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1. Can a person eligible to receive a certified copy of a vital record designate someone to collect the certified copies for them?

An individual who has filed a complete
application for a copy of a vital record can authorize another person to pick
up the record on his or her behalf. To do so, the applicant should sign a
notarized letter, stating the name of the person listed on the vital record and
the name of the individual who is picking up the record. The individual picking
up the record must present this letter along with an acceptable form of
identification. 

2. Does an ex-spouse have access to the previous spouse's birth or death certificate?

An ex-spouse can only obtain birth or death
records if the records are being obtained on behalf of a minor child that was
the product of the marriage. Documentary proof of the minor child and the need
for the certificate must be provided. 

3. Do stepparents have the same access to records as parents?

Stepparents can only obtain a certified copy of
the birth certificate of a stepchild with the authorization of the biological
parent, unless the stepparent has adopted the child or has been granted custody
of the child. 

4. Does an attorney have access to vital records?

An attorney can only obtain records on behalf of
a client. The attorney must show proof of being the legal representative of the
client and may only obtain the same type of copy of a vital record that the
client is eligible to receive. An attorney is not granted certified copies of
vital records solely on the basis of being an attorney. 

5. Do foreign governments accept a birth or death record issued by the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry?

Yes. However, if the foreign country is a member
of the Hague Treaty, the record must also contain an Apostille Seal. You can
contact the consulate of that country to determine if it is a member of the
Hague Treaty or obtain other specific requirements. 

6. How do I obtain a record with an Apostille Seal?

Certified copies of Vital Records issued by a
local Registrar CANNOT be used to obtain an Apostille Seal. You must purchase a
copy of your vital record from the State of New Jersey Office of Vital
Statistics and Registry and indicate on your application that it is needed for
Apostille Seal. You will receive a certified copy which you must forward
to the Department of Treasury requesting an Apostille Seal. 

7. What should I do if I receive a No Match certificate as a result of a request I submitted?

A No Match statement means the information you
provided does not exactly match a record on file. Verify the information you
provided. Submit a new application for the record with the corrected
information. Your new application must include the required identification and
fees. 

8. What should I do if I receive a No Record certificate as a result of a request I submitted?

A No Record statement means that there is no
record on file that corresponds to the information you provided. Verify the
information you provided. If the information you originally gave is correct,
you can request to file a delayed report be placed on file. More information on
delayed reports of birth can be found under the Birth Records portion of the
FAQ’s, more information on delayed reports of marriage can be found under the
Marriage Records portion of the FAQ’s.

9. Can vital records be faxed?

No. Vital records require the raised seal of the
local office of vital records or the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry
seal to be considered valid. It is the administrative policy of the State
Registrar that records are not faxed for any reason.

10. What can I do if I do not have all of the information required for a non-genealogical application (exact date the event occurred, exact municipality where the event occurred and/or mother's maiden

In order to be processed your application must
contain all required items. To find the required information, you may wish to
check census records, newspaper archives at the local library, the federal
social security death index or hire an investigator. If after exhausting all
alternatives you are still unable to supply the required items you will need to
obtain a court order directing the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry to
issue the copy.

11. Is the fee for a New Jersey birth record waived for military personnel?

No.

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1. Where do I request a birth certificate if I was born abroad, with US citizenship at birth?

Contact the State Department in Washington DC at (202) 955-0307. 

2. How do I know if the copy of my birth certificate is acceptable for the Division of Motor Vehicles, Passport or for proof of age or citizenship?

Your record must be issued by the local office
of vital records where the birth occurred or the Office of Vital Statistics and
Registry and must contain a raised seal. Some entities require the document to
have been issued within the last two years. Complimentary copies issued by a
hospital are not valid. 

3. What is the procedure to correct information on a birth record?

Since there are many unique circumstances to
amending records it is suggested you contact this office for further
information or the State of New Jersey Office of Vital Statistics &
Registry - Record Modification Unit toll-free at 1-866-649-8726 extension 581.

4. Is a raised seal required to make a certified copy of a birth certificate official?

Yes, within the State of New Jersey certified
copies are required to contain the raised seal of the issuing authority, either
the local office of vital records or the Office of Vital Statistics and
Registry.

5. Can I obtain the time of birth?

Yes. In order to obtain this information you
must purchase a certified copy of your record. The time will be included on the
birth certificate only if the doctor recorded it. You should indicate on your
request that you wish the certified copy to show the time of birth. 

6. Can I request the birth record of a non-family member?

Yes, but you will
receive a certification rather than a certified copy. A certification is a
non-certified document, which contains limited information and states it is for
informational purposes only, not for identification or legal purposes.

7. How long after a birth occurs is it filed with the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry?

Under our current
system, births are filed within three weeks of the completion of the
certificate by the hospital.

8. What is required to file a delayed birth certificate?

In order to request a delayed report of birth,
you must first file an application requesting the birth certificate to ensure
the record is not on file. If no record is found, you will receive a No Record
statement, which must be returned with a letter of request to place a delayed
report of birth on file. You will receive a questionnaire to complete so that a
more detailed search can be completed. You will also need to provide
documentary proof that the birth took place. Documentary proof will be reviewed
and a determination made. Please contact the Record Modification unit toll-free
at 1-866-649-8726 extension 581 for further information.

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1. Where do I apply for my civil union license?

The application must be filed in the New Jersey
municipality in which either applicant resides and the license is valid
throughout the State. If neither applicant is a New Jersey resident, the
application must be filed in the municipality where the ceremony will occur and
the license is valid ONLY in the issuing municipality.

2. If I am in a domestic partnership and want to enter into a civil union with the same partner, do we need to terminate the domestic partnership before applying for a civil union license?

No. Domestic partners who wish to enter into a
civil union with the same partner do not need to terminate their domestic
partnership.  Once they have entered into the civil union, their domestic
partnership automatically terminates, if it was originally registered in New
Jersey.  If it was registered outside New Jersey, the laws of that state
would determine the validity of the domestic partnership following the civil
union.

3. If I was previously registered in a domestic partnership and neglected to legally terminate it when we ended our relationship, must I terminate that domestic partnership before I enter into a civil

Yes. If the
domestic partnership with a different partner was not legally terminated, or
was not terminated by the death of the previous partner, you must terminate the
domestic partnership before entering into a civil union with someone else.

4. Is my civil union registered in another state recognized by the State of New Jersey?

If your civil union meets the requirements of
the state in which you registered, then it is recognized by the State of New
Jersey.

5. Am I required to enter into a civil union in New Jersey if I am already in a civil union or same-sex marriage in another state or country?

No. You are not required to enter into a
civil union in New Jersey. If your civil union or same-sex marriage meets the
requirements of the state or country in which you registered, then it is
recognized by the State of New Jersey as a civil union. However, if you wish,
you may also elect to enter into a civil union in New Jersey.  In that
case, you would file for a Reaffirmation of Civil Union License in New Jersey.

6. After filing the civil union application, is there a waiting period before the civil union license can be issued?

Yes. There is a 72-hour waiting period
before the license can be issued. The waiting period begins once the
application has been filed by one or both applicants.  A Superior Court
judge can waive all or part of the 72-hour waiting period.

7. After filing a Reaffirmation of Civil Union application, is there a waiting period before the Reaffirmation of Civil Union License can be issued?

No. For a Reaffirmation of Civil Union
License, there is no waiting period, the license can be issued immediately
after the complete application has been filed.

8. Can Internet ministers perform my civil union ceremony?

Yes. It is recommended you check the
Internet website for the particular Internet ministry to verify that their
ministers are authorized to perform civil union ceremonies.

9. Are public officials who are authorized to perform marriages/civil unions required to perform my civil union ceremony?

