Health Department

Mission Statement

The Kearny Health Department strives to promote physical and mental health, and to prevent disease, injury and disability amongst the residents of Kearny.

Public Health

  • Prevents epidemics and the spread of disease.
  • Protects against environmental hazards.
  • Prevents injuries.
  • Promotes and encourages healthy behaviors.
  • Responds to disasters and assists communities in recovery.
  • Assures the quality and accessibility of health services.

Essential Public Health Services

  • Monitor health status to identify community health problems
  • Diagnose and investigate health problems and health hazards in the community.
  • Inform, educate and empower people about health issues.
  • Mobilize community partnerships to identify and solve health problems.
  • Develop policies and plans that support individual and community health efforts.
  • Enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety.
  • Link people to needed personal health services and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable.
  • Assure a competent public health and personal health care workforce.
  • Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of personal and population-based health services.
  • Research for new insights and innovative solutions to health problems.

Important Topics

Environmental Division

The Environmental Health Division is responsible for the following activities within the Health Department:

INSPECTIONS

  • Annual food establishment inspections: conducted at least once a year to ensure compliance with Chapter 12 regulations.
  • Annual pool inspections.
  • Annual youth camp inspections.

INVESTIGATIONS

  • Food borne Illness investigations
  • Animal Bite investigations
  • Communicable Disease Surveillance

COMPLAINTS

  • Heating/Hot Water
  • Weeds
  • Rodent Control
  • Food
  • Nuisance
  • Animal Complaints
  • Housing/Multiple Swelling

Animal control trap loans are available at no cost to trap stray/feral cats only. The trap is then picked up by the Bergen County Animal Control. Note: The trapping/relocation of nuisance wildlife animals (raccoons, opossoms, skunks, groundhogs, squirrels, etc.) is not permitted per N. J. Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Registered Environmental Health Specialists also conduct Food Handler’s Classes for food service workers employed within the Town of Kearny.

General Information

The Health Department is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and can be reached by phone at 201-997-0600. Our fax number is 201-997-9703, in addition to the specific divisions within the Health Department, general programs include:

  • Rabies Clinic: Conducted annually in January for cats and dogs residing in the borough. Clinic is free; current rabies vaccination necessary to obtain animal license
  • Animal Licensing: Required for all dogs and cats residing in town. Proof of current rabies vaccination and spaying or neutering if applicable required in order to obtain a license. Renewals annually in January. Animals older than 6 months must be vaccinated and licensed. Fee: $21.00, $18.00 if spayed or neutered.
  • Food Establishment Licensing: Necessary for all retail and mobile vendors operating within the borough. For fee information, please call the health department.
  • Social Security Administration: Effective June 1, 2011, Social Security is discontinuing its satellite office at the Health Center. The nearest Social Security office is Jersey City ( 3000 Kennedy Blvd ) or Newark ( 970 Broad Street - Federal Bldg., 4th Floor ). Phone number 1-800-772-1213 or website: www.socialsecurity.gov
  • WIC (Women, Infants & Children) Program: Representatives from local WIC office counsel pregnant and nursing women regarding proper nutrition during pregnancy and lactation. For appointment and eligibility, please contact WIC office directly at 201-866-4700

Health Education

The Health Department offers many health education and promotion programs for the community in general, its civic, social and church groups. Free lectures are available on-site to the above groups. Screenings are also conducted regularly for breast, cervical, skin and prostate cancer, vision, diabetes, stroke risk assessment and Cholesterol.

Lectures on various health education issues and concerns are presented at the Kearny Health Center and on-site by request. Topics range from Arthritis and Alzheimer’s Disease to Cancer Risk Reduction, Heart Health, Living Wills, Seasonal Affective Disorder and Preventing Falls. For further information or to request an on-site presentation, please call the Health Department.

The Health Department works closely with other organizations such as the American Association of Retired Persons (“55 Alive”/Mature Driving Class), the NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (Vision Screening), American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Academy of Dermatology and American Diabetes Association. Referrals are made to local and county providers for various health services not directly available at the Health Department.

