Introduction
Getting your New Jersey birth certificate can be a confusing process, but it doesn’t have to be. In this post, we’ll cover all the different ways you can get copies of your certificate and help you figure out which one is right for your situation.
Order from the State of New Jersey.
You can order a birth certificate from the State of New Jersey in several ways. The most convenient way is to do so online, but you can also order by phone, mail or fax. If you prefer to visit an office in person, there are locations throughout New Jersey that provide this service.
If you’re looking for a specific type of birth certificate–like one with an adoption record on it or one for a stillborn child–it’s best to call ahead before going through all the trouble of getting one yourself (especially if there’s no guarantee).
Request a replacement from your family member or friend with an original copy.
The best way to get a copy of your birth certificate is from the state or from VitalChek. However, if you cannot obtain a copy through these methods and have a family member or friend with an original copy, they can request one on your behalf.
To do so:
- Your family member or friend must fill out and sign an Affidavit for Birth Certificate (Form BA-400)
- They must provide proof of their identity by presenting two forms of acceptable identification that show their name, date of birth and current address (e.g., driver’s license, passport).
- The person requesting the affidavit should mail it along with payment for $20 plus postage/shipping fee ($8 first class mail per application; $15 express delivery per application). The law does not allow payment via credit card or check payments made out directly to “Department of Health.”
Apply for a duplicate birth certificate if your original was lost, stolen or damaged.
You can apply for a duplicate birth certificate if your original was lost, stolen or damaged. You will need to be 18 years old or older and have either a valid photo ID or proof of your identity (such as a Social Security card).
You have two options: you can apply in person at the Vital Records Registry in Trenton (the state capital), or mail your application with the required fees to P.O. Box 68700, Trenton NJ 08666-7000.
Obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate from the country where you were born.
To obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate, you can mail the form to the county clerk’s office where you were born. You will need to include the appropriate fee with your request and provide proof of identity by submitting one of the following:
- A photo ID that any state has issued or federal government agency (e.g., driver’s license)
- A copy of another type of photo ID (e.g., passport) along with two pieces of mail addressed to you at your current address
Order a certified copy through VitalChek, an online service that charges a fee for expedited orders.
You can order a certified copy online from VitalChek, an online service that charges a fee for expedited orders. VitalChek is a reliable source of birth certificates, but it’s not the only one.
VitalChek is a private company that charges a fee for its services and does not include any government or agency fees in their price quotes.
You can get a copy of your birth certificate from the state or from VitalChek
You can get a copy of your birth certificate from the state or from VitalChek.
- State: If you want to order your birth certificate directly through the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, click here.
- VitalChek: This is an independent company that provides vital record services for various states and counties across America. They charge a fee for their services, but it’s often less expensive than ordering through a government agency like the one above.*
Conclusion
You can get a copy of your birth certificate from the state or from VitalChek. If you need it quickly, we recommend using VitalChek. The process is simple and fast, plus they offer free shipping on all orders!