New Jersey marriage license: cost and requirements
You must wait 72 hours from the application and bring an adult witness. After that the license lasts 30 days.
New Jersey summary
Official source Reviewed Nov 4, 2026 · Official source, with details that may vary.
- Cost
- $28.
- Waiting period
- 72 hours from when the application is submitted until the license is issued; a Superior Court judge can waive it. Does not apply to vow renewals with an existing certificate.
- Validity
- 30 days from issuance (the application is good for 6 months).
- Witnesses
- 1 witness age 18 or older when the application is submitted.
How much is a marriage license in New Jersey?
$28.
What do you need to get the license?
- ID: Driver's license, passport or state or federal ID; proof of residence; Social Security card or number.
- Minimum age: 18, with no exceptions.
- Other requirements: Documents in another language must have a certified English translation.
Where do you get it, and who issues it?
Local registrar of the municipality where either of you lives; if neither lives in NJ, the one for the municipality of the ceremony.
Where it is valid: All of New Jersey if either of you is a resident; if neither is, only in the municipality that issued it.
Is there a waiting period, and does it expire?
- Waiting period: 72 hours from when the application is submitted until the license is issued; a Superior Court judge can waive it. Does not apply to vow renewals with an existing certificate.
- Validity: 30 days from issuance (the application is good for 6 months).
How many witnesses, and who can marry you?
- Witnesses: 1 witness age 18 or older when the application is submitted.
- Who can officiate: We couldn't confirm this at the official source. Ask the office.
New Jersey counties with an AltarPlan guide
We haven't published New Jersey county guides yet: we verify them one by one against the official source. In the meantime, these rules apply statewide and the office can confirm the exact fee.
Other counties couples often look up
We haven't verified these counties yet. The New Jersey rules on this page apply; the fee and the office depend on the county, so confirm them on the official website.
- Bergen County (Hackensack)State rule No guide of its own yet.
- Essex County (Newark)State rule No guide of its own yet.
- Hudson County (Jersey City)State rule No guide of its own yet.
- Middlesex County (New Brunswick)State rule No guide of its own yet.
- Passaic County (Paterson)State rule No guide of its own yet.
- Union County (Elizabeth)State rule No guide of its own yet.
How to get a marriage license in New Jersey
- Confirm where to apply: Local registrar of the municipality where either of you lives; if neither lives in NJ, the one for the municipality of the ceremony.
- Gather your ID: Driver's license, passport or state or federal ID; proof of residence; Social Security card or number.
- Get your payment ready: $28.
- Count the waiting period: 72 hours from when the application is submitted until the license is issued; a Superior Court judge can waive it. Does not apply to vow renewals with an existing certificate.
- Marry within the validity period: 30 days from issuance (the application is good for 6 months).
- Before you go, confirm everything with the office that issues the license: fees and hours change.
Frequently asked questions
Is a New Jersey marriage license valid anywhere in the state?
All of New Jersey if either of you is a resident; if neither is, only in the municipality that issued it.
What is the minimum age to marry in New Jersey?
18, with no exceptions.
Does AltarPlan issue the license?
No. AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. This information is a general guide, not legal advice: confirm with the office.
Sources and review date
- NJ Department of Health, Applying for a Marriage/Civil Union License (fact sheet, June 2018) (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
- NJ Department of Health, Marriage Licenses (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
Reviewed Nov 4, 2026. If you spot an error, write to us.
AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the county office.