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A
N G U I L L A
The Government of Anguilla permits visiting couples to marry on
the island under the authority of a special license which takes
48 hours to process. It is recommended that couples arrive several
days before the intended ceremony date to arrange paperwork.
Visitors from America, Europe and any country that are allowed entry
without special permission are invited to come to Anguilla for their
wedding.
Documents required to apply for a marriage license are the same
as the documents needed for entry to Anguilla. These documents include:
proof of citizenship such as a valid passport or birth certificate
and driver's license with photo. In the event that one or both of
the "intended" are re-marrying, proof of divorce or death
certificate is required.
If one partner resides in Anguilla for at least fifteen days before
the date of marriage, the cost of the license is US$40. If the stay
is shorter, then the cost of the license is $284 stamp duty. Two
witnesses are required.
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A N T I G U A
-Residency of three working days prior to ceremony
-Affidavit, obtained in Antigua, stating that both parties are single and free to marry
-Birth certificates, Passports, Special marriage license - obtained from the Ministry of Justice, Divorce Decree Absolute (if applicable)
Civil Fees (not including resort/hotel cerermony,
flowers, photos etc)- April 1, 2002
Special marriage license - US$150
Registration fee - US$40
Marriage Officer's fee - US$50
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A R U B A
Civil marriages are now possible in Aruba, but they must take place
at the Civil Town House. Couples may also arrange a religious blessing
after they have been legally married or just hold a romantic celebration
beachside if they prefer. The following are the guidelines for the
various ceremonies.
CIVIL Legal Requirements:
- All Civil/Legal Ceremonies must take place in the Civil Town
House
- Documents include:
A) Copies of birth certificate for bride and
groom with apostille (state certification).
B) Passport picture page or valid state issued
picture I.D. for Bride & Groom.
C) Witness (18 years up) passport picture page
or valid state issued picture I.D. (minimum 2 witnesses) Witnesses
can provided locally if bride and groom are traveling alone at
$50 each by a weddingplanner.
D) Certificate of no impediment for bride and
groom (also referred to as a “single status report”
and in some states called a “negative statement of marriage”).
This certificate of no impediment is obtained at the bureau of
vital statistics which is located in the department of health.
E) If either party has been divorced we need
to receive a copy of the 1st and last page of the divorce decree(s).
F) If either party is a widow(er) we need to
receive a copy of the pertaining death certificate.
Ceremony can take place in the late morning or early afternoon
on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays.
Saturdays are also available in the late mornings at an additional
$150 surcharge.
- All documents are to be faxed for review and then submitted
by courier (i.e. FedEx) at least one (1) month prior to desired
wedding date.
Please contact a wedding planner or your host hotel wedding coordinator.
CATHOLIC:
(Must call first as this is on hold until review of procedures is
complete):
1. Proof That the prospective bride and groom have attended pre-marriage
preparation.
2. Permission from their priest to get married in Aruba.
3. An official declaration stating that neither party has been previously
married in a Church is also required from their local priest.
4. Copy of Wedding Certificate showing that they have been legally
married in their home country.
5. Baptismal and Confirmation certificates of both parties as well
as copies of their passports or I.D. Cards.
6. The proposed wedding must take place "inside" the Church
building.
7. All documents must be submitted 4 months prior to chosen wedding
date.
PROTESTANT / EPISCOPALIAN / METHODIST:
1. Wedding Ceremony can be affiliated in the local Protestant /
Episcopalian or Methodist Churches or anywhere else the couple desires.
2. If Married outside Aruba, copy of marriage certificate from their
home country.
3. Proper attire is required for all "religious blessings"(
ie: No Swimsuits nor Wraps for the Bride: Shorts are acceptable
for the Groom.
JEWISH:
1. Both partners MUST bet Jewish and need to submit a verification
of Judaism from the Rabbi of their hometown
2. The Aruban Cantor accepts Jewish status certificates from valid
Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Liberal and Re-Constructionist Authorities.
