New Jersey Vital Records

New Jersey vital records are official records of major life events that provide the data utilized for the state's vital statistics system. Under N.J. Rev. Stat. § 26:8-1, vital records encompass birth, death, fetal death, marriage, civil union, and domestic partnership records that generate vital statistics.

New Jersey creates and manages its vital records through a state-local system. The Office of Vital Statistics and Registry, within the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), registers and maintains statewide records of births, marriages, deaths, domestic partnerships, civil unions, adoption-related records, and certificates of birth resulting in stillbirth.

Local or municipal registrars are responsible for registering and preserving copies of major life events that occur in their districts. They are also expected to transmit records of documented events to the State Registrar via the New Jersey Electronic Death Registration System (NJ-EDRS), in accordance with state law.

Public Access to New Jersey Vital Records

New Jersey treats most vital records as confidential, regulated documents rather than open public records. According to the New Jersey Department of Health's Office of Vital Statistics and Registry, "New Jersey law protects and restricts the release of vital records. Vital records are not public records and cannot be searched online." Local registrars across the state also share this warning. Consequently, only the individual named on the record, their immediate family, or others who qualify under the Department's eligibility rules may obtain certified copies of recent birth, death, marriage, civil union, and domestic partnership records.

Requesters also cannot access vital records under the New Jersey Open Records Law. Despite the presumption of openness for government records, the state's open records law exempts statutes and regulations, such as the Vital Statistics Act, from public access.

New Jersey treats old vital records differently. These records are sent to the New Jersey State Archives, which makes them accessible to the public via searchable databases. The Archives offer public access to birth records up to 1924 and death records up to 1950 for research purposes. In contrast, current (and newer) vital records are maintained by the New Jersey Department of Health and are accessible only to individuals who meet specific eligibility requirements.

Types of Vital Records Available in New Jersey

The types of vital records in New Jersey, maintained by the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry in the New Jersey Department of Health, include births, deaths, marriages, civil unions, domestic partnerships, adoptions, and certificates of birth resulting in stillbirth.

• Birth Records: These records document live births recorded in New Jersey.
• Death Records: These documents record the facts and circumstances of deaths.
• Marriage Records: These documents record lawful marriages in the state. While the NJDOH maintains state-level marriage records from 1951 forward, the State Archives preserves older records (1848-1950).
• Civil Union and Domestic Partnership Records: New Jersey maintains records of domestic partnerships (from 2004) and civil unions (from 2007) as vital events under the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry.
• Fetal Death/Stillbirth-Related Records: New Jersey keeps records of fetal deaths and issues Certificates of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth (from 1969 to the present date).
• Adoption-Related Vital Records: The Office of Vital Statistics and Registry of the NJDOH also maintains adoption-related vital records, including amended birth records after an adoption.

New Jersey provides certified and informational copies of vital records, depending on the requester's needs. Certified copies are official documents that may be used to prove identity. In contrast, informational copies are usually issued on plain paper without a seal and cannot be used for legal purposes.

New Jersey Birth Records

The Office of Vital Statistics and Registry in the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) preserves birth records (1925 to the present) at the state level. Most local registrars (municipal or local vital statistics offices) may also issue certified copies of births that occurred in their locality in accordance with NJDOH regulations.

A New Jersey birth record often contains the child's full name, date and place of birth, sex of the child, parent(s)' name and identifying details (mother's maiden name, father or second parent if listed), certified or attendant information (physician, midwife, or other person in attendance) and medical or statistical items, required for vital statistics (typically not shown on customer copies).

Under N.J. Rev. Stat. § 26:8-28, a record of a live birth is expected to be filed with the local registrar for the district where the birth occurred within five days. After registering the birth, the local registrar keeps a copy and transmits the record to the State Registrar.

To get a birth certificate in New Jersey, qualified applicants may request certified copies (both authorized and informational) of state-level birth certificates from the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry. They may also order such documents from the local vital statistics office in the county where the birth occurred.

For further details on obtaining, registering, or amending a birth certificate, interested parties may visit the NJDOH "Order a Vital Record" page.

New Jersey Death Records

A New Jersey death certificate typically includes the decedent's full name, sex, age, date and place of death, date and place of birth, usual residence, and marital status. Other details on the document include the parents' names, cause of death, the attending physician or medical examiner, and the funeral director.

Under N.J. Rev. Stat. § 26:8-24, the State Registrar maintains death records statewide. For access purposes, the NJDOH classifies death records into two categories: non-genealogical (deaths within the last 40 years) and genealogical records (deaths more than 40 years ago up to 1940). Only eligible requesters may obtain non-genealogical records, which are confidential. Conversely, interested parties may request genealogical death records for family history purposes.

The New Jersey State Archives maintains records dating back much further. The Archives maintains and indexes death records beginning in May 1848 (with searchable online databases and microfilm available for in-person research).

New Jersey Marriage Records

In New Jersey, marriage records are legal documents that show that a couple held a wedding ceremony and had their marriage registered with the state. They serve as legal evidence of marriages for name changes, benefits, inheritance, immigration, and other civil purposes.

