Frequently Asked Questions

Yes.  All appointments are on Mondays or Tuesdays from 8:30am to 3:30pm.  Please call our office at (973) 882-2700 x2501 to make an appointment.

Yes. Your domestic partnership is still valid as it was entered into under the law in place at the time. However, you continue to have only the rights afforded to domestic partners and not the full rights of married couples as are given to civil union couples. 

No. There is no basis to recognize the assumption of the partner’s last name. A legal name change must be filed with the courts and an original copy of the final judgment presented to the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry.

No. Domestic partners who wish to enter into a civil union with the same person do not need to terminate their domestic partnership. Once they have entered into the civil union, their domestic partnership will automatically terminate if it was registered in New Jersey. If it was registered outside New Jersey, the laws of that state would determine the validity of the domestic partnership following the civil union. 

Information regarding benefits can be found at the Division of Pensions and Benefits.

No. Just as with opposite-sex couples, so long as your out-of-state marriage is consistent with the laws and public policy of New Jersey, your marriage is valid and recognized in this State and you will not need to enter into a New Jersey marriage.

No. You must contact the state or country in which you were married.

Each judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, each judge of the federal district court, United States magistrate, judge of a municipal court, judge of the Superior Court, judge of a tax court, retired judge of the Superior Court or Tax Court, or judge of the Superior Court or Tax Court, the former County Court, the former County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, or the former County District Court who has resigned in good standing, surrogate of any county, county clerk and any mayor or former mayor not currently serving on the municipal governing body or the deputy mayor when authorized by the mayor, or chairman of any township committee or village president of this State, and every minister of every religion, are hereby authorized to solemnize marriages or civil unions between such persons as may lawfully enter into the matrimonial relation or civil union; and every religious society, institution or organization in this State may join together in marriage or civil union such persons according to the rules and customs of the society, institution or organization. A civil celebrant shall be authorized to solemnize marriages or civil unions if certified by the Secretary of State.

Yes. It is recommended you check the Internet website for the particular Internet ministry to verify that their ministers are authorized to perform marriage ceremonies.

In order to request a delayed report of marriage, you must first file an application requesting the marriage certificate to ensure the record is not on file. If the marriage occurred within the last seven years and documentary proof is available a late marriage can be recorded. If the marriage took place more than seven years ago a delayed report must be filed by providing a copy of the marriage license application and documentary proof the marriage occurred. If the marriage license application is not available, then a court order must be obtained directing the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry to place the marriage on file as a delayed record. Please contact the Record Modification unit at 1-866-649-8726 option 4 for further information.

The Township of Fairfield charges $10.00 per copy.  The fees for copies of vital records vary by municipality. Please contact the municipality where the event took place for more detailed information.

Local copies are valid for all purposes except for the following instance:

• If the copies are being presented to a foreign country that is part of the Hague Treaty, the copies need an Apostille Seal from the New Jersey Secretary of State. The Apostille Seal can only be applied to certified copies of vital records issued from the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry.