Marriage License

Licenses are generally issued by the state where the wedding is to take place, i.e., a New Jersey license is only good in New Jersey. Applications are made to municipalities – cities, towns, boroughs. Which municipality you apply to often depends on whether one of the parties is a resident of that state but in New York, you can apply to any city or town in New York whether you live there or not. 

1.Proof of identity of both parties - driver’s license, passport, or state/federal ID. 

2. Proof of residency, if one or both is a resident. 

3.  Both parties’ social security cards or social security numbers. 

4. A witness, 18 years of age or older. 

5. The application fee.

In New Jersey, a license cannot be issued until 72 hours after you properly apply for it (unless there is a court order). Since not all registers are open on weekends and holidays, make sure you calculate the timing with those factors considered. 

In New York, the “waiting period” is 24 hours, rather than N.J.’s 72 hours. You can apply as early as 6 months before in New York, but make sure that the register notes the wedding date so that it is not issued prior to 30 days before the wedding.

In New Jersey, a license is good for 30 days from. the date of issuance. In New York, it’s 60 days, starting the day after it is issued. New York provides for a 180-day extension if either party is US active military. 

The person performing the ceremony generally must file the license and certificate. Just make sure it gets done or you may have problems down the line.