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New Jersey · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry (state level - Trenton) / Local Registrar of Vital Statistics (municipal level)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Death records less than 40 years old are restricted. Eligible: immediate family (spouse, parents, children, siblings, grandchildren), legal representative, and others with documented qualifying interest. Records 40+ years old are accessible to anyone.
  2. Choose your method:
  3. IN PERSON (Local Registrar - fastest): Visit the Local Registrar in the municipality where the death occurred; bring valid photo ID; $15 per copy at most local registrars
  4. IN PERSON (State - Trenton): Office of Vital Statistics, NJ DOH; call (866) 649-8726 for current hours and appointment requirements
  5. BY MAIL (State): Complete application; include valid photo ID photocopy; check or money order payable to "Treasurer, State of New Jersey"; mail to: P.O. Box 370, Trenton, NJ 08625-0370
  6. ONLINE/PHONE: VitalChek (authorized vendor); additional fees
  7. Submit with valid photo ID and proof of qualifying interest
  8. Pay the fee
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed death certificate application
  • Valid government-issued photo ID (copy for mail)
  • Proof of qualifying relationship for records less than 40 years old
  • Payment
Processing Time
Local Registrar in-person: same day in most cases; state: varies; VitalChek: expedited
Online Option
VitalChek (authorized vendor)
Where to Go
Local Registrar in municipality of death (faster, $15); State Office in Trenton ($25, more comprehensive)
New Jersey Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Death records restricted for 40 years; marriage records 50 years; birth records 80 years.
  • State Office maintains records from 1931 to present (some sources say 1918+; verify at nj.gov/health/vd).
  • For deaths before 1900: NJ State Archives.
  • Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each need a copy.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
NJ Office of Vital Statistics and Registry - nj.gov/health/vd | (866) 649-8726 | P.O. Box 370, Trenton, NJ 08625-0370