Bergen County has no single county clerk issuing marriage licenses — state law puts this with each municipal registrar. Bergen has more municipalities than any other county in New Jersey, with over 70 towns, boroughs, and cities, each with its own registrar’s office.
| License fee | $28, the statewide fee set by New Jersey law. |
|---|---|
| Waiting period | 72 hours from the time the application is submitted (weekends count); waivable by a Superior Court judge for good cause (New Jersey statewide rule). |
| Documents / ID required | Proof of identity (driver’s license, passport, or state/federal ID), proof of residency, and a Social Security number for both applicants, plus one witness aged 18 or older. |
| License validity | The license must be used within 30 days of issuance (New Jersey statewide rule). |
| Where & how to apply | Apply in the New Jersey municipality where either applicant resides — for example, the Hackensack Registrar for Hackensack residents. If neither applicant is a New Jersey resident, apply in the municipality where the ceremony will take place; in that case the license is valid only in the issuing municipality. |
| Office hours | Varies by municipal registrar — confirm hours for your specific municipality. |
Special notes
Frequently asked questions
Which office do we go to in Bergen County?
It depends on your address: apply at the registrar of the municipality where either applicant lives. New Jersey law assigns marriage licensing to individual municipalities, not a single county office, and Bergen County has more than 70 of them.
What if neither of us lives in New Jersey?
Apply in the municipality where your ceremony will take place. In that case, the license is only valid for a ceremony performed in that specific municipality.
Last verified: September 2026
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