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), Office of Vital Statistics and Registry, issues certified copies of marriage records from 1951 to the present. Requesters may also order marriage records from the local registrar's office in the county where the marriage ceremony took place. The State Archives maintains older state-level marriage records and indexes. Researchers may access microfilm of these records (1848-1948) via the Archives Search Room.

Marriage certificates in New Jersey are restricted vital records, not public records. Under NJDOH and local office guidelines, marriage records from the last 50 years are accessible only to the individual named on the record, their immediate family, or others with a qualifying legal interest, such as legal representatives or an executor.

New Jersey Divorce Records

New Jersey divorce records consist of the complete court case file for a divorce (also known as a "dissolution case"). In contrast, the Final Judgment of Divorce (also known as the "divorce decree") is the court order that actually dissolves the marriage.

New Jersey divorce cases are filed and handled by the Superior Court of New Jersey, Family Division, in the county where one of the parties resides.

Standard New Jersey divorce records usually consist of the complaint for divorce and the response, motions, case management orders, financial disclosures, and any interim orders, the Final Judgment of Divorce and any later modification orders.

After divorce cases are completed, the Superior Court Clerk's Office stores and archives the closed divorce records at the Superior Court Records Center in Trenton.

The Final Judgment of Divorce (otherwise known as the divorce decree) is the final (judge-signed) order that dissolves the marriage and sets the terms of property division, support, custody, name change, among others.

Eligible requesters may order certified copies through the Superior Court Records Center or directly from the county Family Division (for recent years).

Note: In New Jersey, all official divorce case details are maintained by the New Jersey court system, not the Department of Health.

How to Order Vital Records in New Jersey

Eligible requesters may order New Jersey vital records via the following official channels:

Online Requests: Requesters may order vital records via the NJDOH website using a state-authorised vendor. They are expected to pay relevant record fees and meet ID and eligibility requirements. Extra service fees may apply.

Mail Requests: Applicants may order vital records by mail by completing and submitting the Non-Genealogical Vital Record Application (REG-27) or genealogical form to either the State Office or a Local Vital Records Office in the city or town where the event occurred. They are also expected to include the required ID, proof of relationship (for certified copies), and the correct fee, then mail it to:

Office of Vital Statistics and Registry

In-Person Requests: Eligible applicants may visit the State Walk-In Center (NJ Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry) or a Local Vital Records Office (municipal/health department) where the event occurred to request records in person. In-person services typically offer same-day issuance of certified and informational copies, provided that the application is complete and received before 3:30 p.m.

Phone: Requesters may order a certified copy of a death certificate and other vital records through the toll-free line at 1-866-649-8726.

Who Can Request New Jersey Vital Records?

New Jersey does not treat its vital records as public records; access to such records is restricted. The NJDOH or local registrars only provide these records to the registrant, certain close family members, legal guardians or representatives, government agencies, or individuals with a court order or other legally recognized need; other requestors typically receive an informational "certification" instead of a certified copy.

In New Jersey, births older than 80 years, marriages more than 50 years, and deaths older than 40 years (for deceased persons) may be obtained as genealogical records through the New Jersey State Archive under more relaxed relationship requirements. Divorce records are maintained by the Superior Court and the Superior Court Clerk's Office (and not the NJDOH Vital Records) under Court Rule 1:38.

Record Type	Sub-Category	Eligible Requestors	Required Documents	Official Source
Birth Certificate	Current (Birth less than 80 years or person still living)	Registrant (18+) Parent/legal guardian Spouse, child, sibling, grandchild Legal representative Government agency Others by court order/emergent need	Birth certificate application Acceptable ID Proof of relationship (for certified copy) Fees	NJDOH - Vital Records: https://www.nj.gov/health/vital/
Birth Certificate	Historical/Genealogical (Birth more than 80 years and registrant deceased)	Any person for informational certification Proof of relationship required for certified genealogical copy	Genealogy application ( ID Additional search fees (if applicable)	NJDOH - Genealogical Records: https://www.nj.gov/health/vital/order-vital/genealogical-records
Death Certificate	Current (Death less than 40 years)	Spouse/partner Parent, child, sibling, grandchild, grandparent Executor/estate representative Legal representative Government agency Others by court order	Death certificate application Acceptable ID Proof of relationship or legal interest Fees	NJDOH - Non-Genealogical Records: https://www.nj.gov/health/vital/order-vital/non-genealogical-records
Death Certificate	Historical/Genealogical (Death more than 40 years)	Any person (informational certification) Proof of relationship required for certified genealogical copy	Genealogy application ID Fees	NJDOH - Genealogical Records: https://www.nj.gov/health/vital/order-vital/genealogical-records
Marriage Certificate	Current (Marriage less than 50 years)	Either spouse Child, parent, sibling, grandchild Legal representative Government agency Others by court order	Marriage certificate application Acceptable ID Proof of relationship (certified copies) Fees	NJDOH - Marriage Records: https://www.nj.gov/health/vital/
Marriage Certificate	Historical/Genealogical (Marriage more than 50 years and both spouses deceased)	Any person (informational certification) Proof of relationship required for certified genealogical copy	Genealogy application ID Fees	NJDOH - Genealogical Records: https://www.nj.gov/health/vital/order-vital/genealogical-records
Divorce Records (Court)	Certificate of Divorce (Short Form)	Either spouse Attorney for spouse Others only via court order	Court records request form Government-issued ID Names or docket number Fees	NJ Courts - Copies of Court Records: https://www.njcourts.gov/courts/superior-court-clerks-office/copies-court-records
Divorce Records (Court)	Final Judgment of Divorce (Full Decree)	Either spouse Attorneys Any person allowed under Rule 1:38 (unless sealed)	Government-issued ID Case number or names Records request form Fees for certified/exemplified copies	NJ Courts - Judgment of Divorce FAQ: https://www.njcourts.gov/faq/how-do-i-obtain-a-copy-of-a-final-judgment-of-divorce

