New Jersey Birth Records

New Jersey mandated counties to maintain records of their birth since 1925, leading to a centralized birth record keeping in the state. Before this, individual municipalities and counties kept records of births occurring within their jurisdiction. New Jersey birth records are the official documents that detail the birth of an individual in the state. New Jersey provides different forms of birth records ideal for different needs.

The long-form birth certificate is the official or full-size copy of the birth record. A long-form birth certificate is a comprehensive document detailing all information concerning an individual's birth. It typically includes the full name of the individual, date and place of birth, names and birthplaces of both parents, signature of the attending physician, file number, date the certificate was filled, and seal of the issuing authority. Long-form birth certificates are useful for legal purposes, such as passport applications, obtaining certain government benefits, and some court proceedings.

The short-form birth certificate is the abstract of the birth record. It is an abridged or condensed version of the long-form birth certificate. It contains basic information about the birth, such as the full name of the individual and date and place of birth. However, it omits detailed information, such as the parents' birthplaces and the attending medical physician's signature. Short-form birth certificates are ideal for situations where official proof of identity is not necessary.

Birth records in New Jersey may also be certified or informational. The certified copies of birth records are the detailed copies of the birth record that bears the raised official seal of the issuing authority. Certified birth records are required for official purposes. Informational or certification copies of birth records contain basic birth information. It is printed on plain paper and lacks the raised seal found in certified copies. They are ideal for non-official use and genealogical purposes. They are not valid for establishing legal identity.

How To Order a New Jersey Birth Certificate?

You may order birth certificates from 1925 to the present from the New Jersey Department of Health's Office of Vital Statistics and Registry. You may obtain the certificate by mail or in person at the local vital records office in the municipality where the birth was registered. To order the record by mail, complete the Application for Non-Genealogical or Certified Birth Certificate form. Birth records from the Office of Vital Statistics cost $25. Mail the forms to:

For births recorded in Jersey City after 1925, you can obtain certified copies of the record from the New Jersey City Office of the City Clerk- Division of Vital Records. You may request the record in person by calling (201) 547-5150 to schedule an appointment. You may also order the record by mail by completing the birth section of the Certified Copy of Vital Record form. The office charges a fee of $20. Mail the application to:

You may obtain birth certificates for births between 1848 and 1923 at the New Jersey State Archives. Generally, all requests for birth certificates must include:

• A valid, government-issued photo ID
• Proof of relationship with the record holder, if requested on behalf of the registrant
• Self-addressed stamped envelope for mail request
• The fees

Are Birth Records Public in New Jersey?

Birth records are not public records in New Jersey. Per state law, birth records are confidential records. The public cannot view, search, or order copies of birth records in the state. Access to certified copies of birth records in New Jersey is restricted to individuals with a direct and tangible interest.

While the state restricts public access to certified copies of birth records, members of the public may obtain uncertified copies, called certification copies, of New Jersey birth records. The state restricts public access to certified copies of birth records to protect individual privacy.

Who Can Order A Birth Certificate in New Jersey?

Access to certified copies of birth certificates is restricted in New Jersey, and only specific persons with a direct relationship to the record holder can obtain certified birth records. According to New Jersey law, the following individuals may order certified copies of birth certificates:

• The individual named on the record
• Immediate family members, including spouses, children, siblings, adult children, adult-grandchild
• Legal guardian
• Executor of estate with proof of appointment as executor
• An attorney or Lawyer retainer with proof of relationship
• Persons with a court order

How Long Does it Take to Get A New Jersey Birth Certificate?

The standard time to get a New Jersey birth certificate is 6 to 8 weeks. New Jersey offers expedited options to get your birth certificate faster. Although the state does not offer expedited services by mail, you can physically go to the State Registrar's Office or a local vital records office. The records are typically available on the same day if requested in person.

Where Can I Find New Jersey Birth Records for Free?

In New Jersey, certified copies of birth records are only accessible to specific individuals. However, informational copies are available for free through various channels. The National Vital Records Archives does not hold copies of birth records. Instead, it directs individuals to the right resources and where to obtain them. The New Jersey State Archiveshas a vast collection of vital records, including birth records from 1848 to 1923. The records are available on microfilm and can be accessed in person at the Archives search room.

Genealogy websites like Ancestry.com and FamilySearch.org provide free access to New Jersey birth records. FamilySearch.com permits users to search birth records by name, date, and place of birth for free, while Ancestry.com offers free access to indexes of New Jersey births from 1660 to 1931. Third-party platforms like PublicRecords.us compile public records, including birth records from multiple sources, and provide access to basic information for free.

When Would I Need My New Jersey Birth Records?

Birth records are important. They are required at various stages of life for identification, legal purposes, and access to services. Typically, you will need your birth certificate in the following situations:

• Obtaining a driver's license or state ID
• Applying for a U.S. passport
• To verify your identity when enrolling in school
• Applying for Social Security benefits
• Claiming insurance benefits or inheritance

How Much is A Replacement Birth Certificate in New Jersey?

There are several situations where you might need to replace your birth certificate. You may replace your birth certificate if it gets stolen, lost, or damaged. You may also require a replacement birth certificate after legally changing your name or correcting information on the birth record.

You may replace your birth certificate at the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry or your local vital records office in the municipality where the birth was registered. Generally, you will provide supporting documents, a valid ID, and the fees. It costs $20- 25 to replace your birth certificate, depending on the vital records office where you make the request.

When Can the Public Access New Jersey Birth Certificates?

Birth records are considered confidential documents and are not accessible to the general public. Only eligible persons can view, inspect, or obtain copies of certified birth certificates. Access to birth records is restricted to protect individual privacy and prevent identity theft. However, while certified copies are closed to the public, informational copies are publicly available.

How to Correct an Error on a New Jersey Birth Certificate?

In New Jersey, you may amend your name on your birth record, change the spelling of your surname on your birth certificate, or correct errors in your first or middle names. Correcting errors on your birth record begins with filling out the appropriate amendment request form specific to your correction needs.

You may apply to correct the record at the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry or with your local vital records office in the municipality where the birth was recorded. Include documents supporting the amendment, such as a valid government-issued ID, divorce decree, or court order. It costs $25 to amend a birth record in New Jersey.

Does New Jersey Provide Non-binary Birth Certificates?

Although New Jersey does not issue gender-neutral birth certificates at the time of birth, it does permit changing the gender marker on your birth record. Per state law, you may amend your birth record to reflect Male (M), Female (F), or Undesignated/Non-binary. However, the gender markers for newborns are limited to "Male" and "Female" only.