For couples where either is 16 or 17, written parental consent of both parents is needed. Written consent of just one parent is acceptable in the event that one parent is deceased, the other parent has been missing for one year prior to the application date, or in the event of divorce, with the consenting parent having sole custody of the child when the divorce decree was issued. New York State is very serious about consent for minors to marry. People authorized to execute their consent for a minor's marriage must appear personally before the town or city official. If the notarized affidavit is made before an official outside of the State of New York for consent filed in New York State, it must be accompanied by a Certificate of Authentication.
Proof of age is also a requirement.
Not all documents are acceptable as proof. There are also several others, and that information is available from the town or county clerk's office. Statements by parents are not acceptable proof. New York State also restricts certain family members from marrying one another. If either of the applicants was previously married, information about previous marriages, or, more accurately about divorce will be required.