Request certified copies of birth, marriage and death certificates

We can provide certified copies of certificates for:

• Births that occurred in Somerville
• Deaths that occurred in Somerville
• Marriages or civil unions, if the ceremony took place in Somerville

A certified copy has a raised seal and is printed on official paper. It is a legal document and can be used to establish identity.

If you are looking for genealogy records for family history research, you can request records from the State.

Need to know

• Costs:
  • $25 for the certified copy
  • $2 for additional certified copies of the same certificate
  • $20 for corrections to any birth, marriage or death record
• You can request your own records
• You can request someone else's records under limited circumstances

Before you start

You will need to:

• Identify the full name on the record
• Provide proof of your identity and current residence

If your last name on your driver’s license is different from your last name on the birth certificate, you need to include a copy of your marriage certificate.

You can request someone else's record if you are:

• Parent, legal guardian, or legal representative
• Spouse/civil union partner or domestic partner
• Child, grandchild, or sibling
• State or federal government agency for official purposes
• Requesting pursuant to a court order

If you are requesting a record of a family member, you need to provide proof of your relationship to them.

Same day requests

If Somerville's Vital Records office is closed and you have an immediate need, you can make a request in-person before 3:30 p.m. at the NJ Department of Health's office of Vital Statistics in Trenton.

Steps

You can make your request online, by mail, or in person.

Online

1. Complete the online VitalChek application.
2. Pay fees. Online requests have additional service and shipping fees.

Mail

1. Complete and submit the request based on the type of record want:
   • Marriage/civil union
   • Birth
   • Death
2. Make a photocopy your driver’s license/passport with your current address (or proof of current mailing address).
3. Write a check or money order payable to “Somerville Division of Health.” Do not send cash.
4. Mail the application, proof of identity, and check to: Somerville Division of Health, 25 West End Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876

In person

1. Complete and submit the request based on the type of record want:
   • Marriage/civil union
   • Birth
   • Death
2. Schedule an appointment. Call (908) 725-2300, ext. 1980 to book your time slot.
3. Attend your appointment at Borough Hall (first door on the left). Make sure to bring:
   • Your driver's license or valid passport
   • Proof of relationship (if required)
   • Check or money order payable to “Somerville Division of Health.” You can also pay with cash, but you need to bring exact cash.

What's next

If you made your request online, VitalChek will verify your identity and the copy will be shipped directly to you.

If you made your request by mail, we mail out the certificates to the address on your ID at no extra charge.

If you made your request in person, we will provide the documents directly to you.