How to Obtain a Death Certificate

The Hunterdon County Surrogate's Court does NOT issue death certificates, nor can we provide a certified copy of a death certificate.  We can provide a photocopy of a death certificate by request only if the decedent's estate was processed in Hunterdon County.  

Who can obtain a certified copy of a death certificate?

The requesting party must be the decedent's parent/legal guardian, spouse, child, grandchild, or sibling of legal age.  

This is pursuant to Executive Order No. 18 signed by Governer James McGreevey in 2002, found at https://nj.gov/infobank/circular/eom18.shtml .

Where can I request a certified copy of a death certificate?

Local Registrar

Certified copies of death certificates are available from the Local Registrar for the municipality where the death occurred.  (FYI: Hunterdon Medical Center is located in Raritan Township.)  For contact information of each of the municipalities of Hunterdon County, visit:  https://www.state.nj.us/health/vital/order-vital/local-vital-records/index.shtml

New Jersey Department of Health - Vital Statistics Office 

The New Jersey Department of Health ~ Vital Statistics maintains death certificates from 1931 through the present.  You can obtain a certified copy of a New Jersey death certificate online, by written request, or in person.  Details of these services can be reviewed here:  https://www.state.nj.us/health/vital/order-vital/