How to Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate in Rockaway, New Jersey
- 1). Make sure that state law allows you to apply for and receive a copy of the birth certificate you wish to have. New Jersey considers birth certificates a matter of private record and therefore restricts their accessibility. State law requires that only the subject of a record and the subject's parent, legal guardian, legal representative, spouse or civil union partner, child, grandchild, or sibling (provided the person is at least 18) may obtain a copy of a certified birth certificate. In addition to these eligible applicants, the law allows for a state or federal agency acting in an official capacity, or those acting under court order, to obtain the document as well.
- 2). Gather all the necessary information and make copies of documentation. You will need the full legal names of the individual whose birth is recorded, the mother's maiden name, and the name of the father, if listed. In addition, you will need the city where the birth occurred and the exact date of the event. For anyone whose name is not listed on the birth certificate, you will need documentation substantiating your claim to the document. This is required for all certified copies. Finally, you will need proof of your own identification, in the form of a government-issued photo I.D. Bear in mind that in accordance with New Jersey law, any birth certificate record found will be mailed to the address on your identification.
- 3). Decide how you wish to submit your application. Residents of Rockaway, New Jersey who do not require expedited processing may print out the application online and mail it to the State Bureau of Vital Statistics and Registration or the local vital records office. In addition, they may apply in person to their local vital records office. Those who require expedited services may apply by mail, telephone, fax, or Internet by way of a third-party processing service offered by Vital Chek. Bear in mind that Rockaway residents may only visit their local vital records office for vital records of events that took place in the city. Otherwise, they must use the State Bureau of Vital Statistics or a third-party processing company.
- 4). Print out the Application for a Non-Genealogical Certification or Certified Copy of a Vital Record and fill it out in its entirety. As of April 2010, the State Bureau of Vital Statistics and Registration charges $25 for the initial search and one certified copy or certification of the record or a No Record Statement and $2 for each additional copy. Mail the application, supporting documents, and the appropriate fees in the form of a check or money order payable to "Treasurer, State of New Jersey" to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services.
New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
Vital Statistics and Registration
P.O. Box 370
Trenton, NJ 08625
For applicants wishing to apply in person at the Rockaway Borough they should contact them at the following:
Rockaway Borough
Municipal Building
1 E. Main Street
Rockaway, NJ 07866
973-627-2000 Ext 224
For the Rockaway Township registrar, they should contact them at the following:
Rockaway Township
65 Mount Hope Road
Rockaway, NJ 07866
973-983-2834
Registrars should be contacted directly, as fees vary by location. Once the appropriate fee has been established, gather all supporting documentation and the completed application. Apply in person at the local registrar. - 5). Wait for the birth certificate to be mailed to you. It will be mailed to the address listed on your government-issued photo ID.
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