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1. How can I register to vote?

You can register to vote if:

• You are not currently serving a sentence, probation, or parole because of a felony conviction
• You are a United States citizen
• You will be 18 years old by the next election
• You will be a resident of the State and county of 30 days before the election

Apply Online

You can apply online to vote.

You may also visit:
Union County Board of Elections
271 Broad Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07208

Phone: 908-527-4123

2. Who is the Councilman for my ward?

• 1st Ward: Carlos Torres
• 2nd Ward: Nelson Gonzalez
• 3rd Ward: Kevin Kiniery
• 4th Ward: Carlos Cedeno
• 5th Ward: William Gallman Jr.
• 6th Ward: Frank O. Mazza

Council-At-Large Members

Or you can reach out to any Council-At-Large Members: Manny Grova, Jr., Patricia Perkins-Auguste or Frank Cuesta.

3. What bills can I pay at City Hall? Where can I pay them?

You may pay your Water bill and your Property Taxes at City Hall which is located at:
50 Winfield Scott Plaza
1st Floor, Room Number 102
Elizabeth, NJ 07201

4. When and where are City Council Meetings held?

City Council meetings are held every other Tuesday, at 7:30 p.m. They are held at:
50 Winfield Scott Plaza
City Council Chambers, 3rd Floor
Elizabeth, NJ 07201

More Information

For more information please contact the City Clerk’s Office: 908-820-4134.

5. Where can I find information on emergency School and Municipal Building closings?

All Municipal Building closings will be posted on the City’s website or Social Media pages. For school closings, your child’s school will call, text, and/or email whenever an emergency closing or delayed opening occurs.

For more information you can visit the Elizabeth Public Schools website or you can call 908-436-5000.

6. Where can I find out when my local Block Watch meetings are?

All information on when block watch meetings are can be found here or on our Facebook.

For more information please contact:
City Clerk’s Office
50 Winfield Scott Plaza
Room 105
Elizabeth, NJ 07201

Phone: 908-820-4134

7. Can I pay my taxes online?

Yes. You can pay your taxes online HERE

8. What are the main emergency phone numbers?

• Fire Department: 908-820-2800
• Police Department: 908-558-2111

Call 911

For all other serious emergencies please call 911.

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1. Where should you apply for a marriage or civil union license?

The marriage or civil union license must be obtained from the registrar in the New Jersey municipality in which either applicant resides, if one or both is resident of New Jersey. (For these purposes, soldiers are residents of the posts at which they are stationed.) A license issued under the preceding circumstances is good for use anywhere in the State of New Jersey. A New Jersey marriage or civil union license may never be used outside of the State of New Jersey and a license issued in another state may never be used within the State of New Jersey. 

Contact Registrar

Be sure to contact the Registrar well in advance of the ceremony to find out on what days and during what hours the Registrar will be in the office. The marriage or civil union license fee is $28.

Non-Residents of New Jersey

If both parties are not residents of New Jersey, the license must be obtained from the Registrar of the municipality where the ceremony is to be performed and is only good for use in that municipality.

More Information

For more information call the Office of Vital Statistics at 908-820-4082.

2. Who can perform a marriage or civil union ceremony?

This information is from Title 37: 1-13.

The following people are hereby authorized to solemnize marriages or civil unions between such persons as may lawfully enter into the matrimonial relation or civil union; and every religious society, institution or organization in this State may join together in marriage or civil union such persons according to the rules and customs of the society, institution or organization:

• Chairman of any township committee or village president of this State
• County clerk and any mayor or the deputy mayor when authorized by the mayor
• Each judge of a federal district court
• Each judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
• Every minister of every religion
• The former County Court, County Juvenile, Domestic Relations Court or the County District Court
• Judge of a municipal court
• Judge of the Superior Court
• Judge of a tax court
• Judge or retired judge of the Superior Court or Tax Court
• Surrogate of any county
• United States magistrate

Contact Us

For more information call the Office of Vital Statistics at 908-820-4082.

3. When should you apply for a marriage or civil union license?

A local Registrar will not issue a marriage or civil union license sooner than 72 hours after the application for a license has been made, unless ordered to do so via a Superior Court order. If the ceremony is scheduled for a Saturday or Sunday, the application should be made no later than the preceding Tuesday. If the application is made on a Wednesday or Thursday, the 72 hours will end on Saturday or Sunday, but the Registrar will probably not be available on those days or any public holiday. If both parties are unavailable to complete the application at the same time, either applicant may complete his/her part of the application and start the waiting period. The other applicant must return with the same witness (who must be at least 18 years old) to complete his/her part of the application.

