Birth certificates previously issued by the Jersey City/Hudson County Office of Vital Statistics (with the raised seal from Hudson County):
- Are no longer accepted by the federal government when applying for a U.S. passport;
- May not be accepted by other federal agencies; and
- May not be accepted by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, depending on year of birth.
Applying for a U.S. Passport
The U.S. Department of State, which issues passports, no longer accepts birth certificates issued by the Jersey City/Hudson County Office of Vital Statistics.
You must get a new certified copy of your birth certificate from the New Jersey Office of Vital Statistics and Registry.
Visit Getting Copies of Non-Genealogical Records
to learn how to order a birth record. State law regarding vital records does not provide for any fee exemptions for Jersey City/Hudson County requests.
Doing Business With the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
People born in or after 1965 …
… can still use their certified Jersey City/Hudson County birth certificate when renewing driver’s licenses or doing other business with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJ-MVC).
The NJ-MVC can verify the record’s validity in the state’s computer system.
People born before 1965 …
… the NJ-MVC will no longer accept birth certificates from the Jersey City/Hudson County Office of Vital Statistics for births before 1965.
You have two options:
- Get a new, certified copy of your birth record from the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry. The fee is $25 for one copy of the record. This certified copy of the birth record is valid for all uses.
Visit Getting Copies of Non-Genealogical Records to learn how to order a birth record. State law regarding vital records does not provide for any fee exemptions for Jersey City/Hudson County requests.
OR
- For no charge, get a letter of authenticity from the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry as valid proof of birth. This letter of authenticity is only valid with the NJ-MVC. It does not serve as a certified copy of the birth certificate.
For Same-day Service
-- appear in person at the Office of Vital Statistics and Registry In-Person Office and bring an original certified copy of your birth record issued by the Jersey City/Hudson County Office of Vital Statistics along with Acceptable Forms of Identification establishing your identity.*
For Mail Service
-- Get your letter of authenticity in 4 to 6 weeks by mailing an original certified copy of your birth record issued by the Jersey City/Hudson County Office of Vital Statistics, copies of Acceptable Forms of Identification* to:
Jersey City VS Authenticity Requests
PO Box 375
Trenton NJ 08625
Only use this post office box for Jersey City Authenticity Requests. Letters of authenticity must be mailed to the address on your identification.
* If the name on your ID does not match the name on your birth certificate, you must submit proof that links your current name to your birth name. If your name changed following marriage or civil union, make sure you also present a certified copy of your marriage or civil union certificate.
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