Order New Jersey vital records online with Vital Records Online (VRO), a safe and secure US-based service. Quickly obtain birth, death, and marriage certificates from the comfort of your home. Your vital records will be delivered safely to your address, and your private information is guaranteed to remain confidential.
Summary:
New Jersey’s State Board of Health was established in 1877. Its administrative functions were vested in the Department of Health, created in 1947. In 1996, it was renamed the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).
The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Vital Statistics preserves birth, death, marriage, and divorce records that occur in New Jersey.
Find out how to obtain official New Jersey vital records, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. Find out what information they contain, where to obtain them, how they are used, and how to get certified copies.
Start Your Application Online for NJ Vital Records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Obtain marriage records for yourself or a family member.
Get an original copy of a death certificate replacement for a lost record.
Crucial documents such as birth, death, and marriage certificates play a significant role in various life events, such as enrolling in school, joining the military, traveling, or getting married. These vital records are essential in proving your identity, citizenship, and family relationships. They can also help settle legal disputes, claim an inheritance, and investigate family history.
Vital records can be a valuable resource for genealogical research by providing key details about your ancestors, such as their full names, dates of birth and death, and locations. If you have lost a birth, marriage, or death certificate, it is essential to file a police report and request a certified replacement as soon as possible. In the birth, death, and marriage certificate FAQs, you can find other beneficial uses for vital records.
New Jersey vital records can be ordered online, in person, or via mail. These records are maintained at both the county and state levels. Each county is responsible for certifying and issuing vital records that occur within its jurisdiction. To request a birth, death, or marriage certificate, search for your county and access the complete list of vital record issuing agencies in New Jersey. The list includes locations, contact information, and online applications.
In New Jersey, you can request your birth, death, or marriage certificate through the state either online or by mail. Alternatively, you can order it through the county where the event occurred. The process may vary depending on the county, but not all locations offer in-person applications. However, all certificates can be ordered online from any location through VRO.
❗️If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in New Jersey, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting the Vital Records Office
Visiting the NJDOH - Office of Vital Statistics and Registry office location
Ordering Vital Records Online
New Jersey vital records can be ordered online, in person (walk-ins), or by mail. The process may vary depending on the county. If you prefer to apply in person, you must visit the county’s health department where the original certificate was issued. Same-day service is available, but it is recommended that you call the Local Registrar for more information. Note: same-day service for birth certificates is currently unavailable in Jersey City.
Online requests are often the most reliable option. The New Jersey NJDOH – Office of Vital Statistics and Registry produces and certifies the vital record copies if you meet the requirements and follow the detailed instructions for each birth, death, and marriage certificate. Although each type of vital record has different requirements, the process is straightforward once you understand the requirements.
The type of certificate you need and how you order can impact the total cost, eligibility, requirements, and processing times. Therefore, examining the steps and conditions is crucial before requesting a certified copy of the vital record from the NJDOH Office of Vital Statistics and Registry. You should ensure that your documents, application, and payment for the fee are mailed to the correct vital record location that produces a certified copy of the original record.
Ordering New Jersey Vital Records online is quick and effortless and involves two simple steps:
(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)
Before applying online, confirm that you possess the required information and documents if you are authorized and eligible to order a birth, death, or marriage certificate in New Jersey. You will be prompted to upload copies of these documents during the secure online application process.
Vital Records Online’s system helps to collect and generate the required documents quickly, ensure your application is not rejected due to common mistakes or missing documents, and submit your packet to the correct health department’s vital records office. You can quickly execute the application from any device with an internet connection, and the entire process can be completed in as little as five minutes.
The notary of your application required by the New Jersey NJDOH – Office of Vital Statistics and Registry can be conducted virtually during the online ordering process. This is only necessary for non-authorized applicants or authorized applicants who want to have the records delivered to an address that isn’t on their ID.
✔︎ Our $29 processing fee includes your automated document processing and first-class shipping & handling.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning and printing your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and handling process works.
✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is not required when ordering a New Jersey birth, death, or marriage certificate online unless you are sending the certificate to an address that is not your own or you are a non-authorized applicant requesting on behalf of an authorized individual.
Applying for vital records in person is practical if you live near the state health department office that issues certified copies of the original documents. New Jersey has a physical office where you can obtain vital records, but confirm if the office is open for walk-ins and be prepared for long queues.
Ordering vital records online is the most convenient way to save time, especially if you live abroad or prefer handling paperwork or traveling to the office that issues certified copies of the original record. The steps for applying for vital records are generally the same whether you apply in person or by mail.
If you choose to apply in person at the vital records office, prepare to complete the following steps:
Additionally, when ordering by mail, you will need the following:
Vital Records Online can help simplify the process and reduce errors, leading to faster processing times as each certificate type has specific requirements for who can request a certified replacement.
❗️ To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it.
❗️ Be certain that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.