Turn in Application

The application must be completed by both parties before the license will be issued. The application is valid for six months from the date filed.

Once the License Is Issued

Once the license is issued, it is good for 30 days from the date of issuance.  A couple wishing to have both religious and civil ceremonies may be issued a license for both ceremonies on the basis of a single application. However, a couple wishing to have two religious ceremonies, and wanting to have a public record of each, may not have two licenses issued at the same time. They must apply for and use the first license. They must then return to the Registrar with the signed original certificate and a witness to apply for a remarriage or reaffirmation of civil union license.

Contact Us

For more information call the Office of Vital Statistics at 908-820-4082.

4. What should you bring with you when you apply?

Required documents when applying for a marriage license:

• The $28 application fee
• Proof of identify by presenting your driver’s license, passport or state/federal identification card
• Proof of your residency
• A witness, 18 years of age or older
• Your social security card or social security number

Foreign Language Documents

Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

Identification

Each applicant must supply valid identification that establishes name, age, date of birth and proof of residency. This may be supplied by one or more documents issued by a government agency, such as a driver’s license, military identification, passport or state/county identification card.

Contact Us

For more information call the Office of Vital Statistics at 908-820-4082.

5. Where should the marriage or civil union record be filed?

The person performing the ceremony must file the license and certificate with the Registrar of the municipality in which the ceremony was performed. Since failure to record the certificate may cause considerable inconvenience at a later date when proof of certificate is needed, you should make sure that this has been done. Certified copies of the marriage or civil union event may be obtained from the local Registrar in the municipality where the ceremony occurred or from the State Office of Vital Statistics and Registry. For more information, call the Office of Vital Statistics at 908-820-4082.

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1. ¿Dónde puedo solicitar una licencia de Matrimonio o Unión Civil?

El solicitud para la licencia de matrimonio o unión civil debe ser obtenida en la municipipalidad de New Jersey en qual reside qualquiera de los solicitantes, si uno o ambos son residentes de New Jersey. (Para estos fines el personal militar se considera residentes de la estación donde están reclutados.). Una licencia emitada bajo estas circunstancias es valida en qualquier parte del Estado de New Jersey.

Si ninguno de los aplicantes es residente de New Jersey, debe presentar la solicitud en la municipalidad donde se realizará la ceremonia matrimonial. Esta licencia será valida sólo en esta municipalidad.

Una Licencia de matrimonio o unión civil de New Jersey no puede ser utilizada fuera del mismo estado y una licencia emitida por otro estado no puede ser utilizado en el Estado de New Jersey.

Asegúrese de contactar el oficial de registros civiles con anticipación antes de la ceremonia, para obtener información dobre los días y las horas en las que el oficial de registros civiles estará disponible. La tarifa por la solicitud para la licencia de matrimonio o unión civil es $28.

2. ¿Quién puede efectuar matrimonios o uniones civiles en New Jersey?

Jueces de las siguientes ramas judiciales: Corte de Apelaciones del Tercer Distrito de los Estados Unidos, de la Corte del Distrito Federal, Corte Superior, o, Corte de Rentas Internas, Jueces Retirados de la Corte Superior o de la Corte de Impuestos; Magistrados de los Estados Unidos, Jueces anteriores de la corte de Juveniles y Relaciones Domésticas del Condado, o Corte del Condado quienes han renunciado en buena posición, El Subrogar de cualquier condado, secretario municipal, alcalde o substituto autorizado del alcalde, o Presidente de comité del área/pueblo de New Jersey y ministros de toda religión, son autorizados a solemnizar matrimonios y unions civiles entre tales personas elegibles legalmente para establecer un matrimonio o unión civil; y toda sociedad religiosa, institución y organización en el Estado puede unir en matrimonio o unión civil dichas personas de acuerdo de acuerdo a las normas y costumbres de la sociedad, institución y organización. (Artículo 37:1-3)

3. ¿Cuándo debo presentar la solicitud para la licencia matrimonial or unión civil?

