What are New Jersey Vital Records?

The New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics is the government agency in charge of vital records for the state. They collect, maintain, and preserve birth, marriage, death, domestic partnership, civil union, and adoption records. They began keeping birth, marriage, and death records in 1919. The State Archives have records even older, dating back to 1848. The state of New Jersey allows you to request copies of vital records online using their own system and in-person at their main office or any local Vital Records Office where the vital event occurred. The Office of Vital Statistics also handles all health-related matters for the state, including statistics on the health and wellbeing of its residents.

New Jersey Birth Records


New Jersey has been keeping birth records since 1919. The New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics, is the agency responsible for the state's birth records. They have records from 1919 to the present day. The State Archives has even older birth records, dating back to 1848. You can get copies of New Jersey birth records in person at their main office in Trenton, at any local Vital Records Office, or online through their system. Birth records are necessary when you apply for a driver's license, passport, government job, or sign up for sports and attend college. Birth certificates are also needed when you have to verify your identity. That state of New Jersey offers certified copies and non-certified copies (informational only). Birth records are not public records in New Jersey, and only certain people can get copies. The state has a special form you can use to authorize someone getting a copy of yours.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Birth Records

How do I find birth records in New Jersey?

The New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics, is the agency in charge of birth records and stillbirth records for the state. They offer them in person or online using their proprietary system. 

How do I get a certified copy of my birth certificate in New Jersey?

You can order through the internet using their system, or visit their office in Trenton, or any local Vital Records Office where the event occurred. Copies are typically used for travel, obtaining a passport, proof of citizenship, social security, driver's license, school registration, personal identification, and other legal purposes.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a birth certificate in New Jersey?

The first certified copy costs $25, and each additional copy only costs $2 each. You must also pay a $5 processing fee when ordering online and an identity verification fee of $5.

Who can request birth records?

Birth records in New Jersey are not public records. Therefore, only certain people can request copies. That list is restricted to only close family members and legal representatives or someone with written authorization. If you are requesting a copy for someone other than yourself and you do not qualify, you will be provided with a non-certified copy with limited information.

What information do I need when getting a copy of my New Jersey birth certificate?

When requesting a copy of a birth record from New Jersey, you will need to have the following information:

  1. Full name on the certificate.
  2. Date of birth.
  3. Address.
  4. Gender.
  5. Full name of the father.
  6. Full name of the mother.
  7. Hospital.
  8. City/town of birth.
  9. County of birth.

As the requestor, you also need to provide your personal details (along with the date of birth) and verify your identity and relationship to the person.

Where can I find historical vital records in New Jersey for genealogy research?

You can visit the State Archives to find birth records from 1848-1918. They also have microfilm birth records from 1901-1923.

How can I correct an error on my birth record?

You must contact the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry and fill out a special form and submit it back to them or the Local Registrar with your payment.

Can I get a refund if my New Jersey birth record is not available?

No. Birth certificate search fees are not refundable.

New Jersey Death Records

The New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics is the government agency in charge of death records. It has been keeping track of death records since 1919. However, you can get older records by visiting the State Archives (1901-1940) on microfilm. Death records are not public records. Therefore, only certain people can get copies. Typically, death records are used to obtain death benefits, claim insurance proceeds, notify social security, and other legal purposes. Anyone who cannot prove their eligibility will be provided with a non-certified copy containing the person's name, parents' name, date of death, and place of death only. The social security number and cause of death will be redacted from non-certified copies.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Death Records

How do I find death records in New Jersey?

You can contact the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics, for death records dating back to 1919. If you need historical records, you can find those at the State Archives (1901-1940).

Are death records public in New Jersey?

No. However, anyone can request a non-certified copy and get some information. Only family and legal representatives will get the full copy with all the details.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a death certificate in New Jersey?

The cost for a death certificate in New Jersey is $25 for the first copy and $2 for each additional copy. You must also pay a $5 processing fee when ordering online and an identity verification fee of $5.

How long does it take to get a copy of a New Jersey death record?

When you order online, you must wait between 4-6 weeks for processing. If you visit the local Vital Records Office, you can get one the same day.

Who can request death records?

Anyone can request death records, but only close family and legal representatives can get official, legal, certified copies. Other people will receive non-certified copies with limited information.

What information do I need when getting a copy of someone's New Jersey death certificate?

