New Jersey Marriage License Requirements
New Jersey is different. marriage under 18 fully banned, no exceptions
In New Jersey, applicants must be at least 18 years old to marry; the state permits no exceptions to this minimum age requirement, a restriction established by law in 2018. Applicants must present a government-issued photo ID, proof of age, and a Social Security number. A blood test is not required. One witness who is at least 18 years old must sign the marriage license application, and an additional witness must be present at the ceremony.
Residency requirements depend on the applicants' location. Those residing in New Jersey must apply for the license in the municipality where either applicant lives. Non-residents who plan to marry in New Jersey must apply in the municipality where the ceremony will take place. A $28 fee applies statewide. A mandatory 72-hour waiting period follows approval of the application, though a judge may waive this period. Those seeking to marry in New Jersey should confirm all current eligibility requirements and procedures with the county clerk's office in their jurisdiction and review the state's official statutes.
| 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 |
Confirm locally. Requirements come from public-record state law and can change. Verify with the issuing county clerk or state .gov. Informational only — not legal advice.
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