SENIOR SERVICES: Information & Referral

In an effort to meet the needs of our senior population, the Senior Services Program was developed. Senior residents can access a number of programs specifically designed for them that include:

  • Dial A Ride: Transportation to and from medical appointments. Appointments must be made in advance. Operates Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. For further information, contact Health Department.
  • Meals on Wheels: Nutritionally balanced hot lunches delivered to homebound financially, eligible seniors residing in town. For eligibility, call Terri at the VFW Hall at 997-3061.
  • Senior Buses: Two Senior Buses operate Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm, and 9 am to 1 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, except major holidays for residents 60 and older. Transportation within town boundaries to local supermarkets, churches, KMart Mall and the Kearny Avenue Shopping District. Riders must possess town issued bus pass. Bus passes issued at Health Department. Non-Discrimination Policy. The Town of Kearny is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from, or denied the benefits of our services on the basis of race, color, or national origin as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. Any person who believes that they have, individually, or as a member of any specific class of persons, been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin, may file a complaint in writing to the Town of Kearny. To file a complaint, or for more information on the Town of Kearny’s obligations under Title VI write to: Kearny Health Department, 645 Kearny Avenue, Kearny, NJ 07032 or visit www.KearnyNJ.org . Transportation services provided by this agency are in whole or part funded through federal funds received through NJ TRANSIT and as an individual you also have the right to file your complaint under Title VI to NJ TRANSIT by writing to: New Jersey Transit Customer Service – Title IV Division, One Penn Plaza East, Newark, NJ 07105 or visit njtransit.com/diversity. A complaint must be filed within 180 days of the alleged discrimination.
    Complaint forms are available at the Kearny Health Department, 645 Kearny Ave., Kearny, NJ 07032, in person, weekdays 9am – 4pm, or by mail.
  • Senior Picnic: Offered to seniors age 60 and older, annually in June at Riverbank Park. Hot Dogs, hamburgers and fun for all. Picnic tickets available at various locations within town, such as Town Hall, Health Department and the Public Library.
  • Holiday Phone Calls: Free long distance phone calls offered to seniors wishing to speak with family and friends. Sponsored by Merrill Lynch. Transportation to and from Jersey City provided. Box lunch also. Occurs annually in early December. Registration required.
  • Senior Boat Ride: Sponsored by Hudson County annually in July. Pre-registration required.

INFORMATION AND REFERRAL

  • PAAD Assistance: Assistance with application for Pharmaceutical Assistance for the Aged. Financial eligibility applies.
  • NJ Transit Discounted Fares: Application assistance for discounted fares on NJ Transit Railways and Buses.
  • Referral to various local and county agencies offering programs for seniors that include visiting nurse services, adult day care, legal services, nutrition programs, housekeeping services, dental and vision services, etc. (some of which may be at a discounted rate).

Representatives from the Kearny Health Department can be scheduled to speak with senior groups about programs that are available and how to access them. Call 997-0600.

Public Health Nursing

The Public Health Nursing Division of the Health Department conducts various regularly scheduled clinics and screenings for the residents of Kearny. The regularly scheduled clinics are:

  • Child Health Conference: provides well childcare for resident children age newborn to 5 years old. Board certified pediatrician conducts a developmental assessment and pediatric examination and administers immunizations as required by the State of New Jersey. Nurses deliver health education regarding car seat safety, nutrition, safety in the home, etc. The clinic is by appointment only.
  • Blood Pressure Screening/Health Consultation: conducted on the 2 nd Thursday of the month, 10 am to 12 noon. No appointment necessary. Participants have the opportunity to discuss health concerns with the nurse and have their blood pressure taken. Participants receive information on cardiovascular risk reduction, including diet modification, smoking cessation, and benefits of exercise.
  • Hepatitis B Immunization Series: Provided for any employee or volunteer of the Town of Kearny designated as likely to have exposure to blood or body fluids. Call for appointment with nursing division.
  • Mantoux Testing: Available to employees or volunteers of the Town of Kearny who are at risk of Tuberculosis exposure as a result of their duties. Call for appointment with the nursing division.
  • Hearing Screening: Conducted on the 1 st Wednesday of the month by appointment for residents over the age of 50. Participants complete hearing assessment questionnaire and receive a hearing screening by a certified audiologist. Referrals made for those needing further evaluation.
  • Immunization Audits: Annual audits of immunization records conducted for all nursery, preschool and childcare programs operating within the Town of Kearny. An annual review of public school immunization records is also conducted.
  • Annual Screenings: Annual programs that include Flu & Pneumonia Clinics (fall/winter), Multiphasic Blood Screening (spring), Prostate Screening (spring/summer), Skin Cancer Screening (spring), Women’s Health Screening (winter). Most by appointment only.
  • Childhood Lead Testing ages 1 – 6 by appointment.

