | $55.00 |
| San Miguel County | $55.00 |
| Sandoval County | $55.00 |
| Santa Fe County | $55.00 |
| Sierra County | $55.00 |
| Socorro County | $55.00 |
| Taos County | $55.00 |
| Torrance County | $55.00 |
| Union County | $55.00 |
| Valencia County | $55.00 |
What to bring
- Both parties in person (Section 40-1-10(B))
- Identification sufficient to satisfy the county clerk — call and ask what it accepts
- Payment of $55.00
Frequently asked questions
How much is a New Mexico marriage license?
$55.00 statewide, set by NMSA 1978 Section 40-1-11. It rose from $25.00 to $55.00 via SB 290 (Chapter 124) in 2025.
Does the license expire?
No. Once issued it is valid indefinitely.
Is there a waiting period?
No. There is no waiting period and no residency requirement.
When must the license be returned?
The officiant must return it to the issuing county clerk within 90 days of the ceremony.
Do I need a photo ID, and do they need my social security number?
The statute names no document. NMSA 1978 Section 40-1-10(B) asks for identification 'sufficient to satisfy the county clerk' as to your identity and qualification, so bring a government-issued photo ID and ring ahead to ask what the office accepts. Your social security number is restricted rather than required: the clerk may collect it 'only as provided for in Section 27-1-10 NMSA 1978' and may not disclose it, and it does not appear on the statutory application form at Section 40-1-18.