Death Certificates

A Certified Copy of the Death Certificate is necessary for many estate issues.  Certified copies of death certificates can be obtained for you by the funeral home at the time of death and the cost of them varies.  It is a good idea to obtain multiple copies of the death certificate as most agencies require a certified copy and not a photocopy.

 Additional certified copies can be obtained in the future by certain family members from the registrar of vital statistics in the municipality where the death occurred, not from the funeral home.  You can also contact the State of New Jersey Heath Department at www.state.nj.us/health/vital/ 

Additional certified copies of New Jersey death certificates can also be obtained by calling VitalChek, the state's partner agency, at 877-622-7549.  Those taking advantage of this option will still need to fax supporting documents to VitalChek at 888-489-9506.

Common uses of certified copies include: Probate, life insurance, credit life insurance, employee benefits, real estate titles, vehicle titles, banks, stocks, bonds and income tax returns.