❗️ Before receiving approval, confirm if you must also have your documents and application notarized with a sworn statement for identity verification. This is not typically required unless you send the certificate to an address other than your home address or a non-authorized applicant requesting on behalf of an authorized individual.
❗️ If you choose to mail your application and documents manually, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
Confirm the conditions and requirements before gathering the documents for your vital record application.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization:
The Office of Vital Statistics and Registry in New Jersey requires all applicants to prove their identity when requesting records. A driver’s license or a state photo ID is acceptable for most records. Check which other acceptable IDs are required for the specific certificate you need. You can also use a passport as a valid form of identification. A secondary ID may be accepted if you don’t have a valid form of identification. If your ID is expired, you must submit two secondary forms of identification, one of which must state your current address.
A notary is required if you are a non-authorized applicant requesting on behalf of an authorized individual or want your vital records mailed to a different address than what is listed on your identification.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in New Jersey?
The Office of Vital Statistics and Registry in New Jersey, NJDOH, has specific requirements for each type of certificate and personal situation. Carefully review the eligibility conditions and requirements for obtaining certified replacements of Alabama birth, death, and marriage certificates.
❗️ Without proper ID and a fully completed application, your request will be returned, causing considerable delays in processing your order.
What Information is Required to Apply for Vital Records in New Jersey?
When applying for a vital record in New Jersey, applicants must provide key identifying information related to the record type. This may include names, dates, locations, and other relevant details to ensure accurate identification and processing of the request.
Who can request vital records in New Jersey?
The person on record can request a certified copy of their vital records with proof of identity. If you request a birth, death, or marriage certificate on behalf of someone else, you must confirm that you are an eligible third party for the type of certificate you need. The New Jersey NJDOH – Office of Vital Statistics and Registry allows a third party to request a copy of the vital record if they have a familial or legal relationship to the individual on record. You must provide proof of your relationship to the individual on record with the application.
Immediate family members of the individual on record or legal representatives may lawfully request a copy of a vital record as defined by the NJDOH – Office of Vital Statistics and Registry. Legal representatives or family members must also provide proof of their relationship to act on behalf of the individual on record. Note: If you are a third-party applicant, you may be asked for additional documentation proving your eligibility.
If your relationship with the individual on record does not qualify you as an eligible individual, you may still obtain the certificate with the Vital Records Authorization Form and present copies of the person on record’s primary ID and your ID.
✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record.
❗️Non-authorized third-party requests for New Jersey birth certificates must have a notarized letter of consent to release information from the certificate holder or legal guardian.
Do I need a notary with my application?
When ordering a certified copy of your birth or marriage certificate, you do not need to provide a notarized statement unless you request the certificate to be mailed to an address not listed on your ID. If you are an immediate family member of the deceased individual, you do not need to provide a notarized statement when requesting a certified copy of their death certificate.
However, if you are a non-eligible third-party representative requesting a vital record on behalf of an eligible individual, you may need to provide a notarized statement. Only those with a “direct, tangible interest,” such as family members or legal representatives, may obtain certified death certificates. Non-eligible applicants must obtain a notarized letter of consent from an eligible individual.
These requirements apply whether you order the certificate online, by mail, telephone, or in person.
❗️ A Notarized sworn statement may be required under the following circumstances:
The NJDOH – Office of Vital Statistics Registry provides detailed information on their website at https://www.nj.gov/health/vital/. If you decide to use a local public notary, you must bring your ID to create this document. Notaries are often generally necessary for apostilles, corrections, or amendments to vital records under certain conditions. You can find more information about these conditions in other FAQs below.
❗️ A notary is generally not required to obtain authorized copies of New Jersey vital records. A photocopy of your ID is sufficient to verify your identity.
✔︎ Vital Records Online includes an online notary service in your application packet. Otherwise, you must bring your ID when creating this document using a local public notary.
The total cost of obtaining vital record replacements is determined by the NJDOH – Office of Vital Statistics and Registry’s fees, how you submit your application, and whether a notary is required to prove your identity. When you order birth, marriage, divorce, or death records through Vital Records Online, the online Application Filing Service starts at $29. The NJDOH – Office of Vital Statistics and Registry will charge a fee of $25.00 for each certified copy of a birth, death, and marriage certificate and $2.00 for additional copies.
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested during the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from New Jersey?
The processing and delivery times for birth, death, or marriage certificates may vary depending on the certificate needed and the volume of requests received by the NJDOH’s Office of Vital Statistics and Registry. You can check the current processing and delivery times in the table below. The total time it takes to receive your vital record can also be affected by the method you choose to submit your application and whether a notary is required.
Ordering through VRO can save time generating your application packet and documents, expedite processing, and include an online notary if needed during checkout.
✔︎ VRO includes an online notarization service that can be performed virtually during checkout.
❗️ The processing and replacement duration of birth, death, or marriage certificates by NJDOH – Office of Vital Statistics and Registry may increase based on a high volume backlog of orders.
