Obtaining a Civil Union License

Where to get a license:
If at least one party to the planned civil union lives in Vermont, the license must be obtained from the clerk in the town where either party lives. If both parties are non-residents, any town clerk can issue the license. Check the town clerk's hours in advance, as different clerks keep different hours, and many are not open every day.

Eligibility:
Both members of the couple must be at least 18 years old, of the same sex, and not party to another civil union or marriage. A person cannot enter into a civil union with their parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, sibling, sibling's child, or parent's sibling.

Application and Documentation:
Applicants will need to fill out a form stating legal residence, birth place, parents' names including mothers' maiden name, and parents' birth states. Applicants will also have to provide information on racial background, highest school grade completed, and number of times married. If divorced or widowed, a copy of any divorce decree or death certificate may be required. In addition, the clerk may require proof of age. The clerk may require parties to fill out a form at least one day prior to obtaining the license. Check with the town clerk from whom you intend to obtain a license to find out his or her practice. The cost of a license is $20.

For a guide to Vermont Town Clerks, click here.

Certification:
The civil union must be certified by a clergy member, judge, or justice of the peace within 60 days from date of issue of the license. The certifying person will sign the license, which then becomes known as the civil union certificate. The civil union certificate must be returned to the town clerk within 10 days of certification.

For a partial list of Civil Union officiants, visit the Out in the Mountains website at mountainpridemedia.org. Click on OITM, The Source, and then Civil Union Officiants, or just click here.

Beyond Certification:
Recognition Beyond Vermont: The 1996 federal Defense of Marriage Act limits federal laws and regulations that apply to spouses -- such as immigration status and Social Security benefits -- to heterosexual marriage. At the state level, although non-Vermont residents may obtain a civil union license, it is uncertain what recognition, if any, the civil union license will get from any other state.

Dissolution:
Non-residents should be aware that to dissolve a civil union in Vermont, at least one member of the couple will need to live in Vermont for a year.

Additional Resources:
Vermont Department of Health publication "Civil Unions In Vermont." (Uses Adobe Acrobat)

Vermont Secretary of State's civil union page

Vermont Town Clerks guide (hours, locations, etc.)

More information on getting a civil union and related resources: www.GayWeddingGuide.com

back to top

An Overview of Civil Unions

Read the Civil Union Law