By Dina Falcone

Lysander Town Clerk

On August 20, 2019, the governor passed a law waiving the New York state fee on marriage licenses for active duty members of the armed forces.

The law does not define active duty. However, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a person who is active duty is in the military full time. They work for the military full time, may live on a military base, and can be deployed at any time. Persons in the Reserve or National Guard are not full-time active duty military personnel, unless they are called up and deployed for service. They are considered active duty during the term of that service.

Executive law section 354-d states, “Proof that the applicant is a member of the armed forces of the United States shall be furnished to the satisfaction of the official issuing the marriage license.” Therefore, my office will review written confirmation of active duty status.

I am pleased to offer this fee waiver for active duty members. I believe this is just another way we can thank these men and women who deserve our gratitude for their willingness to serve this country and help protect our rights and our freedoms.

You can view the text of the bill at legislation.nysenate.gov/pdf/bills/2019/A55.

If you have any questions related to marriage licenses in New York state, contact the Lysander Town Clerk’s office at 315-638-0224 or [email protected].