N.Y. Domestic Relations Law Section 23
Supervision of and inspection of town and city clerks’ records by state commissioner of health

The registration and recording of all marriages outside the city of New York shall be under the supervision of the state commissioner of health. The commissioner, either personally or by an accredited representative, may at any time inspect the record and index of marriage licenses issued by any town or city clerk and promulgate rules and regulations for insuring complete registration. When he shall deem it necessary, he shall report cases of violation of any of the provisions of this article to the district attorney of the county, with a statement of the facts and circumstances; and when any such case is reported to him by the state commissioner of health, the prosecuting attorney shall forthwith initiate and promptly follow up the necessary court proceedings against the person or persons responsible for the alleged violation of law. Upon request of the state commissioner of health, the attorney-general shall assist in the enforcement of the provisions of this article.

Source: Section 23 — Supervision of and inspection of town and city clerks' records by state commissioner of health, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/DOM/23 (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Nov. 1, 2025).

10
Marriage a civil contract 10–A
Parties to a marriage 10–B
Religious exception 11
By whom a marriage must be solemnized 11–A
Duty of city clerk in certain cities of the first class 11–B
Registration of persons performing marriage ceremonies in the city of New York 11–C
Marriage officers 11–D
One-day marriage officiant license 12
Marriage, how solemnized 13
Marriage licenses 13–AA
Test to determine the presence of sickle cell anemia 13–B
Time within which marriage may be solemnized 13–C
Twenty-four hour provision waived in certain cases 13–D
Duty of clerk issuing marriage license 14
Town and city clerks to issue marriage licenses 14–A
Town and city clerks to issue certificates of marriage registration 15
Duty of town and city clerks 15–A
Marriages of minors under eighteen years of age 15–B
Temporary provisions authorizing issuance of marriage license, upon court order, without consent of a parent in armed forces of United St... 16
False statements and affidavits 17
Clergyman or officer violating article 18
Clergymen or officer, when protected 19
Records to be kept by town and city clerks 19–A
Marriages on vessels 20
Records to be kept by the state department of health and the city clerk of the city of New York 20–A
Certified transcripts of records 20–B
Certification of marriage 20–C
Certification of marriage 21
Forms and books to be furnished 22
Penalty for violation 23
Supervision of and inspection of town and city clerks’ records by state commissioner of health 24
Effect of marriage on legitimacy of children 25
License, when to be obtained
Green check means up to date. Up to date

Verified:
Nov. 1, 2025

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 23. Supervision of & inspection of town and city clerks' records by state commissioner of health's source at nysenate​.gov

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