How to Get a Death Certificate in New Jersey

Getting a death certificate in New Jersey is straightforward — you can order at the state level in Trenton, through your local municipal registrar, or online through VitalChek. This guide explains every option, the cost, who's eligible to request copies, and how many you'll likely need for the estate.

Which Agency Handles Vital Records in New Jersey?

Death certificates in New Jersey are issued by the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry, with a state office in Trenton. Each municipality also has a local registrar who maintains records of deaths that occurred in that municipality. Website: nj.gov/health/vital.

How to Order a Death Certificate in New Jersey

• Online: Order through VitalChek, the state's authorized online vendor. Processing typically takes 2–3 weeks total.
• By mail: Submit a completed REG-37 application form, a photocopy of your government-issued ID, and a check or money order payable to the Treasurer, State of New Jersey. Mail to: NJ Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry, P.O. Box 370, Trenton, NJ 08625-0370. Allow 6–8 weeks.
• In person: Walk-in service is available at the Trenton state office. Same-day service is sometimes available.
• Local registrar: The municipal registrar in the town where the death occurred can issue certified copies — often the fastest option, sometimes same-day.
• Through the funeral home: In the days after a death, the funeral home can typically order certified copies on your behalf.

How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in New Jersey?

The state fee is $25 per certified copy, with additional copies ordered in the same request priced at $2 each. If you place a separate order later, that new order starts over at the $25 rate for its first copy. Local municipal registrars may charge slightly different fees but generally fall in a similar range.

How Many Copies Should You Order?

Most New Jersey families need 8–12 certified copies: each bank, life insurance policy, the Surrogate's Court (where probate is filed), Social Security, real estate transfers, vehicle title transfers, retirement accounts, and the New Jersey Inheritance Tax filing. Larger estates with multiple properties or business interests may need 15+.

Who Is Eligible to Request a Death Certificate in New Jersey?

New Jersey restricts certified copies to people with a direct interest. Eligible requestors include the spouse or domestic partner, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild of the deceased; the executor or administrator of the estate; a licensed attorney representing the estate; legal guardians; and government officials with authorized need. You must provide proof of relationship and government-issued photo ID.

What If There's an Error on the Certificate?

If you spot a typo, wrong date, or other error, contact the local registrar or the State Office of Vital Statistics to start an amendment. Minor demographic errors can usually be corrected with supporting documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, driver's license). Errors involving cause of death require a correction from the certifying physician or medical examiner.

What to Do After You Receive Your Death Certificates

Once you have your certified copies in hand, these are the immediate next steps:

1. Notify financial institutions — bring a certified copy to each bank, brokerage, and credit union where the deceased held accounts.
2. File life insurance claims — each insurer needs an original certified copy.
3. Contact Social Security — report the death at (800) 772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
4. Begin probate if the estate requires it — not every estate does.
5. Update property titles — real estate, vehicles, and other titled assets each need a certified copy.
6. Send notifications — Omuna's free notification templates help you draft letters to banks, insurers, and government agencies.
7. Create a memorial page — Omuna's memorial editor lets you build a lasting tribute your family can share.