CITY OF PORTSMOUTH, NEW HAMPSHIRE
HOW TO APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE

GENERAL INFORMATION
 Both in state and out of state residents may apply at any City Clerk's Office to
be married in the State of New Hampshire.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
 To apply for the license, both parties must appear at the same time in the
office otherwise an application cannot be completed.

FEES INVOLVED
 The filing fee is $45.00 payable at the time of application filing. Acceptable
payment consists of cash, check, or money order. (PLEASE NOTE: Fee
decrease effective 07/01/2011)

LICENSING TIME FRAME
 The license is valid for ninety days from the date you apply. There is no
longer a waiting period and the license may be used the same day.

IDENTIFICATION
 Picture identification is required upon time of application.

SPECIFIC DOCUMENTATION
 If either party was married previously, the following must be presented, as
applicable:

DIVORCE: A certified copy of the final divorce decree, which must include
a raised seal on the document.

DEATH: A certified copy of the death certificate.

ANNULMENT: A certified copy of the annulment.

APPLICATION HOURS

• Monday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00* p.m.
• Tuesday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30* p.m. 
• Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00* p.m.
  
  (*Please note: the marriage application process can take 20 minutes or so, please apply no later than ½ hour before closing) 

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