How Many Death Certificates Do I Need in New Jersey?
From Everendium · Last reviewed October 17, 2026
This guide covers New Jersey. For the general overview, see Getting Death Certificates: How Many You'll Need and Why.
Quick answer
New Jersey sets no required number of death certificates; the right count depends on how many banks, insurers, and agencies each need an original certified copy. What New Jersey does set is the price: The state charges $25 for the initial search and one certified copy (or a no-record statement), and $2 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Orders through VitalChek add a processing fee, and optional UPS tracking costs $18. Fees at local registrars vary by municipality, though the local offices checked here also charge $25 and $2.
This is one of the most common practical questions after a death. New Jersey sets no required number, but it does set the price, which makes the count worth deciding before you order.
Is there a set number required by New Jersey?
No. The right number depends on how many banks, insurance companies, and government agencies in your situation each need their own certified copy, not on New Jersey law.
What will the copies cost in New Jersey?
The state charges $25 for the initial search and one certified copy (or a no-record statement), and $2 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Orders through VitalChek add a processing fee, and optional UPS tracking costs $18. Fees at local registrars vary by municipality, though the local offices checked here also charge $25 and $2. At those rates, ten certified copies would cost $43 in state or agency fees, before any online-vendor or shipping charges.
Does it matter when I order in New Jersey?
The $2 price for additional copies applies only to copies of the same record ordered at the same time, so ten copies cost just $43 in state fees.
Which institutions typically require one?
Banks and credit unions, life insurers, retirement account administrators, the Social Security Administration, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (if applicable) are common examples, though your own list depends on your accounts and assets. See our general guide on getting death certificates.
Can I use photocopies instead?
Generally no. Most institutions require an original certified copy, though it’s worth asking each one, since policies occasionally vary.
Where can I order more in New Jersey?
Your local registrar of vital statistics can issue copies in the town where the death occurred, at the same $25 and $2 prices in the offices checked here. Details on each option are in our guide to getting a death certificate in New Jersey.
Fees and rules change - confirm current details with the New Jersey Office of Vital Statistics or your local registrar before you send payment.
Sources
- New Jersey Department of Health - Fees for Vital Records ($25 initial search and copy; $2 each additional; fees vary by municipality)(Government)
- City of Englewood Health Department - Copies of Vital Records ($25 and $2; VitalChek; genealogical records)(Government)
- Deptford Township Registrar - Certified copies ($25 first copy, $2 additional)(Government)
- Everplans - New Jersey Death Certificate (who is eligible; mailing address)(Consumer guide (secondary))
About this review
Everendium Editorial Team · last reviewed October 17, 2026.
Fees, eligibility rules, and ordering options were checked on October 17, 2026 against the state's own published fee information, application forms, and county government pages listed in the sources. Death certificate fees change often, and some official pages were read only as search extracts, so the current fee should be confirmed on the agency's page before paying. Recommended for periodic re-verification. This is general information, not legal advice
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