3. A formal petition needs to be submitted to the Aruba Jewish Community.
4. The wedding ceremony may take place either in the synagogue or
any other venue of choice.
5. The synagogue of Aruba is an independent Conservative-Reform
style congregation.
AT SEA:
A boat captain is not authorized to officiate a wedding according
to Dutch laws. This applies for international waters as well as
in port. The only exception to this rule is if he has been given
authority by the country under whose flag the ship is registered.
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B
A H A M A S
- Both parties must be in The Commonwealth of the Bahamas at
the time of the application.
- Persons wishing to be married in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas
may do so after one day. That is to say, if a person arrives in
The Bahamas on Monday, they may come into the Registrar General
Office on Tuesday, obtain a Marriage License (while waiting),
and be married on the same day.
- If either part has been divorced, the original final decree
or a certified copy must be produced. If either party is widowed,
being certified of the deceased spouse must be produced. If either
party is unmarried, being a citizen or resident of the U.S.A.,
a declaration certifying this fact must be sworn before a U.S.
Consul at the American Embassy, Nassau, The Bahamas.
- If either party is unmarried, being a citizen or resident of
a country other than the U.S.A., a declaration certifying this
fact must be sworn before a Notary Public or other person authorized
to administer oaths in that country and must accompany the application
for the marriage Licence.
- The parties must produce some form of identification which
has a photograph attached. The identification document must have
been issued by a Government Office in the country where the parties
reside.
- The parties must produce evidence of the date of their arrival
in The Bahamas.
- Persons desirous of being married in a family Islands ( any
Island outside of New Providence) can obtain a Marriage License
at the Commissioners’ Office on that Island and need not
come toNassau.
- No blood test is necessary.
- The fee for the license is $100.00.
Note: Marriage licenses are issued at the office
of the Registrar General in Nassau. This office is opened to the
public Mondays to Fridays between the hours of 9:30 a.m. –
4:30p.m.
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B
A R B A D O S
It is very easy to get married in Barbados. There is no required
waiting period or minimum length of stay. Application for a marriage
licence must be made by both parties in person at the office of
the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Documents Required:
- Valid Passports or the original or certified copies of birth
certificates.
- If either party was divorced, an original Decree Absolute or
a certified copy of the Final Judgement.
- If either party was previously married and widowed, a certified
copy of the Marriage Certificate and Death Certificate in respect
of the deceased spouse.
- Where necessary, all documents not in English must be accompanied
by a certified translation.
- Fees: if neither party is a citizen or resident of Barbados
- BDS $150.00 cash and a $25.00 stamp.
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B
R I T I S H V I R G I N I S L A N D S
Licences will take 3 working days to process and are valid for
3 months.
In order to apply for a marriage licence if you have been in the
BVI for 15 days or more you must fulfill the following requirements:
- Pay a fee of $50 in postage stamps from the Post Office
- Have proof of identity and residential status including proof
of entry to the BVI such as a passport, birth certificate.
- If previously married, proof of marital status
- Two witnesses should be present to witness and sign the application
- If a minister or civil marriage officer will be performing
the marriage ceremony then a letter is required from that person
stating their intent to perform the ceremony.
- If the ceremony will be performed by the Registrar then an
appointment should be made with the Registrar immediately after
applying for the licence.
- Applicants under the age of 18 years require their parents
consent to apply for a marriage licence and both parents should
be present to sign a consent form.
- Once an application has been processed, the licence will be
sent to the Governor's Office for his approval and signature.
The approved licence will then be sent to the Registrar's office
for collection.
In order to apply for a special marriage licence if you have been
in the BVI for less than 15 days you must fulfill the following
requirements:
- Pay a fee of $110 in postage stamps from the Post Office
- Have proof of residential status including proof of entry to
the BVI such as a passport stamp.
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C
A Y M A N I S L A N D S
Getting married in the Cayman Islands is fast and easy. Couples
can marry the same day they arrive in the Cayman Islands, including
those arriving by cruise ship. There is no longer a 72 hour waiting
period. All packages can be easily customized to include transportation
to and from the cruise ship pier.
HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED:
We can take care of all your legal requirements, including securing
the services of a Marriage Officer and getting the Cayman Islands
Marriage License. We will fax the blank form to you to be filled
out, or if you wish, we can mail it to you. The application fee
for the License, including stamp duty, is $250 U.S. (or CI$190 in
Cayman Islands Dollars).
The Marriage License application form requires:
Full names of the Bride and Groom, permanent addresses in your country
of residence and occupations of both parties, and your temporary
address in the Cayman Islands. The names of the Bride's and Groom's
father are also required, even though the application form doesn't
specify. Prior to your arrival on Grand Cayman, we will make arrangements
for the Marriage Officer to meet with you at a convenient time,
at your hotel/condo or at the cruise ship pier, to discuss the ceremony
and sort out the final details for the Marriage License. Both parties
must sign the Application form. The License can be obtained on the
same day of application.
Couples will also need to provide the following when applying
for a Marriage License:
The Cayman Islands international embarkation/disembarkation card
showing proof of entry. Visitors arriving by air receive this from
Immigration upon arrival into the Cayman Islands. Cruise ship passengers
may present their Sail and Sign Card to show they are legally in
port.
Valid passports or certified copies of birth certificates along
with photo identification. The minimum legal age to marry without
parental consent is 18 years of age. In the case of previously married
individuals, original or certified copies of the divorce decree
or death certificate (if spouse has died) are required. These may
be faxed in advance, but you will still need to bring the original
or certified copies with you.
Two witnesses should be present at the ceremony. They can be provided
if required.
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C
O S T A R I C A
Foreigners are permitted to get married in Costa Rica. The required
legal ceremony can be performed by an attorney.
Residency Requirements: none
Waiting Period : none, however, it will take 4-6 weeks to obtain
a copy of your marriage certificate (see below).
Applications and/or Documents Required: Bring along original copies
of the following (and be sure pack these in your hand luggage, never
in your checked bags):
- A valid passport
- Certified copy of birth certificate
- If previously married, bring a certified copy of the divorce
decree or a certified copy of death certificate if marriage ended
due to death.
If you have not been married before, you must come to the Embassy's
Consular Section and make a sworn statement that you are free
to marry.
Please note that your marriage cannot be recognized until a marriage
certificate is issued by the Costa Rican Civil Registry (Registro
Civil). The issuance of the marriage certificate normally takes
4-6 weeks.
Having Your Marriage Recognized: In order for the marriage to
be recognized you must do the following:
- The Costa Rican marriage certificate must be translated into
English by any official translator of the Ministry of Foreign
- It has to be authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Relations
- The certificate must be notarized and signed by the Embassy's
Consular Section
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C
U B A
Nothing is more romantic than a wedding on a tropical island. And
Cuba has it all – theme weddings; splashy weddings; exotic
weddings; quiet weddings; combined weddings and honeymoons.
Your travel agent and Cuban wedding planners can help you design
a perfect day. Here are a few pointers to help you get started.
- If you have never been married
before, all you need is a passport that is valid throughout your
stay in Cuba, and a tourist card (available from a travel agent,
airline or the Cuban consulate).
- If either the bride or groom
has been married before, the previously married person must, in
addition to the valid passport and tourist card, also produce
the following documents:
• if divorced: his/her birth certificate
and Certificate of Divorce;
• if widowed: his/her birth certificate, Certificate of
Marriage and Certificate of Spouse’s Death.
Have your birth certificate and any divorce/marriage/death documents
translated into Spanish and certified by a notary public and legalized
by the Cuban consul in Canada (service fee applies).
- In addition, you must:
Create a sheet that lists your names, home address, occupations,
level of education, nationality and the full names of your parents,
living or deceased.
Attach the photo page of your passport to this sheet.
Fax copies of all documentation (including the extras described
above if you have been married before) in both English and Spanish
to your hotel in Cuba at least three weeks before your arrival
there.
Bring all your original documents with you.
Your marriage will be formalized in the name stated on your passport.