Un oficial local de registros civiles no emitirá una licencia para matrimonio o unión civil antes de 72 horas después de haberse presentado la solicitud para dicha licencia, a menos que se ordene por una orden judicial de la Corte Superior. Si la ceremonia está prevista para un sábado o domingo, la solicitud debe presentarse a más tardar el siguiente martes. Si la solicitud es hecha el miércoles o jueves, las 72 horas terminarán el sábado o domingo, pero probablemente el oficial de registros civiles no estará disponible en esos días o cualquier día festivo. Si ambas partes no están disponibles para completar la solicitud al mismo tiempo, cualquiera de los solicitantes puede iniciar el proceso de espera completando su parte (A ó B) en la solicitud. El otro solicitante deberá volver a completar su parte en la solicitud con el mismo testigo (quien debe ser mayor de 18 años).

La solicitud debe ser completada por ambos solicitantes ante de que la licencia sea emitida. La solicitud es valida por seis meses a partir de la fecha presentada.

Una vez se halla emitido, la licencia esta es valida por 30 días. Una pareja que desee tener ambas ceremonias religiosa y civil, se le puede emitir una licencia para ambas ceremonias con una sola solicitud. Sin embargo, una pareja que desee tener dos ceremonias religiosas, y que desee tenerlas en registro, no podrá tener dos licencias a la misma vez. Deberán solicitar y utilizar la primera licencia y luego volver donde el oficial de registros civiles con el certificado original firmado y un testigo para solicitar una licencia para un re-matrimonio o reafirmación de unión civil.

4. ¿Qué debo presentar a solicitar la licencia para matrimonios o uniones civiles?

Documentos requeridos para solicitar una licencia para Matrimonio:

1. Prueba de identidad: licencia de conducir, pasaporte o identificación federal/estatal.
2. Prueba de domicilio.
3. Tarjeta de seguro social o número de seguro social.
4. Testigo mayor de 18 años.
5. Tarifa por solicitud $28.

Documentos internacionales en otro idioma deben ser acompañados por una traducción en inglés certificada.

Documentos adicionales (estos son documentos útiles pero no requeridos):

1. Copia de su partida de nacimiento para identificar los nombres de sus padres y datos de nacimiento.
2. Si esta divorciado, tuvo una anulación de matrimonio/unión civil, finalizo una sociedad doméstica, favor de proveer los decretos de divorcio o documentos de anulación civil.
3. Si su pareja anterior falleció, favor de proveer el acta de defunción.

Cada uno de los solicitantes debe proveer identificación válida estableciendo nombre, edad, fecha del nacimiento y prueba de dirección. Esto puede ser proveído por uno o más documentos emitidos por una agencia gubernamental, tales como copias certificadas de partidas de nacimientos, licencias de conducir, identificación militar, el pasaporte o tarjeta de identificación estatal/de condado.

5. ¿Dónde se archiva el registro de Matrimonio o Unión Civil?

El individuo que efectúa la ceremonia debe archivar la licencia y el certificado con el oficial de registros civiles de la municipalidad donde se efectuó la ceremonia. Puesto que la falta de registrar el certificado puede causar considerables inconvenientes más tarde cuando prueba del certificado sea necesaria, asegúrese de que esto se haga.

Copias certificadas del evento matrimonial o de la unión civil pueden ser obtenidas de la oficina Local de Registros Civiles donde se efectuó el evento o de la Oficina Estatal de Registros Civiles.

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1. What are City of Elizabeth Alerts?

City of Elizabeth (COE) Alerts use an application to send emergency alerts, notifications and updates about the community to your cell phone, mobile device, home phone, work and/or email account. In the event of an emergency, public safety agencies such as City Hall, Police or Fire Department will be able to provide emergency information directly to you. All you have to do is sign up for a free COE Alerts account.

2. What is a City of Elizabeth Alerts Account?

Each person may sign up for a City of Elizabeth (COE) Alerts account. You can add multiple devices (cell phones, smartphones, tablets and email addresses) to your COE Alerts account. Alerts can be sent to all devices listed in your COE Alerts account. Contact the Public Information Bureau at 908-820-4124 for more information.

3. How do City of Elizabeth Alerts work?

In an Emergency situation, an alert may be sent by emergency response agencies by text, email or voice recording to your mobile device, home or business phone. Check these messages promptly and follow the instructions. Additional instructions may follow throughout the emergency situation so keep your phone near you. Even if the cell phones are busy, text messages may still come through to your phone. For more information, call the Public Information Bureau at 908-820-4124.

