Requirements
The following is required at the time a couple applies for a marriage license:
     *$55.00 Cash, American Express, MasterCard, Visa, or Discover
          (If using a card, there is a $2.00 service charge - Chaves County does not retain the service fee)
     *Proof of age and identity is required & is normally satisfied with a government-issued photo ID
     *If a government-issued photo ID is not available, an original or certified copy of a birth certificate must be presented along with another form of photo ID.

Both applicants must appear in person. If an applicant cannot appear in person, a District Judge must authorize the issuance of the marriage license. Marriage licenses must be purchased prior to the ceremony. The license is valid for a ceremony to be held anywhere within the State of New Mexico. The signed license must be returned to the County Clerk’s Office within 90 days of the ceremony.

Marriage Applications can be started online. Begin the application process here.  Once the application has been submitted, both applicants must visit the County Clerk's Office to complete the application process. A deputy clerk will ask for identification from both applicants to verify the information submitted. After verification, a Marriage Application must be signed, and a Marriage Certificate will be given to the applicants. The certificate is to be completed by the individual performing the marriage ceremony. Once the ceremony has been performed, the certificate must be returned to the Clerk's Office to record the marriage information. You will then be provided with a certified copy of the Marriage License and a completed Marriage Certificate. 

Minor Applicants

For applicants who are 16 or 17 years old, in addition to the above requirements, you must have:

  • An original or certified copy of your birth certificate.
  • Written consent of each living parent listed on the birth certificate. If a government-issued photo ID is not available, an original or certified copy of a birth certificate must be presented along with another form of photo ID.

Written consent may be provided in person at the Clerk’s Office or through a notarized statement. If a parent is deceased, a certified copy of the death certificate is required. If a parent is not deceased and is unable or unwilling to provide written consent, authorization to issue the marriage license must be provided by a District Judge.

Marriages of persons under 16 years of age are only permitted when a District Court Judge has authorized the marriage.

Certified Copy of Marriage Licenses

To obtain a Certified Copy of a Marriage License, submit your request through the Tyler Web Public Document Search. Please include a phone number along with your request. A staff member will call to process your request and verify protected information.

Fees
Marriage License Application - $55.00
Certified Copy of a Marriage License - $2.50 per copy
Duplicate Marriage Certificates - $5.00 per copy