In New Jersey, the collection of birth records goes back to 1901 that are kept by the Vital Records office. The Division of Archives have further New Jersey Birth records for the years of 1878 through 1900. These older records are considered public record, and can be researched by anyone.
Those that date from 1901 to the present are confidential, and may have restrictions on who can order copies. It also will depend on whether you request a certified copy (with a raised state seal) or a certification (plain paper). When getting a certified copy, you will have to prove a direct relationship to the person on the record. You will not have to provide this documentation if you settle for just a certification.
They also classify records older than 80 years as genealogical, and newer ones as non-genealogical. This does not impact how you make your request, but it will put your request lower in their priorities if it's only genealogical.
When making your request, you can either send it to the main Vital Records office, or the local registrar's office. If you are looking for your local registrar's office, the state website has a handy list that's organized by county (http://www.state.nj.us/health/vital/regbycnty.shtml). You'll be able to make your New Jersey birth record request at the local office as long as it is the office for the county where the birth took place.
The forms can be downloaded from the Vital Records website (http://www.state.nj.us/health/vital/start.shtml) though there are 2 different ones (genealogical or non-genealogical requests). You will need to supply all identifying information for the record you are looking for, that includes full name, date and place of birth and parent's full names. You also need to include your own contact information, and a photocopy of your identification. Only government issued photo ID is accepted.
If you are after a certified copy, you also have to include documentation that proves your relationship to the person of record. The fee for either a certification or a certified copy is currently at $25 USD, with checks and money orders made payable to the "Treasurer - State of New Jersey".
For non-genealogical requests for New Jersey birth records, you can either mail this in or drop it off in person. When dropping off in person, you will usually get your required records back within 2 hours. The physical address is the Bureau of Vital Statistics, 140 East Front Street, Trenton New Jersey. When mailing, you can send it to the Bureau of Vital Statistics, PO Box 370, Trenton NJ, 08625-0370 USA. Then you will wait 8 to 10 weeks.
If you are making a genealogical request, you do not have the option of doing an in-person drop off. The mailing address is the same as for the non-genealogical requests, as mentioned above, but your wait time will jump to 12 to 14 weeks for these New Jersey birth record requests.
Because they classify their vital records as either genealogical or non-genealogical as well as offering both certified and certification copies, it can be more complicated than in other states. The website for the state Department of Health and Senior Services (http://www.state.nj.us/health/vital/start.shtml) has the complete set of details on making these requests accurately.
If you are interested in requesting New Jersey birth certificates by mail, take the following steps.
Step 1.
In order to request a certified New Jersey birth certificate, you will need to complete a New Jersey Birth Certificate form. Make sure that the form is completed in its entirety.
Step 2.
You will also need to provide identification with your request. A copy of your driver's license is the easiest method, though other acceptable forms of ID are listed on the Department's site.
Step 3.
Return the request and identification to the Department. You will also need to include a check or money order in the amount of $25 to cover the fees associated with your request.
If you have other questions or concerns regarding accessing New Jersey birth records, you can contact the office below:
New Jersey Department of Health
New Jersey Bureau of Vital Statistics and Registration
Customer Service Unit – Non-genealogical Requests
P.O. Box 370
Trenton, NJ 08625-0370
(609) 292-4087
Obtaining Copies Of New Jersey Birth Records
New Jersey birth records can be requested from the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. The Department offers both certified copies used for identification and certifications that are used for genealogical requests.
Ways You Can Make An Order
Requests for New Jersey birth records can be made in person and through the mail. Expedited requests can also be made by mail, phone, fax, and internet through an independent service, but there are additional charges associated with those requests.
Limitations For Certified Copies
If you are requesting a certified copy of a New Jersey birth record, then you will need to provide proof of relationship with that request. You must be either the person listed, a parent or legal guardian, a child or direct relative, or have other legal access to the record.
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