Vital Statistics

Domestic Partnership in New Jersey Frequently Asked Questions

• When did Domestic Partnership take effect?
  Domestic Partnership became effective on July 10, 2004.

1. Share a common residence in New Jersey or any other jurisdiction provided that at least one of the applicants is a member of a New Jersey State-administered retirement system;
2. Both persons are jointly responsible for each other’s common welfare as evidenced by joint financial arrangements or joint ownership of real or personal property;
3. Both persons agree to be jointly responsible for each other’s basic living expenses during the domestic partnership;
4. Neither applicant is in a marriage recognized by New Jersey law or a member of another domestic partnership;
5. Neither person is related to the other by blood or affinity up to and including the fourth degree of consanguinity;
6. Both persons have chosen to share each other’s lives in a committed relationship of mutual caring;
7. Neither applicant has terminated another domestic partnership within the last 180 days. (This prohibition shall not apply when the previous partnership ended due to the death of the other partner).

1. A Personal Benefits Statement from the current or previous year;
2. a 1099R from the current or previous year or
3. a Certificate of Pension Membership.

• Where do I go to get an Affidavit of Domestic Partnership?
  The Affidavit of Domestic Partnership must be obtained from a Local Registrar of Vital Statistics in any municipality throughout the State of New Jersey. The Affidavit of Domestic Partnership does not have to be obtained (or filed) in the municipality in which the domestic partners reside. A list of Local Registrars is available by accessing the Department of Health "Find a Local Registrar" Webpage.

• What is a Certificate of Domestic Partnership?
  A Certificate of Domestic Partnership is the document that is prepared by the Local Registrar after you have filed your signed and notarized Affidavit of Domestic Partnership. Each partner is presented with an informational copy of t he Certificate at the time it is prepared. This informational copy is only issued as your receipt that your Domestic Partnership has been registered; it serves no legal purpose. Each partner will also receive a copy of the Affidavit of Domestic Partnership and a copy of the Notice of Rights and Obligations for Domestic Partners.

1. Each applicant must supply valid identification that establishes name, age and date of birth. This may be supplied by one or more documents issued by a government agency, such as a certified copy of a birth certificate, driver’s license, military identification or state/county identification card.
2. Applicants must bring with them proof of their residence. If the residence is outside the State of New Jersey, at least one of the applicants must provide proof of membership in a New Jersey State-administered Retirement System by providing one of the following documents issued by the Division of Pensions and Benefits:
   

a Personal Benefits Statement from the previous year;
a 1099R from the previous year, or
a Certificate of Pension Membership.

a. Joint deed, mortgage agreement or lease;
b. Joint bank account;
c. Designation of one of the persons as primary beneficiary in the other person’s will;
d. Designation of one of the persons as primary beneficiary in the other person’s insurance policy or retirement plan; or:
e. Joint ownership of a motor vehicle.

1. Where do I obtain a certified copy of my Domestic Partnership?
   A certified copy of the Certificate of Domestic Partnership can be obtained from the Local Registrar’s office where the partnership was registered or from the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry.