How to prove relationship for non-genealogical records

If you are looking for a certified copy of…

your own birth certificate and you have assumed your spouse’s/civil union partner’s surname you must provide a copy of the certified copy of your marriage/civil union certificate to link the name on your current ID to the name on your birth certificate.

your child’s birth certificate

you don’t need any additional documents (if your current last name is different than the maiden name or other parents last name then you must provide a copy of the certified copy of your marriage/civil union certificate to link the name on your current ID to the name on your birth certificate.)

your spouse’s/civil union partner’s birth certificate

your parent’s or sibling’s vital record

you must provide a copy of your birth certificate showing parents’ names. If you have assumed your spouse's/civil union partner's last name you must also provide a copy of your marriage/civil union certificate to link the name on your current ID to the name on your birth certificate.

your grandparent’s vital record

you must provide a copy of your birth certificate showing parents’ names along with the same for your parent that is the child of your grandparent. If you have assumed your spouse's/civil union partner's last name you must also provide a copy of your marriage/civil union certificate to link the name on your current ID to the name on your birth certificate.

Legal Representatives

If you are the executor of an estate you must supply proof of appointment as the executor.
If you are an attorney who is the legal representative of the executor of an estate you must supply proof of legal retainer by the executor and proof of the appointment of the individual as the executor.
If you are an attorney who is the legal representative of an individual that is eligible to receive a certified copy of a vital record you must supply proof of legal retainer by the eligible individual and their proof of relationship.
If you are an attorney who needs a certified copy of a vital record and you are not the legal representative of an eligible person you must obtain a court order directing the Registrar to issue a certified copy of the record. A subpoena is not sufficient to issue a copy of a vital record.

Please see the NJ State Vital Records office FAQ’S Section for more information on ordering Vital Records.