New Jersey Apostille for Marriage Certificates: What You Must Know

Many couples are surprised to find out that their standard New Jersey marriage certificate isn’t valid for use in another country. If you’re planning to move abroad, apply for a spousal visa, or register your marriage overseas, you’ll likely need something called an apostille. This is an official form of authentication that proves your marriage certificate is legitimate and recognized internationally.

If you're not sure where to begin, you're not alone. Many people feel confused, but this is simple once you understand the steps. In this blog, we’ll help you with everything about the apostille for a New Jersey marriage certificate without any errors and delays.

If you're dealing with international legal, immigration, or citizenship matters, a regular marriage certificate won’t be enough. You’ll likely need it apostilled, which is a form of authentication accepted by countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. Here are some common reasons:

• International Marriage Registration
  If you were married in New Jersey but now live abroad, or your spouse is a foreign national, you may be required to register your U.S. marriage in another country.
• Visa and Immigration Applications
  Spousal visas and residency permits often require a New Jersey apostilled marriage certificate to verify your relationship in the eyes of a foreign government.
• Dual Citizenship or Citizenship by Descent
  Countries like Italy, Poland, and Spain may require apostilled marriage documents when processing dual citizenship or citizenship by descent applications.
• Legal and Financial Procedures Abroad
  Whether it’s dealing with taxes, inheritance, or property, many legal matters in foreign countries demand properly apostilled documents.

Before starting the apostille process, make sure your marriage certificate meets New Jersey’s requirements. Submitting the wrong type of document can cause delays or rejection.

• Issued Within the Last 5 Years
  Marriage certificates that were issued within the last 5 years are generally accepted for apostille. If your certificate is older than 5 years, it's recommended to request a new certified copy from the New Jersey Department of Health or your local registrar before applying.
• Must Have an Official Seal and Signature
  The certificate must include an official signature and a raised or embossed seal to prove its authenticity. These elements confirm that it’s a government-issued, certified document.
• Photocopies Are Not Accepted
  Photocopied, scanned, or printed versions of the certificate will not be accepted. You must provide the original certified copy issued by the appropriate state or local authority.

Once you’ve confirmed that your marriage certificate is eligible for an apostille, the next step is to begin the New Jersey apostille process. Follow these steps to complete it without unnecessary delays.

Step 1: Get a Certified Copy of Your Marriage Certificate in New Jersey

To start, you’ll need a certified copy of your marriage certificate. This is the only type of document accepted for apostille processing. You can request a certified copy from the New Jersey Department of Health – Vital Records office or from your local municipal registrar, depending on where your marriage was originally recorded. You can also request a certified copy online through VitalChek, a secure and authorized service used by many state agencies.

Be sure to provide all the required information, such as full names, the date of marriage, and valid identification, to help avoid any delays in processing.

Step 2: Fill out the Online Apostille Request Form
You can complete the apostille request online through the official New Jersey Apostille portal. Here's how to do it:

• Choose your service type (Standard or Expedited)
• Select the country where the marriage certificate will be used

• Enter details from your marriage certificate:

  -Names on the certificate

  -Date of marriage

  -City or county where it was issued

  -Name of the registrar or official who signed it

• If you're submitting translated documents, add each one separately
• Select how you'd like to receive your completed apostille (mail or in-person pickup)
• Carefully review all entered details
• Print the confirmation page; you’ll need to include it when mailing or delivering your documents.

Step 3: Choose a Submission Method
After completing the online application, you’ll need to choose the submission method that works best for you to send your documents to the New Jersey Division of Revenue.

• Mail-In Submission
  If you're submitting your apostille request by mail, include your certified marriage certificate, printed confirmation page from the online request portal, and your payment. Send everything to the New Jersey Division of Revenue – Apostille Section. It’s best to use a trackable mail service like USPS Priority, FedEx, or UPS to make sure your documents arrive safely. Always keep a copy of the tracking number for your records. Mailing is a dependable option if you’re handling the process yourself and don’t need urgent turnaround.
• In-Person Submission
  You may be able to drop off your apostille documents directly at the Division of Revenue office in Trenton, NJ. Bring your certified marriage certificate, confirmation cover sheet, and payment. Since in-person services may not always be available, it's a good idea to call ahead to confirm their current procedures and hours. This option can help save mailing time and allows for quicker drop-off, especially if you're nearby and want to ensure your paperwork is received without delay.
• Use a Professional Apostille Service

If you’re short on time or want to avoid mistakes, you can use a New Jersey apostille service like Globiea to handle the process. Our services will help you gather your documents, print your online confirmation, and submit everything correctly to the state. We also offer expedited options, tracking, and other services. It’s a convenient choice for those dealing with urgent travel, visa, or international marriage registration needs. Apostille companies are experienced with New Jersey requirements and can save you time and hassle.

Step 4: Complete Payment
If you're submitting the apostille request yourself, prepare a check or money order made payable to “Treasurer, State of New Jersey.” Make sure the payment is correctly filled out and included in the envelope with your other documents. Do not send cash or attach the payment to any forms.

If you’re using a third-party apostille service, they may handle the payment for you as part of their package. In that case, you’ll typically pay the service directly, and they will include the correct payment when submitting on your behalf. Always confirm what's covered before proceeding.

Step 5: Processing Time and Delivery Expectations
The standard processing time for apostilles in New Jersey typically ranges from 5 to 15 business days, depending on how busy the state office is at the time of submission. As of now, the state does not offer any official expedited processing. However, if you're in a hurry, using a professional apostille service may help speed up the process, as they often handle submissions more efficiently. One such company is Globeia, which ensures the safe and timely return of your apostilled document. Be sure to include a prepaid, trackable return envelope with your submission.

To ensure a smooth and error-free apostille process for your New Jersey marriage certificate, keep these key points in mind:

1. The Certificate Must Be Issued in New Jersey
Only marriage certificates officially issued within New Jersey can be apostilled by the New Jersey Division of Revenue. If your certificate was issued in another state, you’ll need to follow that state’s apostille process.

2. Use a Certified Original Copy
Submit a certified copy of your marriage certificate, not a photocopy or digital scan. The document must include the raised or embossed seal and an official signature from the issuing authority.

3. Submit the Correct Online Application
Complete the online apostille request through the NJ Division of Revenue’s portal. Be sure to print and include the confirmation cover sheet when mailing your documents.

4. Indicate the Destination Country
Clearly state the country where your document will be used. This helps ensure the apostille is prepared in compliance with that country’s legal requirements under the Hague Apostille Convention.

5. Include a Trackable Return Envelope
Always include a prepaid return envelope with tracking. This ensures your apostilled marriage certificate is returned safely and allows you to monitor its delivery.

6. Check Current Processing Times
Before mailing your documents, check the official New Jersey Division of Revenue website for updated processing times or temporary service changes. This helps you plan and avoid unnecessary delays.

Hiring a professional apostille service can save time and reduce errors, but choose wisely. Look for transparent pricing, experience with New Jersey marriage certificates, and complete support, including document review and tracking. Always check reviews and credentials before sharing your documents.

Want to know more? Read our full blog on the benefits of using a trusted third-party apostille provider.

Getting an apostille on a New Jersey marriage certificate is a key step if you need it recognized abroad. The process isn't difficult, but it does require precision using a certified copy, filling out the correct forms, and submitting everything properly. If you’d rather not handle it alone, Globeia offers professional apostille services that take care of the details for you. Whether you're preparing for immigration, dual citizenship, or legal matters overseas, having the apostille in hand ensures your marriage certificate is globally valid and stress-free.