Your passport must therefore be correct, and the name on your
passport must match that on all your other documents.
After your wedding, your Marriage Certificate will be prepared
as quickly as possible and either given to you before you leave
(time permitting) or couriered at the hotel’s expense to
the home address on your documents. Your marriage is legalized
by the Canadian Embassy in Havana and the Cuban Foreign Affairs
department.
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D
O M I N I C A N R E P U B L I C
The necessary documents to get married in the Dominican Republic
are as follows:
- Original birth certificates, two copies (must also be translated
into Spanish).
- Valid signed Passports, two copies of the photo page.
- Solemn declaration that the parties involved are single for
each other (one per person, have to include the passport number
of each one, the place of work of each one and the names of each
persons parents).
- Divorce certificates if applicable. Death certificate, if applicable.
Send original or notarized photocopy and two photocopies of each.
In either case, a minimum waiting period of ten months applies
before a woman can remarry.
- Two witnesses and photocopies of their valid signed passports
and must be traveling with you. The hotel may provide witnesses
if none available.
Please note that your first, middle and last name must be the
SAME in your passport and statutory declaration. If name is different
on your birth certificate, please indicate that in #1 on your
declaration.
Note: *The 3rd and 4th documents must be translated
into English with an official translator or at the Consulate and
must be legalized by the Dominican Consulate in Montreal.
* You must send the original documents and the translations.
* Legal fees of US $75 for each document (3rd and 4th).
* Translations at the Consulate has an extra charge of US $40 each
document.
Note: Some hotels in the Dominican Republic may
charge legal fees for the authentication of documents legalized
by Dominican Consulates abroad by the Secretary of State of Foreign
Affairs.
All documents must be prepared within 3 months of wedding date.
Click on “Sample Copy”
for the Statutory Declaration of Single Status, as provided by the
Consulate of the Dominican Republic, Montreal, CANADA. Please note
that you will require Adobe Acrobat to view the attached document.
If you do not have Adobe Acrobat, click
here to download.
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G
R E N A D A
Many of the hotels in Grenada which organize weddings will make
all the necessary legal arrangements for you once you have arrived
on the island, making the whole process absolutely troublefree.
- Visitors to the island must be resident on the island for a
minimum of three (3) workings days (this excludes weekends and
public holidays) before applying for a license.
- Application for a Marriage License is then made at the Prime
Minister's Office and the necessary stamp duty and license fees
have been paid. This process takes approximately two days, but
slightly longer if either partner is divorced as a documents have
to be sent to The Ministry of Legal Affairs.
The Documents Required:
- Valid passports
- Birth certificates.
- If one of the parties is divorced, proof of a Decree Absolute.
- Proof of Single Status: an affidavit, or a letter from a clergyman,
lawyer or Registry on an official letterhead attesting to the
fact that the parties involved have not been married previously.
- If a name has been changed by Deed Poll proof is required.
- If either party has been widowed, then a death certificate
is needed.
- If either party is under the age of 21 evidence of parental
consent is required in the form of an affidavit.
- All papers must be in English. If the originals are another
language, they should be translated into English and certified.
- No blood test are required.
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H
A W A I I
• There are no residence or citizenship requirements.
• The legal age to marry is 18 years. However, with the written
consent of both parents, legal guardians or family court, either
party may be married at 16 or 17. To be married at age 15 requires
the written consent of both parents or legal guardian and the written
approval of a judge of the family court. The parents or guardian
do not have to reside in the state. Consent forms may be obtained
from a marriage license agent.
• A certified copy of a birth certificate must be presented
for anyone 21 and under. For anyone 21 and over, proof of age may
be requested in the form of a valid state or military I.D. or driver's
license.
• Proof of divorce or death of a former spouse is not required,
but applicants should be prepared to provide the date and location
of the divorce or death on the marriage license application.
• Both bride and groom must be present at the time of application.
• Cousins may marry, but a blood relationship between the
prospective bride and bridegroom cannot be closer than first cousins.
For example, uncle/niece, half-brother/sister may not marry.
