Vital Statistics

Marriage License

Application Instructions:

To obtain your marriage license, please print and fill out the application form. You can also pick up a copy at the Local Registrar’s office.

Make sure not to sign the marriage application until you are at the Local Registrar’s office. You will need to sign it in front of the issuing authority while under oath.

Entering into a Marriage or Civil Union in New Jersey Brochure

Marriage License Application

Marriage Requirements:

To enter into a marriage in this state, both individuals must meet the following conditions:

  • They must not be currently involved in another civil union, domestic partnership, or marriage, whether in this state or recognized by it.
  • They must be at least 18 years old.

Where to Apply:

Applications for a marriage license should be submitted in the New Jersey municipality where either party resides. The license will be valid throughout New Jersey. If neither applicant lives in New Jersey, the application should be filed in the municipality where the wedding will take place; in this case, the license will only be valid in that specific municipality.

Contacting the Local Registrar:

Please reach out to the Local Registrar to find out whether marriage license applications are processed during regular business hours or if appointments are necessary.

Documents Needed for Marriage License Application:

When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide:

  • Proof of identity, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state/federal ID.
  • Evidence of residency.
  • Your Social Security card or Social Security number.*
  • A witness who is at least 18 years old.
  • The application fee of $28.

*Note: Providing a Social Security number is legally required for U.S. citizens and will remain confidential. Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

Additional Documents (Helpful but Not Required):

  • A copy of your birth certificate to verify your parents’ names and birth details.
  • If applicable, bring any divorce decrees or documents related to previous civil unions or domestic partnerships.
  • If your former spouse or partner has passed away, please provide their death certificate.

After You Apply:

Once your application is submitted, there is a 72-hour waiting period before the marriage license is issued. This period starts from the date the application is filed with the Local Registrar. However, if you are remarrying, the waiting period does not apply, but you must bring a certified copy of your current marriage.

The marriage license is valid for six months from the acceptance date. If it expires before use, you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. The only exception is if both a civil and religious ceremony are scheduled for the same day. In this case, the Local Registrar will make copies of the marriage application and issue two licenses, one for each ceremony.

Remarriage:

If you are currently married in New Jersey or in an opposite-sex marriage recognized from another state or country, you have the option to reaffirm your relationship by registering a Remarriage.

To apply for a Remarriage, you’ll need to provide proof of your existing marriage, meet the criteria for entering into a marriage in New Jersey, and follow the application guidelines outlined above.

The process for obtaining a Remarriage License is similar to that of a Marriage License, but it requires documentation of your current marriage. Additionally, once you submit the application, there is no 72-hour waiting period for the license to be issued.

Vital Record Requests

When requesting a vital record, it’s important to choose the appropriate type of copy for your needs. Here are the options:

  • Certified Copies: These feature a raised seal from the issuing office and are printed on special safety paper from the State of New Jersey. Certified copies are official documents and can be used to verify identity.
  • Certifications: These are printed on plain paper without a seal and are marked to indicate they cannot be used for identity verification or legal purposes. Certifications are primarily useful for genealogical research. Note that death record certifications do not include the Social Security Number or Cause of Death.

To obtain a copy of a vital record, you need to provide the following:

  1. A completed application (available for download below).
  2. Proof(s) of your identity.
  3. The appropriate fee.
  4. Proof of your relationship to the individual named on the record (required only for certified copies).

Non-Genealogical Records Request Form

Genealogical Records Request Form