Updated November 2025 — Valid for 2026 • Verified: January 8, 2026
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If you live in New Jersey and need to prove that you are legally free to marry abroad, foreign governments, consulates, and local civil registries will usually ask for two things:
This guide explains exactly how to prepare the correct document, how to notarize it, how to request an apostille, and how to avoid common mistakes that lead to delays. Everything here is aligned with real New Jersey administrative procedures, and is designed to be simple, practical, and easy to follow.
Most countries require proof that you are legally free to marry before they issue a marriage license, approve a residency application, or process certain legal matters.
Because you live in New Jersey (or because your documents originate here), the foreign authority typically expects:
An apostille simply verifies that the signature on your document (the notary or state official) is legitimate according to New Jersey state records. It does not validate your marital status directly—it confirms the authenticity of the official who signed your document.