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
  1. Step 1
  2. Step 2
  3. Step 3
  4. Step 4
  5. Step 5

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)