4. Who sends out alerts?

City of Elizabeth (COE) Alerts are managed by the City of Elizabeth’s Bureau of Public Information. The service is free to register and is available to all residents in Elizabeth and more. Questions can be emailed to the Webmaster.

5. What type of alerts will be sent?

Residents are given the option to sign up for Emergency Alerts, Advisory Alerts or Community Alerts or may choose to receive all alerts. These may include information about severe weather, street closures, events or disaster notifications. A few examples of the type of messages that can be sent through City of Emergency (COE) Alerts are:

Emergency Alerts

• Notify residents of available evacuation routes during an emergency
• Notify residents of the location of the nearest emergency shelter, hours of operation during a crisis (i.e: storms, blizzards, power outages, extreme heat or cold)

Advisory Alerts

• Event announcements, which may impact Traffic and Parking
• Health Alerts
• Power Outages
• Road Closures
• Weather Warnings

Community Alerts

• Block Watch Meeting Announcements
• Event Announcements
• Festivals or Parades
• Parking or Garbage rules suspended

6. Why should I enter my address?

While an address is not mandatory, City of Elizabeth (COE) Alerts can be tailored to a particular area. When you enter an address, such as your home, work, child’s school or a relative’s home, the address is geocoded within the mapping system. A map system allows emergency personnel to focus their alerts down to a specific neighborhood or any entire city. If you don’t include at least one address, you may miss an important alert or receive alerts for the entire City of Elizabeth. For more information, call the Public Information Bureau at 908-820-4124.

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1. How do I get a permit to film in Elizabeth?

To obtain a film permit, the film company must complete a Film Permit Application at least 10 days prior to date on which permit is required for commercial motion picture use and 48 hours prior for still photography use. The City of Elizabeth requires all film companies to provide proof of adequate insurance for all film projects, insuring the City of Elizabeth up to $1,000,000. 

2. How long does the permitting process take?

The permitting process depends on the project type. Typically a permit can be issued within 48-72 hours.

3. Why do I need to fill out an insurance requirement form?

The insurance forms are needed to protect the City of Elizabeth from liability during your shoot.

4. How much is the filming fee?

There is a mandatory fee of $500.00 for every 8 hours, made out to the City of Elizabeth.

5. Do we have to pay for parking?

For parking accommodations, you will need to call the Parking Authority, 908-353-0949. Additional costs may apply.

6. Where do I contact you?

You can email the Public Information Officer, Ruby Contreras at rcontreras@elizabethnj.org

Visit the Public Information Office:

City of Elizabeth, Room 211
50 Winfield Scott Plaza
Elizabeth, NJ 07201

Or call the Public Information Office at 908-820-4124

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1. What things do I require a permit for?

You may inquire about what types of permits you need by contacting:
Central License Division
50 Winfield Scott Plaza
Elizabeth, NJ 07201

Phone: 908-820-4178

2. How can I apply for a permit?

You may inquire about how you can apply for a permit by contacting or visiting:
Central License Division
50 Winfield Scott Plaza
Elizabeth, NJ 07201

Phone: 908-820-4178

3. Can I get married license and/or divorced at City Hall?

You may apply for a Marriage License at:
Vital Statistics Office
Room G12
50 Winfield Scott Plaza
Elizabeth, NJ 07201

You may apply for a State Marriage/Divorce at:
Union County Court House
2 Broad Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201

4. Is there a Public Record’s Department?

You may fill out a Request for Government Records at:
City Clerk’s Office
Room 105
50 Winfield Scott Plaza
Elizabeth, NJ 07201

Phone: 908-820-4134

5. Where can I go to pick up a Police Report?

Police Reports can be filled out and picked up at:
Elizabeth Police Department
1 Police Plaza
Elizabeth, NJ 07201

 For more information please contact the Police Department: 908-558-2111

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1. Who investigates serious incidents involving police officers and where can I find public internal affairs forms?

The Internal Affairs Unit receives all complaints and conducts a preliminary inquiry.  If the complaint suggests the possibility of any criminal behavior, on the part of the officer, the County Prosecutor's Office becomes the lead investigators of the complaint. Police involved shootings are investigated by the state Attorney General’s Office.

