Couples planning to get married in New Mexico will soon see an increase in marriage license costs.
The Sandoval County Clerk’s Office announced that starting June 20, marriage license fees will increase from $25 to $55 statewide.
The increase is the result of Senate Bill 290, which was signed into law by the governor on April 8.
This is the first time in 22 years the fees have risen, though they will remain lower than those in neighboring states such as Arizona and Texas.
According to Sandoval County Clerk Anne Brady-Romero, the additional funds will support improvements to local recordkeeping systems and help fund critical programs through New Mexico’s Children’s Trust Fund, which focuses on child abuse prevention and family services.
The new $55 fee will be distributed as follows:
$20 to the County Clerk’s Office for document preservation and technology upgrades
$20 to the Children’s Trust Fund
$15 to the county general fund
Marriage licenses in New Mexico do not expire, allowing couples the flexibility to apply ahead of their planned ceremonies.
However, applications must be submitted in person and require an appointment. After the ceremony, the signed certificate must be returned to the Clerk’s Office within 90 days for official recording.
Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sandoval County Administration Building, 1500 Idalia Road in Bernalillo.
Residents can call 505-867-7572 for scheduling or more information.
For details, visit www.sandovalcountynm.gov.