How to Get a Certified Copy of a NJ Birth Certificate
Getting a certified copy of your birth certificate in New Jersey depends on where and when you were born. Here's a breakdown of the process:
For births in New Jersey after 1918:
1. Online:
This is generally the quickest option. Visit the New Jersey Vital Statistics website: nj.gov/health/vital/order-vital
You'll need to create an account and provide information from your birth certificate and a valid form of identification.
Pay the fees online (currently $25 for the first copy, $2 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time, plus processing and shipping fees).
Your certified copy will be mailed to you via UPS.
2. By Mail:
Download the "Application for Certified Copy of a Vital Record" form from the New Jersey Vital Statistics website.
Complete the form and include photocopies of acceptable identification (see below).
Mail the application, copies of your ID, and a check or money order payable to "New Jersey Department of Treasury" to:
New Jersey Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics and Registry P.O. Box 370 Trenton, NJ 08625-0370
3. In-Person:
Visit the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry in Trenton.
Bring your completed application form and acceptable identification.
Pay the fee and receive your certified copy.
4. For births in New Jersey before 1918:
Contact the New Jersey State Archives: They hold records of births prior to 1918. You can find their contact information and request procedures on their website.
5. Important Notes:
Acceptable ID: You'll need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID card.
Processing Time: Online orders typically take 8-12 weeks. Mail requests can take several weeks longer. In-person requests may be processed while you wait, but expect potential wait times.
Who Can Order: Generally, only the individual named on the birth certificate, their parent(s), legal guardian, spouse, child, grandchild, sibling, or legal representative can order a certified copy.
Fees: The fee for a certified copy is $25. There are additional fees for online orders, expedited processing, and extra copies.
For the most up-to-date information and any specific questions, it's always best to visit the New Jersey Vital Statistics website or contact them directly.
How Do I Get a Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate NJ
To obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate in New Jersey, you'll need to contact the Registrar in the municipality where the marriage license was issued. This is usually the town or city hall where you got married. Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Determine where your marriage license was issued:
If you're unsure, try searching online using a search engine with keywords like "[spouse's name] [your name] marriage license New Jersey" or contact the county clerk's office for assistance.
2. Contact the Registrar's Office:
Visit their website: Many municipalities have websites with information on how to obtain marriage certificates, including online forms, fees, and instructions.
Call them: Call the Registrar's office to inquire about their process for obtaining a certified copy.
Visit in person: You can visit the Registrar's office in person with proper identification and payment.
3. Request the Certificate:
In-Person: This is often the fastest option. Visit the Registrar's office with a valid government-issued photo ID and pay the required fee. You might receive the certificate immediately.
By Mail:
Download an application form from the municipality's website (if available) or write a request letter including:
- Your full name at the time of marriage
- Your spouse's full name at the time of marriage
- Date of marriage
- Place of marriage (city/town)
- Your current mailing address
- A photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- A check or money order for the required fee (made payable to the municipality)
- Mail the request to the Registrar's office.
Online:
Some municipalities offer online ordering through their websites or through the state's Vital Statistics website (for marriages after 1901).
For marriages that took place before 1901:
Contact the New Jersey State Archives: They hold records of marriages prior to 1901. You can find their contact information and request procedures on their website.
Important Notes:
- Fees: Fees vary by municipality.
- Processing Time: In-person requests may be processed immediately, while mail requests can take several weeks.
- Who Can Order: Generally, only the individuals named on the marriage certificate, their parents, legal guardians, children, grandchildren, siblings, or legal representatives can order a certified copy.
- Identification: You'll need a valid, government-issued photo ID like a driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID card.
Always check the specific requirements and procedures of the municipality where your marriage license was issued, as they may have their own forms or processes.
How Do I Get a Certified Death Certificate NJ
In New Jersey, you can obtain a certified copy of a death certificate in a few ways:
1. Online:
This is the easiest and fastest method.
Visit the New Jersey Department of Health Vital Statistics website and follow the instructions for ordering online. You'll need to provide information about the deceased and yourself, as well as proof of identity and relationship to the deceased.
You can find the online application portal here: https://www.nj.gov/health/vital/order-vital/
2. In-Person:
Visit the Walk-in Center at 140 E. Front Street, Trenton, NJ 08608.
Be prepared to provide the same information as for the online application, including identification and proof of relationship.
You will receive the certified copy while you wait.
3. By Mail:
Download the application form from the New Jersey Department of Health Vital Statistics website.
Complete the form and mail it along with a copy of your identification, proof of relationship, and the required fee to: State Registrar of Vital Statistics Office of Vital Statistics & Registry NJ Department of Health P.O. Box 370 Trenton, NJ 08625-0370
4. Important Notes:
- Acceptable identification: Driver's license, passport, state-issued ID card.
- Proof of relationship: Birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other legal document showing your relationship to the deceased.
Fees: Vary depending on the method of application and whether you need an Apostille seal. Check the website for current fees. - Processing times: Online orders are typically processed fastest, followed by in-person requests. Mail-in requests may take several weeks.
Additional Tips:
If you are requesting a death certificate for genealogical purposes, you may be able to order a "certification" instead of a certified copy. This is a less expensive option but cannot be used for legal purposes.
If you need a death certificate for a foreign government, you may need an Apostille seal.