No, you do not need a blood test to get married in NJ. New Jersey dropped its premarital blood test requirement decades ago, and today no medical test, physical exam, or health screening is part of getting a marriage license in the state. The application turns entirely on identification, a bit of personal history, a witness, and a $28 fee.
Why the Blood Test Is No Longer Required
Premarital blood tests were once standard across the country, mainly to screen for syphilis before a couple could legally marry. New Jersey’s version dated to 1938. The legislature later repealed the mandate, striking sections N.J.S.A. 37:1-20 through 37:1-26 from the marriage code. The exact effective date is muddled in some older write-ups, but the requirement has been gone for many years. Nothing in the current application process asks about your health.
What You Actually Need to Bring
Both applicants have to appear in person at the local registrar’s office with a witness. Plan on bringing:
- A government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license, passport, or state or federal ID card.
- Your Social Security number. State law requires it for U.S. citizens; the number is kept confidential and used only for child support enforcement purposes.1Justia. New Jersey Code 37-1-17 – Marriage or Civil Union License; Information Provided
- Proof of New Jersey residency, such as a utility bill or lease, if at least one of you lives in the state.
- The full names and county of birth of each applicant’s parents.
- One witness at least 18 years old who personally knows both of you.2New Jersey Department of Health. Marriage Licenses
- The date and municipality of the planned ceremony.
- Certified English translations of any foreign-language documents.
If either of you has been previously married, divorced, had a civil union dissolved, a domestic partnership terminated, or a marriage annulled, you need the month, year, and county of that event. You also cannot currently be a party to another marriage, civil union, or domestic partnership recognized by New Jersey.2New Jersey Department of Health. Marriage Licenses
Both applicants must be at least 18. New Jersey allows no exceptions for parental consent or judicial approval.3Justia. New Jersey Code 37-1-6 – Prohibition of Marriage or Civil Union License for Minors
The Department of Health posts a downloadable application you can fill out ahead of time, but do not sign it at home. You sign under oath in front of the licensing official.2New Jersey Department of Health. Marriage Licenses If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have a Social Security number, call the local registrar before your appointment to confirm what documentation they will accept.
The 72-Hour Waiting Period
Once the application is filed and the $28 fee is paid, a mandatory 72-hour waiting period begins. The registrar cannot release the license until those 72 hours have passed. After it is issued, the license is valid for 30 days. Miss that window and you start over with a new application and another $28.4Justia. New Jersey Code 37-1-4 – Issuance of Marriage or Civil Union License
A Superior Court judge can shorten or waive the 72-hour wait, but only on a showing of emergency with proof satisfactory to the court. The judge’s order is filed with the licensing officer and attached to the application.4Justia. New Jersey Code 37-1-4 – Issuance of Marriage or Civil Union License Active-duty military members are the most common recipients, though the statute isn’t limited to them.
Where to File
If at least one of you lives in New Jersey, you apply at the local registrar in that person’s municipality, and the license is good for a ceremony anywhere in the state.2New Jersey Department of Health. Marriage Licenses If neither of you is a resident, you have to apply in the specific municipality where the ceremony will take place, and the license is only valid there.5Cherry Hill Township, NJ. Marriage License A destination wedding filed in the wrong town is not a license you can use. Most registrar offices work by appointment, so call or check the municipality’s website before you go.