Deborah Chan
If you're planning to get married in New Jersey, you'll need to obtain a marriage license. This is an essential step in the wedding planning process, as you cannot legally marry without one. The process of applying for a marriage license can be tedious, but it can be made easier if you are well-prepared. To obtain a marriage license in New Jersey, you must complete a marriage license application form, which can be found online or at the Local Registrar's office. The form must be signed under oath in the presence of the issuing authority. In addition to the application form, you must provide proof of identity and, if applicable, proof of residency. Once the application is submitted, there is a 72-hour waiting period before the license is issued. The license is then valid for six months, but it can be extended to a maximum of one year with prior approval.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to apply for a marriage license | Local Registrar's office in the New Jersey municipality where either party resides |
| Application form | Must be completed and signed in the presence of the issuing authority |
| Validity of application | 6 months, extendable to a maximum of 1 year with prior approval from the Registrar |
| Documents required | Proof of identity (driver's license, passport, state/federal ID), proof of residency if a New Jersey resident |
| Additional documents | Birth certificate, decree/civil annulment documents if divorced or separated, death certificate if the former spouse is deceased |
| Waiting period | 72 hours before the license is issued |
| Remarriage license | Same process as marriage license, but no 72-hour waiting period and requires proof of existing marriage |
| Civil and religious ceremonies | Local Registrar will issue two corresponding marriage licenses marked 'A' and 'B' |
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What You'll Learn
Where to get a marriage license in New Jersey
To obtain a marriage license in New Jersey, you must first complete a marriage license application form. You can either print out the form or get one at the Local Registrar's office. It is important to note that you should not sign the form before going to the Local Registrar. The application must be signed under oath in the presence of the issuing authority.
The next step is to apply for the marriage license in the New Jersey municipality where either party resides. The license is valid throughout the state. If neither applicant is a New Jersey resident, the application must be submitted in the municipality where the marriage ceremony will take place, and the license will only be valid in that municipality.
When applying for a marriage license, you must provide proof of identity and proof of residency if you are a New Jersey resident. Acceptable forms of identification include a driver's license, passport, or state/federal ID. Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation. Additionally, while not required, it is helpful to provide additional documents such as a copy of your birth certificate or any relevant decrees or documents related to previous marriages or civil unions.
There is a 72-hour waiting period before the license is issued, starting when the application is filed with the Local Registrar. This waiting period does not apply to remarriages, but a certified copy of the existing marriage must be provided. The marriage license application is typically valid for six months but can be extended up to a maximum of one year with prior approval from the Registrar.
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What documents are required for a marriage license
To apply for a marriage license in New Jersey, you must complete a marriage license application form. This can be obtained at the Local Registrar's office, where you will also need to sign the application, under oath.
There are several documents required when applying for a marriage license in New Jersey. These include:
- Proof of identity: a driver's license, passport, or state/federal ID.
- Proof of residency: if either applicant is a New Jersey resident, they must provide proof.
- If any documents are in a foreign language, a certified English translation must accompany them.
- Divorce, annulment, or death certificate: if either applicant was previously married, they must provide a decree or civil annulment document. If their former spouse is deceased, a death certificate must be provided.
- Certified copy of your existing marriage: if this is a remarriage.
There is also a $28 fee for the marriage license application. The application is valid for six months from the date it is accepted, unless the Registrar extends the validity to a maximum of one year. If the license expires, a new application must be made, along with another $28 fee.
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When to apply for a marriage license
When applying for a marriage license in New Jersey, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you must complete the marriage license application form, which can be obtained online or at the Local Registrar's office. It is important to note that you should not sign the form before going to the Local Registrar. The application must be signed under oath in the presence of the issuing authority.
In terms of timing, the marriage license application is valid for six months from the date it is accepted. If you need more time, you can request an extension from the Registrar, and the validity can be extended to a maximum of one year. However, keep in mind that only one marriage license can be granted per application. If the license expires before being used, a new application must be submitted along with an additional $28 fee.
There is also a 72-hour waiting period before the license is issued, starting when the application is filed with the Local Registrar. This waiting period does not apply to remarriages, but you must provide a certified copy of your existing marriage. If neither applicant is a New Jersey resident, the application should be submitted in the municipality where the marriage will take place, and the license will only be valid in that issuing municipality.
Additionally, certain documents are required when applying for a marriage license. These include proof of identity, such as a driver's license, passport, or state/federal ID, and proof of residency for at least one applicant if they are a New Jersey resident. Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation. It is also helpful to bring additional documents, such as a copy of your birth certificate, divorce decrees, or civil annulment documents, if applicable.
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The cost of a marriage license
To apply for a marriage license in New Jersey, you must complete the marriage license application form, which can be obtained at the Local Registrar's office. There is a 72-hour waiting period before the license is issued, and the application is valid for six months from the date of acceptance. If neither applicant is a New Jersey resident, the application must be submitted in the municipality where the marriage will take place, and the license will only be valid in that municipality.
The required documents when applying for a marriage license include proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state/federal ID) and proof of residency by one applicant if a New Jersey resident. Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation. While not required, additional documents such as a birth certificate or divorce decrees can be helpful.
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The validity of a marriage license
It's important to note that the marriage license is valid throughout New Jersey if at least one applicant resides in the state. If neither applicant is a New Jersey resident, the license is only valid in the municipality where the marriage ceremony takes place.
There is also a 72-hour waiting period before the license is issued, starting when the application is filed with the Local Registrar. This waiting period is waived in the case of remarriage, but a certified copy of the existing marriage must be provided.
For those who are already married in New Jersey or another jurisdiction, it is possible to reaffirm the relationship or vows by registering a remarriage. The process for a remarriage license is similar to the first-time marriage license process, but proof of the existing marriage must be provided.
To summarise, the validity of a marriage license in New Jersey depends on timely submission of the application, residency status of the applicants, and whether it is a first-time marriage or a remarriage.
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Frequently asked questions
There is a 72-hour waiting period before the marriage license is issued. This waiting period begins when the application is filed with the Local Registrar.
You will need to provide proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state/federal ID) and proof of residency if you are a New Jersey resident. Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
You can obtain a marriage license by visiting the Local Registrar's office in the New Jersey municipality where either party resides. The license is valid throughout the state.
The marriage license application is initially valid for six months but can be extended to a maximum of one year with prior approval from the Registrar.
