In New Jersey, certified death certificates are issued by New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry. The state fee is $25 for the first certified copy and $2 for each additional copy.
Here is who can order a certified copy, how to order it, and how long it takes, taken from the office’s own pages. Fees and times change, so check the office’s page before you pay.
How much a death certificate costs in New Jersey
| Item | State fee |
|---|---|
| First certified copy | $25 |
| Each additional copy | $2 |
'$25 for the initial search and one certified copy … and $2 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.' $1 per extra year searched. VitalChek adds its own processing fee. Local (municipal) office fees vary by municipality.
Who can order a certified copy
The subject's parent, legal guardian or legal representative; Spouse/civil union partner; child, grandchild or sibling, if of legal age; A state or federal agency for official purposes; Anyone with a court order (a subpoena is not sufficient); Legal representative of the executor of an estate (with documentation).
A non-certified informational copy is also available. It cannot be used for legal or financial purposes such as closing accounts or claiming benefits.
How to order
- Online (official vendor: VitalChek)
- In person
- County/local office
Local (municipal) vital records offices also issue copies; 'Processing time and fees vary at the Local Vital Records Office.'.
📨 Get Free Funeral Cost Guides Alerts
Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
How long it takes
State non-genealogical page: online 'Orders are processed within 4-6 weeks'; walk-in at the state office 'typically processed within 2 hours'; mail through vendor VitalChek 'typically processed within 2-4 weeks'. The Online Requests page separately says 'standard processing time is 6-8 weeks.'.
The funeral home’s role
The office’s pages do not describe the funeral home’s role. Many families ask the funeral director to order the first copies when arrangements are made.
A 'certification' is an uncertified informational copy that needs ID but no proof of relationship. Proof of relationship is required for a certified copy and missing proof is 'the number one reason' applications are rejected. Cash no longer accepted at the Trenton walk-in office from 06/18/2026.
How many copies to order
Most banks, insurers, pension plans and government agencies each want their own certified copy. Count the accounts and policies before you order, because ordering more later means another application and fee. How many death certificates you need has a worksheet.
Who decides the funeral in New Jersey
State law sets who has the right to make funeral arrangements. See who has the right to make funeral decisions in New Jersey.
Related guides
- What to do when someone dies: the first 24 hours
- Who to call when someone dies, and in what order
- How much a funeral costs, line by line
- Help paying for a funeral: Social Security, VA and FEMA
- Official funeral resources for every state
Sources
- New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry
- CDC: Where to Write for Vital Records (New Jersey)
- New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry
- New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry
Checked 2026-09-24. General information, not legal advice.