• Blood tests are not required.
• The fee for a marriage license is $60, payable in cash
at the time you file your application. You will be issued a license
on the spot if you meet all the requirements. If you don't use the
license within 30 days of its issuance, it becomes null and void.
The license must be used in the state of Hawai'i.
Doing the Paperwork
You can download a marriage license application from the State Department
of Health, or pick up an application at a state marriage license
office. However, both parties to the marriage must appear IN PERSON
to file the application. Proxies are not allowed, and you may not
mail in the application.
Marriage Certificates
When your marriage ceremony concludes, your officiant will file
the paperwork necessary for you to receive a copy of your marriage
certificate. It may take several weeks for your certificate to arrive
in the mail. If in the future you need additional copies of your
marriage certificate, the state of Hawai'i's Health & Human
Services/Vital Records division offers specific instructions online.
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J A M A I C A
Visitors can be married just 24 hour after arriving in Jamaica
providing prior application has been made for a marriage license.
The cost of a license is four thousand Jamaican dollars (approximately
US$75-US$80).
To apply for your marriage license, call our Ministry of National
Security at
1-876-906-4908 or visit:
The Ministry of National Security
Mutual Life Building
2 Oxford Road, Kingston 5.
Office Hours:
Monday to Thursday 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Friday from 9:00 A.M to
4:00 P.M.
Unlike many countries, Jamaica does not expect you take a blood
test before getting married. However, the following documentation
is required:
- Proof of citizenship - certified copy of birth certificate,
which includes father’s name.
- Parent’s written consent if under 18 years of age.
- Proof of divorce if applicable (original certificate of divorce).
- Certified copy of death certificate for widow or widower.
- Italian nationals celebrating their wedding in Jamaica must
notify their embassy and a certified copy of their marriage certificate
forwarded to their embassy to be legalized and translated.
- French Canadians need a notarized translated copy of all documents
and a photocopy of the original French documents.]
There are non-denominational Marriage Officers who can officiate
either at their offices, in their homes or at a place chosen by
the couple, and are able to provide witnesses. Marriage Officers
charge anywhere from US$50 – US$250.
Some hotels will make all arrangements for you. Special package
prices include performance of the ceremony, tax, transportation
costs and expenses incurred plus any other special requests (wedding
cake, etc.). Check with your hotel as these packages vary.
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M E X I C O
Marriage Requirements in Mexico
1. In Mexico only the civil marriage is recognized
as legal. A civil marriage in Mexico is fully valid for legal purposes
worldwide.
2. Canadian citizens or Landed immigrants wishing
to get married in Mexico, must present the following documents before
the Officer of the Civil Registry's office of the city or town where
the marriage is to take place:
a. A completed application form obtained in
Mexico at the Registry's Office. This includes a statement as
to whether the couple will maintain separate property and goods
or have joint property. This statement may not be valid for future
purposes, under Canadian law.
b. Certified copy of their Canadian Birth Certificate,
which must be legalized by the Consulate of Mexico.
c. If either party has been married before, they
must present either a certified copy of the Divorce decree, duly
legalized by a Mexican Consulate with jurisdiction where the divorce
was filed; or, a certified copy of a Death Certificate duly legalized
by a Mexican Consulate with jurisdiction over the place where
the spouse died.
d. Results of a Clinical Analysis (Blood Test),
to be done in Mexico.
e. Tourist card and/or visa as well as a copy
of the passport to demonstrate migratory status; (for citizens
of Canada, the United States and Japan, a certified copy of the
Birth Certificate along with another piece of identification will
suffice).
f. Two legally qualified witnesses (over 18 years
of age), who must be present at the ceremony.
g. The Consular fee, as established at the time
of application. The exchange rate is set each month.
3. Marriages are performed at the offices of the
Civil Registry, but may be performed elsewhere for an additional
fee (Marriage fees vary throughout Mexico). Persons staying at a
hotel can obtain addresses and fees from hotel management.
