Decide what kind of birth certificate you will need to order. In New Jersey, you may order either a non-genealogical or genealogical birth certificate. For births that occurred in the past 80 years, or if the person is still living, order a non-genealogical birth certificate. For births that occurred more than 80 years ago, order a genealogical birth certificate.
Decide whether you want a certified birth certificate copy or a certification. A certified copy bears the official seal. You may use this to obtain a driver's license, apply for a passport, and for other identification purposes. A certification contains the registrant's basic birth information and does not bear the official seal. You cannot use it for identification purposes. Certified copies are restricted to the registrant, the registrant's immediate family, legal representatives, state and federal agencies, and those pursuant to a court order. Everyone may obtain a certification.
Download an application form. There are separate applications for a non-genealogical birth certificate and a genealogical birth certificate on the State of New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services website. Fill out the form completely.
Make a photocopy of a document that proves your eligibility to obtain a birth certificate if you are not the registrant or the registrant's parent. This is only necessary if you are ordering a certified copy of a birth certificate. If you are ordering your parent or sibling's birth certificate, provide a copy of your own birth certificate. If you are ordering a spouse or civil union partner's birth certificate, provide a copy of your marriage license or civil union certificate. If you are ordering your grandparent's birth certificate, provide a document that shows you are related. If you are an attorney, provide a document proving your that your client has retained you. If you are not the attorney of the registrant or an eligible person, provide a court order. Otherwise, provide a notarized letter of authorization or a written release from the registrant along with a copy of their photo identification. If you are unsure if your document is suitable, call the NJ Bureau of Vital Statistics and Registration at 609-292-4087 or 866-649-8726.
Make a photocopy of your identification. A driver's license or non-driver's license is acceptable. Alternatively, provide two of the following: a non-photo driver's license, a vehicle registration or insurance card, voter registration, passport, Permanent Resident Card, Immigrant Visa, Federal, State, county or school ID, a recent utility bill or bank statement, or a recent W-2 or tax return. At least one of your forms of identification must bear your current address.
Pay the the fee. As of 2010, the search fee is $25. Additional copies are $2 each. Additional search years for genealogical birth certificates are $1 each. Check the website of the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services for the most current fees. Write a check or money order for the appropriate fee made payable to State Treasurer.
Mail your application, eligibility documents (if necessary), identification photocopy and check or money order to: New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Vital Statistics and Registration, PO Box 370, Trenton, NJ 08625-0370.