❗️ We also advise allowing 2-3 additional days in your application process if you use a local notary.
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
After submitting your application through VRO, you can monitor the status of your order. Additionally, you can track your application packet to the New Jersey NJDOH – Office of Vital Statistics with the prepaid mail postage included with your order. If you decide to mail the application packet to the Vital Records Health Department manually, it is advised to purchase first-class mail tracking to confirm that your application has been successfully delivered. The New Jersey NJDOH – Office of Vital Statistics ships all vital records to your home via USPS first-class mail for protection, but they do not take responsibility for any misdirected or lost certificates. If your birth certificate is lost, immediately file a report. Note: A simple error or typo could expose your personal information if sent to the wrong address.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the New Jersey counties office locations directory.
An apostille is required when filing vital records with foreign governments. The NJ Department of Treasury issues apostilles for vital records initially filed with the NJDOH Office of Vital Statistics.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
Vital Records Online is a reliable service that offers apostille services for Birth, Death, Marriage, and Divorce Certificates across all 50 US states. The service is recognized by various governments with legal validity in over 100 countries. To obtain an Apostille for New Jersey vital records, contact the NJ Dept Treasury or Vital Records Online. VRO provides professional assistance and can be completed online in three easy steps. The service starts at $149 (plus government fees).
Once you finish getting your documents apostilled, we will send them to you using FedEx or DHL. You can complete the process online and receive your apostille regardless of location. In most cases, you don’t need physical copies of your documents to obtain an apostille.
You will need to provide the following information:
You can submit requests for vital record apostilles to the NJ Dept Treasury at the following addresses:
For express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
NJ Dept Treasury – Apostilles,
33 W State St,
Trenton, NJ 08608
For standard mail, use the following address:
NJ Dept Treasury – Apostilles,
PO Box 452,
Trenton, NJ 08608
You can reach the office at https://www.state.nj.us/treasury/revenue/apostilles.shtml.
The Office of Vital Statistics under the NJDOH provides information for common scenarios to assist with amendments to birth, marriage, or family members’ death certificates.
An amendment is necessary when there is a need to change the information on a vital record. Depending on the type of amendment needed, different forms are required. The original vital record cannot be altered by any entity, but supplemental changes can be added to it.
The requirements for requesting changes or amendments will vary depending on the type of vital record that needs to be changed. In some cases, a court order may be required, which typically necessitates the assistance of an attorney.
Correcting or amending vital records usually will require the following:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
❗️ For amendments to birth or death certificates, a notarized sworn statement generally is not required. In most cases, additional documentation or court order will be required.
Where can I search for free public records?
In New Jersey, vital records become accessible to the public after a certain number of years post-event. Specifically, birth records are released after 80 years, marriage records after 50 years, and death records after 40 years. While many records are freely available, locating the desired information within New Jersey’s archives can be a time-consuming process due to the volume and organization of the records. Expect to allocate ample time for searching and reviewing these public records to find the necessary information.
Are New Jersey Vital Records Open to the Public?
When researching vital records in New Jersey, be mindful that access to state records varies depending on the type of record and the year of the birth, death, or marriage. While some third-party websites can accommodate researching specific records, the information on these sites may not always match official government records. Nonetheless, these websites can be a helpful starting point for your research and are not limited by geographic location.
To find a record on a third-party website, the person requesting must provide the following information:
Each county and municipality in New Jersey issues unique vital records. To confirm if you have an official certified copy, you can compare it to the records issued by that county.
One way to identify informational copies from official copies is by looking for a stamp or large print across the face of the document that reads “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or something similar. Certified copies usually have the raised seal of the office that issued the record and are printed on New Jersey vital records.
Authorized Copy:
Authorized (certified) copies of vital records are considered legal documents and can be used for official identification purposes. On the other hand, informational copies are not suitable for establishing identity. It’s important to note that certified copies are only issued to individuals with a direct and tangible interest in the document.
Informational Copy:
Informational copies are intended only for display or personal reference and are sometimes referred to as short-form, unofficial (non-certified), “heirloom,” or “commemorative certificates.” In New Jersey, they are known as “certifications.” Informational copies of birth or marriage certificates, often used for personal record-keeping or genealogical research, are not official legal documents and cannot be used for official purposes such as establishing identity, obtaining a passport, or proving eligibility for benefits.
Certifications are issued on plain paper without a seal and explicitly state their invalidity for identity establishment or legal purposes. Notably, certifications of death records in NJ exclude sensitive information such as Social Security Numbers or medical data related to the cause of death.
When requesting an informational copy, applicants are not required to provide a Sworn Statement or proof of relationship. However, the NJDOH mandates that applicants must present an accepted identification form when requesting informational copies. This requirement is in place despite certifications being uncertified informational copies that are not valid for legal or identity verification purposes.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official New Jersey government website at https://www.nj.gov/health/vital/
