I found this article about the siutuation posted in the 10/4/05 issue of the Jersey Journal.
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Yes. All Hudson County-issued birth certificates have been compromised, regardless of how old.
N.T. writes, "I was born in Jersey City in 1961. I am currently living in Atlanta, GA. What can out of state residents do to get a certified copy of their birth certificates?"
Out-of-state residents should follow the same procedure as state residents. Download and complete the "REG-3" form available at
www.state.nj.us/health/vital/vital.shtml and mail it, along with a check or money order for $4 and a photocopy of your driver's license or State ID, to: NJ Vital Statistics - Customer Service Unit, P.O. Box 370, Trenton, N.J., 08625-0370. For express service - with an additional $10.95 charge - go to
www.vitalcheck.com. For information, call (609) 292-4087.
P.L. of Jersey City writes, "I sent a check, application, and copy of my driver's license to Trenton to obtain a certified copy of my birth record. As of this date, I have not received anything."
Barbara Slim, a customer service representative for the New Jersey Department of Vital Statistics, explained that the Department of Homeland Security has issued an advisory for all U.S. citizens to renew their birth certificates (a precautionary measure no doubt prompted by incidents like the one in Hudson County), and that, as a result, her office has been overwhelmed with applications.
The Department of Vital Statistics is unable to answer questions about paper applications, and recommends that those in immediate need of a birth certificate use the VitalCheck service.
D.T. of Jersey City, who wants to order multiple copies of her birth certificate, writes, "Do you have any idea if the $4 is the cost of the application or of the copy?"
The cost of the initial birth certificate is $4. Copies are $2.
Many have complained that when they call the phone number for the New Jersey Department of Vital Statistics included at the end of the initial column, they are unable to get through or are placed on hold for a long time.
FIXIT was informed that the department is in the midst of updating its telephone equipment. You may reach a customer service representative directly by calling (609) 943-4366, (609) 943-4364, or (609) 292-4415.
FIXIT is your troubleshooter at The Jersey Journal. Write to FIXIT, c/o The Jersey Journal, 30 Journal Square, Jersey City, NJ 07306, or email
journalfixit@yahoo.com. No telephone calls will be accepted, but please include your daytime telephone number. Remember to send copies of pertinent documents. Do not send originals.