New Jersey Death Certificate - How to Get Certified Copies

An independent guide to ordering certified death certificates in New Jersey. Fees and processing times change, so confirm them with the state office.

Requests Filed in All 50 States
Timing Depends on the State Office
256-bit SSL Encrypted

Independent service, not a government agency. GetDeathCertificates.com is an independent information site. We are not the New Jersey Department of Health - Office of Vital Statistics and Registry, we are not affiliated with any government agency, and we do not issue death certificates. You can order directly from the state office yourself at its New Jersey Department of Health - Office of Vital Statistics and Registry website.

Getting a Death Certificate in New Jersey

Obtaining certified death certificate copies in New Jersey requires submitting a request to the New Jersey Department of Health - Office of Vital Statistics and Registry. Fees and processing times are set by that office and change, so check the current fee and turnaround on its New Jersey Department of Health - Office of Vital Statistics and Registry website before you order. Online ordering through this site is not available right now; ordering directly from the state office is usually the fastest and cheapest option.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Determine eligibility: In New Jersey, only authorized persons may request death certificates. See the "Who Can Request" section below.
  2. Gather required documents: You will need to provide specific documentation with your request. See the "Required Documents" section below.
  3. Submit your request: Requests can be submitted to the New Jersey Department of Health - Office of Vital Statistics and Registry by mail, or in person at the state office by appointment.
  4. Pay the official fees: The state office sets the fee per certified copy and the payment methods it accepts. Check current fees and accepted payment methods with the New Jersey Department of Health - Office of Vital Statistics and Registry website.
  5. Receive your copies: Certified copies are mailed to your address after processing. Processing times vary by office and season; ask the office for its current turnaround and whether expedited handling is offered.

Required Documents

  • Completed application
  • Photo ID
  • Proof of eligibility
  • Payment

Who Can Request a New Jersey Death Certificate

New Jersey restricts access to death certificates to authorized individuals. Eligible requestors include:

  • Spouse
  • Parent
  • Child (18+)
  • Sibling (18+)
  • Grandparent
  • Legal representative

New Jersey Vital Records Office Contact

New Jersey Department of Health - Office of Vital Statistics and Registry

Address
P.O. Box 370, Trenton, NJ 08625
Phone
(609) 292-4087
Website
State office website
Cost
Check current fees with the office
Processing Time
Varies - check with the office

Counties in New Jersey

Death certificates in New Jersey can be requested for deaths that occurred in any of the state's 21 counties.

Show all 21 New Jersey counties
  • Atlantic
  • Bergen
  • Burlington
  • Camden
  • Cape May
  • Cumberland
  • Essex
  • Gloucester
  • Hudson
  • Hunterdon
  • Mercer
  • Middlesex
  • Monmouth
  • Morris
  • Ocean
  • Passaic
  • Salem
  • Somerset
  • Sussex
  • Union
  • Warren

Order from the New Jersey vital records office

Online ordering through this site is not available right now. You can order a certified death certificate directly from the New Jersey vital records office (link below) - this is usually the fastest and cheapest option.

New Jersey vital records office

Start an order (online ordering opening soon)

Related: Find Funeral Homes in New Jersey

If you are working with a funeral home in New Jersey, our directory lists funeral homes across the state. Browse funeral homes in New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions - New Jersey

The state office sets the government fee and it can change, so check the current fee on the New Jersey Department of Health - Office of Vital Statistics and Registry website.

Processing time depends on the vital records office and how it receives your request, and it changes over time. Check the current turnaround, and whether expedited handling is offered, on the New Jersey Department of Health - Office of Vital Statistics and Registry website.

Most requests in New Jersey go through the state vital records office at New Jersey Department of Health - Office of Vital Statistics and Registry. Some counties may have local options - contact us or check the county health department website.

Death certificates are issued by the vital records office for the state where the death occurred, not where the person lived. If the death occurred in New Jersey, you request it from New Jersey vital records regardless of where the deceased resided.

Related: funeral homes in New Jersey | how it works | frequently asked questions | how to order