4. A certified copy of the Original Marriage Certificate
(Acta de Matrimonio) may be obtained from the Office of the Civil
Registry, once the marriage has been performed. This document can
be legalized by the Canadian Embassy or Canadian Consulates in Mexico,
so it can be recognized as a valid document by any Canadian authority.
5. Religious Marriages, which have no legal implications
in Mexico, require additional information for the ceremony. Requirements
must be obtained from the local Church Officials.
NOTE: These are only general requirements. Resorts
and hotels may be able to provide information about local requirements,
which may vary.
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S
T . L U C I A
- passports
- original birth certificates
- original proof of decree if one of the parties is divorced
- original death certificate in case of a widow or widower
- original proof if there has been a name change by deed
- consent of parents in form of an original affidavit by a notary public if either party is under 18 years of age
All papers must be in English. The couple should allow about five
days on island to process the documents before the ceremony; the
process includes an application to marry made through a local lawyer.
You will need to travel to the attorney's office in person.
Cost: US $276
Waiting Period: 10 days to register at Office
of Civil Registry; waiting period is 3 days.
Scheduling Your Wedding: Weddings in St. Lucia
are only valid if they take place between sunrise and sunset.
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S
T . M A A R T E N
Couples planning on getting married on St. Maarten must be at
least 18 years of age. Requests must be submitted at the least 14
days prior to the scheduled ceremony to be conducted by the Registrar.
The following notarized original documents must be submitted to
the Registrar with your request:
A full abridged birth certificate to prove the legality of the
same. These documents should be provided with an "Apostille"
stamp;
- In the event persons are not of Dutch nationality, a valid
passport is required;
- Address of both parties;
- Duration of stay on St. Maarten;
- Unmarried persons must present a declaration of marital status
not older than 3 months;
- If widow(er), a death certificate;
- If divorced, a divorce certificate or a final judgment decree;
- For minors, permission of the parents is required;
- Names of parents, maiden names of mother including place of
birth and birth date;
- Professions of the bride, the groom and the parents.
- (six) witness if the marriage is performed outside of the Marriage
Hall. Non-Dutch witnesses must present a valid passport or a birth
certificate with a picture I.D.
Original documents other than Dutch or English need to be translated
into the Dutch language (i.e. a French or Spanish document must
be translated into Dutch, not English).
The cost for contracting foreign marriages is US$275.55 and includes
civil ceremony, marriage books, stamps and certificates.
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T
H E T U R K S A N D C A I C O S
Paperwork Requirements: You'll need original documents
including a passport or certified birth certificate, an original
or notarized divorce decree if applicable, notarized consent by
parent or guardian if under age of 21. If you have had a name change,
you will need a proof of Deed Poll or adoption. You'll also need
a letter stating your occupations, fathers' names, your ages, marital
status, and address. Documents must be in English or translated
into English and notarized.
Residency Requirement: You'll need to be on island
for 24 hours before you can make the application for a marriage
license; this must be done at the Registrar's office on the island
of Grand Turk. Two or three days after this application is made,
you can get married.
Cost: The license fee is US$50.
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U
S V I R G I N I S L A N D S
Paperwork Requirements: The first step is to
request an application for a marriage license from the US Virgin
Islands Territorial Courts (340.774.6680 ext. 6434, fax 340.777.8254).
This application will need to be notarized then you'll send it to
the islands; there is an eight-day waiting period after the receipt
of this document before you can get married but you don't need to
be in the islands during that time.
Cost: The fee for the marriage application is
$50.
You'll also need to indicate whether you're going to be married
by a judge in the court or if your ceremony will be performed by
a member of the clergy. Appointments are necessary for civil ceremonies;
the fee is $200.
Obtaining Your Marriage License: Before the wedding, you'll pick
up the marriage license at the Territorial Court office in Charlotte
Amalie on the island of St. Thomas. The court is open 8 a.m. to
5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and is closed on holidays (including
the many local USVI holidays.) Saturday pick-up at 10 a.m. can be
arranged by special request. The application must be sent to the
court at least eight days in advance, but allow more time for processing.
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