 Public officials
who are authorized to perform marriages are authorized to perform civil
unions.  Public officials may choose whether or not to exercise this
authority.  However, if a public official agrees to perform marriages, he
or she must agree to perform civil unions.  If an official elects not to
perform civil unions, he or she cannot perform marriages either. Public
officials do have the right to exercise their authority only for residents of
their municipality.

10. Are members of the clergy required to perform my civil union ceremony?

No. Members of the clergy are not covered
by the Law Against Discrimination and have the right to decline to perform
civil unions.

11. Is the Local Registrar, or Deputy or Alternate Deputy Registrar, required to accept my application for a civil union License?

Yes. The
Registrar is required by law to accept for filing an application for a civil
union license so long as the application is provided to the Registrar of the
municipality in which either of the applicant’s reside or, if out of State
residents, in the municipality in which the ceremony will occur.

12. Am I eligible to assume my partner’s name or hyphenate our last names following our civil union?

Yes. However, please note that the federal
government does not recognize civil unions.  You may choose to consult an
attorney to legally establish a name change.

13. Do applicants for a civil union license have the right to create their own vows or make changes to existing vows that may be in place with public officials?

Yes. You can create or edit vows.  In
your vows, you may refer to each other using any terms you prefer, including
wife, spouse, lover, or life mate, and you may refer to the ceremony as a
marriage.  However, when the ceremony is completed, you are legally
entered into a civil union and considered a civil union couple.

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1. If a resident of New Jersey dies in another state or country, is the death certificate on file in New Jersey?

No, you must contact the state or country in
which the death occurred.

2. How do I find a cemetery plot or burial place?

Request a long form copy of the death
certificate, which will have the burial location. Then you can contact that
entity for more information.

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1. I entered into a domestic partnership before New Jersey’s Civil Union Act took effect. Is my domestic partnership still valid if we elect not to enter into a civil union?

Yes. Your domestic partnership is still
valid as it was entered into under the law in place at the time. However,
you continue to have only the rights afforded to domestic partners and not the
full rights of married couples as are given to civil union couples.

2. Is my domestic partner able to assume my last name after we register our partnership?

No. There is no basis to recognize the
assumption of the partner’s last name. A legal name change must be filed with
the courts and an original copy of the final judgment presented to the Office
of Vital Statistics and Registry.

3. Is it true that as of February 19, 2007, when New Jersey’s Civil Union Act took effect, only same-sex or opposite-sex couples 62 years of age or older can register domestic partnerships?

Yes. As of February 19, 2007, domestic
partnerships can only be established by couples 62 years of age or older,
regardless of whether they are a same-sex or opposite-sex couple.

4. If I am in a domestic partnership and want to enter into a civil union with the same partner, do we need to terminate the domestic partnership before applying for our civil union license?

No. Domestic partners who wish to enter
into a civil union with the same person do not need to terminate their domestic
partnership. Once they have entered into the civil union, their domestic
partnership will automatically terminate if it was registered in New Jersey. If
it was registered outside New Jersey, the laws of that state would determine
the validity of the domestic partnership following the civil union.

5. If I was previously registered in a domestic partnership and neglected to legally terminate it when we ended our relationship, must I terminate that domestic partnership before entering into a civi

Yes. If the domestic partnership with a
different partner was not legally terminated, or was not terminated by the
death of the previous partner, you must terminate the domestic partnership
before entering into a civil union with someone else.

6. Does my employer have to offer my domestic partner health benefits?

Information regarding benefits can be found at
the https://nj.gov/treasury/pensions/.

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1. If I was married in another state, do I need to enter in a marriage in New Jersey in order to have my marriage recognized in New Jersey?

No. Just as with opposite-sex couples, so long
as your out-of-state marriage is consistent with the laws and public policy of
New Jersey, your marriage is valid and recognized in this State and you will
not need to enter into a New Jersey marriage. 

2. Is my marriage on file in New Jersey if I was married in another state or country?

No. You must contact the state or country in
which you were married. 