Processing Times for New Jersey Vital Records Requests

In New Jersey, how long it takes to get a vital record often depends on the request method, the completeness of documentation, eligibility verification, and the current workload. The state does not have posted processing times for vital records.

Typically, the state's walk-in service in Trenton is one of the fastest ways to obtain a vital record, provided the application is complete. Mail-in requests may take longer to process due to factors such as mailing time, request volume, or eligibility verification requirements. Even though online and phone requests submitted via the NJDOH ordering portal have shorter processing times, they are still affected by request volume.

Processing Times for New Jersey Vital Records Requests

Record Type	Factors That Influence Processing Time	Considerations
Birth Certificate (Non-Genealogical)	Request method (Trenton walk-in fastest; online/phone faster than mail) Verification of ID and proof of relationship State and local registrar workload Completeness of the application	Walk-in applicants often receive same-day service if documentation is complete Mail applications may slow down due to manual review Missing ID or unclear relationship documentation causes delays
Birth Certificate (Genealogical - Birth more than 80 Years)	Need for manual search in older ledgers or microfilm Whether the request is through NJDOH or the State Archives Volume of research requests	Genealogy requests take longer and may require archival retrieval State Archives may have additional processing queues
Death Certificate (Non-Genealogical)	Verification of relationship/legal interest Whether cause-of-death information triggers additional checks Request method (walk-in, mail, online/phone)	Walk-in processing is faster Mail requests require careful review of eligibility documents Death certificates requested for estates/insurance may require extra documentation
Death Certificate (Genealogical - Death more than 40 Years)	Record age and storage format Whether the record is in NJDOH or the State Archives Workload for archival retrieval	Genealogical certifications do not require relationship proof, but archival searches add time
Marriage Certificate (Non-Genealogical - <50 Years)	Verification of eligibility (spouse, immediate family, legal representative) Whether the certificate is ordered from NJDOH vs. the local registrar Request method	Local registrars may issue copies more quickly than the state Incorrect or incomplete relationship documentation delays processing
Marriage Certificate (Genealogical - more than 50 Years)	Age and condition of older records Archival search requirements Workload at NJDOH or State Archives	Genealogy requests may require manual searches and therefore take longer
Divorce Certificate (Short Record, NJDOH Index Only)	Verification that requester is one of the spouses or provides a court order State processing volume Request method	NJDOH issues divorce certificates, not decrees Regular mail is slower; online/phone may be faster depending on volume
Divorce Decree/Court File (Superior Court)	Whether the file is stored onsite or in archived storage County court backlog Request method (in person, mail, online file request, where available)	Certified copies of Final Judgments of Divorce are often processed the same day for recent cases Older or archived files may take days to weeks

Fees for Obtaining Vital Records in New Jersey

The standard fees associated with getting certified copies of vital records from the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry are as follows:

• $25 for the first copy of a vital record; and
• $2 for each extra copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
• Genealogical applications: Additional years may be searched for a fee of $1 per year.
• Additional names or counties are also searchable for an extra fee of $25 each.

The fees for obtaining certified copies of vital records vary by municipality. Local town or city registrars may charge different per-copy rates under local laws. Therefore, it is advisable to contact the local office where the event occurred for its current fee schedule.

How to Search Vital Records Online in New Jersey

In reality, New Jerseyans have limited options for searching for vital records online. This is because current birth, death, and marriage records are not public records and cannot be accessed online under state law. Official online options available include:

• Online portals: Since requesters cannot search for current-state vital records online, they may order these records through the NJDOH or local registrars via the official Order a Vital Record portal, by mail, or in person.
• Government or archival databases: Information seekers may search online indexes provided by the New Jersey State Archives for historical vital records. They may also request copies directly from the Archives.
• Court system for divorce case details: Requesters may also use official resources, such as the New Jersey Courts' "Find a Case" and "Copies of Court Records" Pages, to find divorce case information.