2. How do I report a concern involving a police officer?

If you have a concern or complaint regarding a police officer, please complete the Citizen Complaint form, found below. This form can be submitted electronically to policecomplaints@elizabethnj.org or mailed to the Internal Affairs Unit at 1 Police Plaza, Elizabeth, New Jersey, 07201. 

Internal Affairs Complaint English	Internal Affairs Complaint Spanish	Internal Affairs Complaint Portuguese
Internal Affairs Complaint Arabic	Internal Affairs Complaint Creole	Internal Affairs Complaint Chinese
Internal Affairs Complaint Korean	Internal Affairs Complaint Polish	Internal Affairs Complaint Hindi
Internal Affairs Complaint Tagalog	Internal Affairs Complaint Vietnamese

Civilian Complaint Information Sheet English	Civilian Complaint Information Sheet Spanish	Civilian Complaint Information Sheet Portuguese
Civilian Complaint Information Sheet Arabic	Civilian Complaint Information Sheet Creole
Civilian Complaint Information Sheet Korean	Civilian Complaint Information Sheet Polish	Civilian Complaint Information Sheet Hindi
Civilian Complaint Information Sheet Tagalog	Civilian Complaint Information Sheet Vietnamese

3. How do I hire an off-duty police officer?

If you are interested in hiring an off-duty police officer, please contact the Extra-duty Assignment office at 908-558-2009. Our hours of operation are 7 am – 4 pm, Monday through Friday. If you are in need of service after hours, please call the desk lieutenant at 908-558-2015.

Request of Extra Duty Police Services

4. How do I become an Elizabeth Police Officer?

 If you are an Elizabeth resident that is interested in becoming a City of Elizabeth police officer please check the state website for information and updates regarding the next civil service exam. www.state.nj.us/csc

 To be eligible to take the written civil service exam, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Must be between the ages of 18-35

Must be a U.S. citizen

Must possess a high school diploma/GED

Must possess a valid NJ Driver’s license at the time of training

Must be a resident of the city of Elizabeth

5. How can I obtain a police report?

There are two ways to obtain a police report from the Elizabeth Police Department:

1. In-person: Records Division window, which is open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM. This option is free of charge.

2. Mail a letter to the Records Division requesting a copy of a report along with a business check or money order in the amount of $5.00, payable to: Elizabeth Police Department. In order to ensure proper delivery please include a name and return address. Please mail your request to: 

Elizabeth Police Department

Records Division

1 Police Plaza

Elizabeth, New Jersey 07201

6. How do I get the Police Department Officer public discipline records?

Major Discipline Report

Summary Report Form Agency Disposition

Summary Report Form Court Dispositions

Professional Standards Summary Report Form Appendix S

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1. When are my garbage/recycling days?

• Garbage is picked up on Monday and Thursday for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd wards.
• Garbage is picked up on Tuesday and Friday for the 4th 5th, and 6th wards.
• Recycling for all of Elizabeth is picked up on Wednesdays.

2. How can I find out if street parking rules are in effect?

Street parking rules are always in effect. For more information call 908-820-4134.

3. Who can I contact about bulk pick up?

For more information, you can call City Yard at 908-820-4147 or you can access our Recycle Coach App.

4. Who can I call to report a pothole?

You can report a pothole at 908-820-4102, along with other issues by downloading our GovPilot App.

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1. Who do I contact about children’s programs or after school activities for kids?

You can contact the Office of Youth at 908-820-4032 or the Office of Recreation at 908-820-4220. Please be sure to check with your child’s school. They may also have afterschool activities or programs, and you may contact them with the number they provided for you.

2. How can I find out what events are going on in Elizabeth?

Events happening in our City are posted on our Social Media accounts.

• Facebook
  
• Instagram

More Information

For more information please contact the Public Information Office at 908-820-4124.

3. I’m a Senior, are there services for me?

Yes! There are many services provided to our Seniors. For more information, please contact 908-820-4044 or visit:
Office on Aging
Room Number G8
50 Winfield Scott Plaza
Elizabeth, NJ 07201

4. Who can I contact if I see a lost, injured, or mistreated animal?

For all inquiries involving animals, please contact Animal Control at 908-820-4242. To report animal abuse or a mistreated animal, please call the Police Department at 908-558-2111.