How to Search New Jersey Vital Records

New Jersey vital records (births, deaths, marriages, divorces) are maintained by the state Department of Health (or equivalent). Older records may be at county clerks or the state archives. Some records are restricted by privacy law.

  • Order birth, death, marriage, divorce: through the New Jersey Department of Health Vital Records office.
  • Order online: vitalchek.com — authorized vendor for most states.
  • Historic records: contact the New Jersey State Archives.
  • Marriage license: apply at any county clerk's office.
  • Genealogy research: state historical societies and FamilySearch.org carry many historical vital records.
Population
9,288,994
Households
3,400,000
Median Income
$97,126
Median Home Value
$401,400

Vital Records Databases

9 official New Jersey vital records sources.

Vital Records

Dover Cemetery Records
Official Free
Town of Dover, New Jersey indexes of Orchard Street cemetery records.
Gloucester County Cemeteries
Official Free
Search the Gloucester County Historical Society's database by name for Gloucester County cemetery records and inscriptions.
Marriages | 1666-1799
Official Free
Search the New Jersey Archives for colonial marriage records from 1666 to 1799 by name or year.
Deaths | Cemetery Records
Official Free
New Jersey cemeteries by county, including cemetery maps, interment records including dates, and many gravestone photos.
Births and Christenings 1660-1980
Official Free
New Jersey christening, birth, and baptism records filed between 1660 and 1980.
Deaths and Burials 1720-1988
Official Free
over 1 million New Jersey deaths and burials recorded between 1720 and 1988.
Marriages | 1678-1985
Official Free
New Jersey marriages recorded between 1678 and 1985.
Deaths | Social Security Administration
Official Free
Social Security reported deaths in New Jersey.
Trenton | Obituaries
Official Free
Index of City of Trenton obituaries.

New Jersey Counties

All 21 New Jersey counties. Click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.

Frequently Asked Questions

Order from the New Jersey Department of Health Vital Records office, online through VitalChek, by mail, or in person at a county clerk.

Most New Jersey vital records have access restrictions. Recent records may require proof of relationship. Older records (typically 50+ years for births, 25+ for deaths) are usually public.

Marriage licenses are issued by county clerks. Both parties typically apply in person. Fees and waiting periods vary by county.

For records before state-level recording began, contact the New Jersey State Archives or the county where the event occurred.

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