New Jersey · 21 counties
When someone dies in New Jersey
Two things matter first: getting certified death certificates, and, if money is short, reaching the burial assistance program in the county where the death happened. Pick your county below for exact contacts.
The paperwork
Death certificates in New Jersey
Certified copies come from the New Jersey Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry (official site).
The first certified copy costs $25 and includes the search, then each additional copy ordered at the same time is only $2. Order all the copies you need in one go and you will save a great deal. Online orders go through VitalChek and take 6 to 8 weeks, so if you need copies sooner ask your local registrar in the municipality where the death occurred. You must prove your relationship to the person who died and show acceptable ID. Mail payments go to Treasurer, State of New Jersey, by check or money order, never cash.
Planning ahead
Nobody has died yet? Set up a power of attorney
If someone you love is aging or ill, the cheapest protection your family can get is a power of attorney, and it must happen while they can still sign. We cover New Jersey's exact rules and official forms.
New Jersey power of attorney rulesPick your county