When you request a certified copy of someone's death certificate, you need the following information:

  1. Full name on the death certificate.
  2. Date of death.
  3. Gender.
  4. Full names of both parents.
  5. City/town of death.
  6. County of death.

As the person requesting the records, you must also provide your name, address, date of birth, and ID. You also have to verify your relationship to the person listed on the certificate.

Where can I find historical death records in New Jersey?

You can visit the State Archives to view death records from 1901-1940 on microfilm. The New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics has death records dating back to 1919.

How can I correct an error on someone's death record?

The New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics has a specific process to request changes to death records. You must contact them via phone or email to ask what paperwork is required.

Can I get a refund if my New Jersey death record is not available?

No, all death certificate searches are non-refundable.

New Jersey Marriage Records

The state of New Jersey has been keeping marriage records since 1901. The New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics has records dating back to 1919, and the State Archives has even older records on microfilm. Typically, marriage records are helpful when you need to change your name or verify your identity. The state allows you to get certified copies of your marriage certificate (not your marriage license) online through their own system or in person at a local Office of Vital Records. Marriage records are not open to the public, and only certain people can get copies.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Marriage Records

Are New Jersey marriage records public?

No, they are not public records. Only "Spouse A" or "Spouse B" or someone authorized by either spouse may legally obtain a copy of their marriage certificate.

What New Jersey marriage records are available?

The state has marriage records dating back to 1901. However, the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics, has them only from 1919 until the present day.

How long does it take to get a marriage certificate in New Jersey?

If you use the online system, it will take between 4-6 weeks processing time. If you visit in person at the local Vital Records Office or the main office in Trenton, you can get one same day.

How much does a New Jersey marriage certificate cost?

The cost for a New Jersey marriage certificate is $25 for the first copy and $2 for each additional copy. You can order as many as you like at the same time. When ordering online, you must also pay a $5 processing and an identity verification fee of $5.

When requesting records, what information do I need?

When requesting marriage records, you will need some information such as:

  1. Your relationship to the person listed on the certificate.
  2. Your reason for the request.
  3. Number of copies.
  4. Full name of Spouse A.
  5. Full name of Spouse B.
  6. Date of marriage.
  7. City/town where the marriage took place.
  8. County where the marriage took place.

As the requestor, you must also provide your own personal details, date of birth, and documentation proving your eligibility.

How do I get a copy of a New Jersey marriage record?

You can contact the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics, or any local Vital Records Office to get certified copies. You can also order online through their website.

What if I didn't get married in New Jersey?

If you were not married in New Jersey, you must contact the state vital records office or court where your marriage license was filed.

Who can get a copy of my marriage certificate?

Only either spouse or someone they authorize in writing may get a copy of a marriage certificate.

How do I correct a marriage certificate in New Jersey?

You must contact the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics in person, or by phone to make a correction. You will have to prove the change needed and pay a fee.

New Jersey Divorce Records

The New Jersey Superior Court Clerk's Office is the department in charge of divorce records. Depending on the county, divorce records are archived in Trenton after a number of years. However, even if you cannot get a copy of your divorce decree easily, the Superior Court Clerk's Office can produce a divorce certificate which will have the "county of venue, docket number, names of the parties and date of the Final Judgment of Divorce, and is stamped with the Seal of the Superior Court." In many cases, this may be sufficient. Divorce records are needed when you change your name, get remarried, and other times when you need to verify your identity.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey Divorce Records

Can I find divorce records online in New Jersey?

No. You must contact the New Jersey Superior Court Clerk's Office to find divorce records. They use a coding system to file, so you do need to know which county the divorce took place in and the year it was filed.

How do I find old divorce records?

You can contact The New Jersey Superior Court Clerk's Office. They have old records and current/new divorce records.

How do I get a copy of my divorce certificate?

Contact the New Jersey Superior Court Clerk's Office to find your file and get either a certified copy of the divorce decree or a divorce certificate with summary information on it.

What information is needed to search for a New Jersey divorce record?

At the very least you need the county in which the divorce was granted, and the year it was filed. You also must have the names of both parties on it when requesting a copy.

If they can't find my divorce record, can I get a refund?

No, all search fees are non-refundable.

What if my divorce took place outside of New Jersey?

If you were not divorced in New Jersey, you must contact the court system in the state where you were divorced.