How to Get a Marriage License in New Jersey
New Jersey marriage license at a glance
- License fee
- $28 (statewide statutory fee; local registrar)
- Waiting period
- 72 hours (3 days; from time of application — waivable by a judge)
- Minimum age
- 18 (New Jersey bans all marriage under 18 — no exceptions, 2018 law)
- Blood test
- no
New Jersey is different. marriage under 18 fully banned, no exceptions
Confirm the fee before you go. check the exact, current fee on the issuing county clerk's own fee schedule. This page is informational only and is not legal advice.
A couple seeking a marriage license in New Jersey applies to the Local Registrar of Vital Statistics in the municipality where either applicant resides, or where the ceremony will take place if neither applicant is a resident of the state. The statewide statutory fee is $28. Applicants must provide a government-issued photo ID, proof of age, and Social Security number. A witness age 18 or older must be present to sign the application, and a separate witness age 18 or older must be present at the ceremony itself.
New Jersey imposes a 72-hour waiting period from the time of application, though a judge may waive this requirement. The state does not conduct blood tests and offers no statewide online application process. Notably, New Jersey bans marriage for anyone under age 18 with no exceptions under state law. The marriage license, once issued, is valid for 30 days and the ceremony must occur within that window. Before applying, individuals should confirm the current fee and all procedural requirements with their county's Local Registrar of Vital Statistics or consult the official New Jersey government website, as rules and local practices may change.
What a marriage license actually is
A marriage license is the government document that authorizes your marriage; you apply for it before the ceremony, and once it’s signed and returned it becomes your marriage record. The fee, waiting period and ID rules below are what each state and county sets — always confirm the exact current amount with the issuing clerk.
| Requirement | New Jersey |
|---|---|
| License fee | $28 (statewide statutory fee; local registrar) |
| Fee set by | State (statewide) |
| Waiting period | 72 hours (3 days; from time of application — waivable by a judge) |
| License validity | 30 days (license valid 6 months but ceremony within the issuance window; verify locally) |
| ID required | government photo ID; proof of age; SSN; 1 witness (18+) to the application |
| Residency required | apply in the NJ municipality where either applicant resides; non-residents apply where the ceremony occurs |
| Minimum age | 18 (New Jersey bans all marriage under 18 — no exceptions, 2018 law) |
| Blood test | no |
| Witnesses | 1 witness (18+) signs the application; 1 witness at the ceremony |
| Online option | no statewide online option; apply at the Local Registrar of Vital Statistics |
| Where to apply | Local Registrar of Vital Statistics (municipality; statewide fee) |
| Governing law | Set by state statute — refer to your state’s official statutes and the issuing County Clerk for the governing rule |
Full New Jersey requirements → · Fees & waiting → · How to apply → · Look up another state →
Compiled from public-record New Jersey marriage law and the issuing agency, verified June 2026. Primary source → · How we compile this. Informational only — not legal advice.