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How to Obtain Copies of Genealogical Records
Genealogical Records (family history research) are birth, death and marriage records for people who are deceased where the following occurred:
- The birth occurred more than 80 years ago
- The death occurred more than 40 years ago
- The marriage occurred more than 50 years ago
Request Cannot Be Processed
Your request cannot be processed as a genealogical request if the person named on the record is still living or the event was more recent than the previous list.
The Elizabeth Office of Vital Statistics holds records back to May 1848.
The following must be sent with your application:
- All required copies of identification for proof of identity
- Copies of documents proving your relationship to the person named on the record, if you are ordering a certified copy
- The correct fees
- Your application will be returned if you do not send in all required documentation
Step 1: Identify the Genealogical Record
You must identify the record by providing the following required information, if you provide the optional information it may assist us in locating the record.
Required Information:
- City or county where the event occurred
- Full name on the record
- Year the event occurred
Optional Information:
- Exact date of event
- Father’s name
- Mother’s maiden name
- Social security number (deaths only)
Step 2: Provide Acceptable Identification
You must provide acceptable Identification (ID) in order to get a copy of any vital record. Copies of vital records must be mailed to the address listed on your identification. Please do not send in original ID documents. Only copies are required.
The following are acceptable forms of ID:
- A current, valid driver’s license without photo and one alternate form of ID
- A current, valid photo driver's license or photo non-driver's license
- Two alternate forms of ID, one of which must have current address
Alternate forms of ID are:
- Bank Statement (within previous 90 days)
- County ID
- Federal/State ID
- Immigrant Visa
- Permanent Resident Card (Green card)
- School ID
- U.S./Foreign Passport
- Utility bill (within the previous 90 days)
- Vehicle insurance card
- Vehicle registration
- Voter registration
- W-2 or tax return for current/previous tax year
Step 3: Payments of Fees
The Office of Vital Statistics and Registry charges the following amounts:
- $2 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time
- $8 for each Certification of a vital record
Mail Applications
Applications mailed in may be paid by check or money order made payable to: City of Elizabeth. We cannot accept credit card payment.
Please do not send cash through the mail.
Step 4: Proof of Relationship
This is only required if ordering a certified copy of a vital record. Proof of relationship is not required if you are asking for a certification, which is an uncertified informational copy of the vital record which is not valid for establishing identity or legal purposes.
To get a certified copy you must provide proof of your relationship to the person listed on the vital record and the proof must establish you are one of the following:
- Pursuant to court order
- A state or federal agency for official purposes
- The subject of the record
- The subject’s parent, legal guardian or legal representative
- The subject’s spouse/civil union or domestic partner; child, grandchild or sibling, if of legal age
Step 5: Submitting Your Completed Application & Supporting Documents
Your application will be returned if you do not send in all required information. You must include the following with your application:
- All required copies of identification establishing your identity
- Copies of documents proving your relationship to the person named on the record, if you are ordering a certified copy
- The correct fee
Submit Your Request
Submit your request and supporting documentation via following order method:
Please send through mail only. Genealogical requests by mail are typically processed within 2 to 4 weeks.
Processed through Elizabeth Office of Vital Statistics
50 Winfield Scott Plaza
Room G12
Elizabeth, NJ 07201