3. Who can perform marriages in New Jersey?

Each judge of the United States Court of Appeals
for the Third Circuit, each judge of the federal district court, United States
magistrate, judge of a municipal court, judge of the Superior Court, judge of a
tax court, retired judge of the Superior Court or Tax Court, or judge of the Superior
Court or Tax Court, the former County Court, the former County Juvenile and
Domestic Relations Court, or the former County District Court who has resigned
in good standing, surrogate of any county, county clerk and any mayor or former
mayor not currently serving on the municipal governing body or the deputy mayor
when authorized by the mayor, or chairman of any township committee or village
president of this State, and every minister of every religion, are hereby
authorized to solemnize marriages or civil unions between such persons as may
lawfully enter into the matrimonial relation or civil union; and every
religious society, institution or organization in this State may join together
in marriage or civil union such persons according to the rules and customs of
the society, institution or organization. A civil celebrant shall be authorized
to solemnize marriages or civil unions if certified by the Secretary of State.

4. Can Internet ministers perform my marriage ceremony?

Yes. It is recommended you check the Internet
website for the particular Internet ministry to verify that their ministers are
authorized to perform marriage ceremonies.

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1. If I was married in another state, do I need to enter in a marriage in New Jersey in order to have my marriage recognized in New Jersey?

 No. Just as with
opposite-sex couples, so long as your out-of-state marriage is consistent with
the laws and public policy of New Jersey, your marriage is valid and recognized
in this State and you will not need to enter into a New Jersey marriage.

2. If I am in a domestic partnership, and enter into a marriage with my current domestic partner, does the domestic partnership automatically dissolve?

No. Your domestic partnership will remain intact
and will still be on file with the local municipality where the ceremony was
performed or the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry after you enter into
marriage with your domestic partner.

3. If I am currently in a civil union and wish to enter into marriage, do I have to dissolve my civil union prior to entering into marriage?

You will not have to dissolve your civil union
in order to enter into marriage so long as you are marrying your current civil
union partner.  However, if you wish to marry someone other than your
civil union partner, then you must have your civil union dissolved before you
can enter into marriage with someone else. 

4. If I am currently in a civil union and subsequently enter into a marriage with my current civil union partner, what happens to my civil union?

Civil unions remain valid.  Your civil
union will remain intact and will still be on file with the local municipality
where the ceremony was performed or the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry
after you enter into marriage with your civil union partner.

5. Will my New Jersey Civil Union automatically convert to a marriage or must I receive a marriage license and thereafter engage in a marriage ceremony in order to be married in New Jersey?

Civil Unions will not automatically convert to
marriages. Civil unions remain valid and couples may continue to enter into
civil unions if those so choose.  A civil union couple will have to apply
for and receive a marriage license and thereafter engage in a marriage ceremony
in order to receive a marriage certificate.

6. Can same-sex couples continue to apply for and enter into civil unions?

Yes. The
Civil Union Act remains in full force and effect.

7. If a same-sex couple is already legally married in another state and wishes to enter into marriage in New Jersey, would the couple be entering into a marriage or a remarriage?

The couple would be entering into a
remarriage. Any couple married outside of the State that wishes to renew
their marriage commitment in New Jersey may do so by applying for and receiving
a remarriage license and thereafter engage in a remarriage ceremony, as set
forth at N.J.S.A. 37:1-7. The 72 hour waiting period does not apply to
remarriages. 

8. If I am currently in a civil union and applied for a marriage license with my current civil union partner, must I wait 72 hours before receiving my marriage license?

Yes. All individuals, including those already in
a civil union, who apply for marriage licenses must comply with the 72 hour
waiting period unless a New Jersey Superior Court Judge enters an order waiving
the wait period due to emergency circumstances.

9. If I am currently in a civil union and wish to enter into marriage with my current civil union partner, should I apply for a remarriage license or a marriage license?

Couples who are currently in a civil union and
have not entered in a valid marriage outside of this State must apply for a
marriage license, not a remarriage license, and must wait 72 hours before
receiving their marriage license.