Vital Statistics

The Kearny Health Department maintains the records of all births, deaths, marriages/civil unions and domestic partnerships that occur within the town. Certified copies of such events can be obtained in person or by mail. The fees are as follows: Death Certificates are $10.00 per copy. Birth / Marriage / Civil Union / Domestic Partnership are $20.00 per copy. Valid Photo Driver's License or 2 other forms of Identification (See list below). Proof of your relationship to the record is also required. If you have any questions, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (201) 997-0600, Ext. 3503


Address: 645 Kearny Avenue, Kearny, NJ 07032-2905

Hours of Operation:
Monday thru Friday 9 am – 4 pm Closed for Lunch 1 pm – 2 pm
Marriage/Civil Union License Applications: 9 am – 12 pm and 2 pm – 3:30 pm
Vital Record Requests 9 am – 1pm and 2 pm – 4 pm
Note: Should you be traveling a long distance to obtain a vital record, please call a day ahead to ensure your request will be processed on that day.  

HOW TO APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE

Requirements for entering into a Marriage:

For two persons to establish a Marriage in the State of New Jersey, it shall be necessary that they satisfy all of the following criteria:
    a. Not be a party to another civil union, domestic partnership or marriage in this State or recognized by this   State.
    b.  Be of the opposite sex; and
    c. Be at least 18 years of age, except that applicants under the age of 18 may enter into a marriage with parental consent. Applicants under the age of 16 must obtain parental consent and have the consent approved in writing by any judge of the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family part.
 
Where to apply:
 
1.      The marriage license is to be made in the New Jersey municipality in which either party resides and the license is valid throughout the State of New Jersey.
 
2.      If neither applicant is a New Jersey resident, submit the application in the municipality where the marriage ceremony will be performed, the license is only valid in the issuing municipality.
 
Required documents when applying for a marriage license:
1.  Proof of identity by presenting your driver’s license, passport, or state/federal I.D.
2.  Proof of your (Kearny)residency
3.  Your social security card or social security number *
4.  A witness, with their photo ID, (18 years or older). Note:  The witness must be able to speak/understand English for translation purposes.
5.  The $28 application fee. (Cash - exact amount, check, or money order)
 
* Social Security number is required by law for US citizens and will be kept confidential
 
Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation.
 
Requested additional documents (these documents are helpful but not required):

1.  A copy of your birth certificate to establish your parents’ names and related birth information
2.  If you are divorced, have had a previous civil union dissolved, domestic partnership terminated, or have had a civil union annulled, please bring the decree(s) or the civil annulment documents.
3. If your former spouse/civil union or domestic partner is deceased, please bring the death certificate.
 
 After you apply:    

There is a 72-hour waiting period before the license is issued*. The waiting period begins when the application is filed with the Local Registrar. There is no 72 hour waiting period for a remarriage; however, you must bring a certified copy of your existing marriage. *Note: when the license has been issued, it is valid for 30 days.
  
The marriage license application is valid for six months from the date accepted, unless the Registrar has given prior approval to extend the validity of the application to a maximum of one year.
Only one marriage license may be granted from a marriage application, if the license expires before being used, a new application must be made and another $28 fee remitted.
 
The only exemption to this requirement is in the case where a civil and religious ceremony are to be performed on the same day. In this case, the Local Registrar will photocopy the Marriage application, marking the one “A” and one “B”, and issue the corresponding marriage licenses, marking them “A” and “B” as well, One copy will be used for the religious ceremony and the other for the civil ceremony.
 
Remarriage:

 For individuals who are currently in a marriage in New Jersey or are in an opposite sex marriage in another state or country there exists the option to reaffirm your relationship/vows by registering a Remarriage
 
 In order to apply for a Remarriage, the couple must provide proof of their existing opposite sex marriage, meet the requirements for entering into a marriage in New Jersey and follow the guidelines above to completing the license application.
 
The process for a Remarriage License are the same as for the Marriage License, except that the Remarriage License must be accompanied by the proof of existing marriage and once the application is filed there is no 72 hour waiting period before the license is issued.
 
Marriage & Re-Marriage License Applications are taken Monday through Friday, 
between the hours of  9:00 AM – 12:00 PM  and 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM.                               
 
 If you have any questions, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (201) 997-0600,  
Ext. 3503.
 
WILLIAM J. PETTIGREW, Registrar of Vital Statistics

See link for application & instructions: http://www.state.nj.us/health/forms/reg-77.pdf

HOW TO APPLY FOR A CIVIL UNION LICENSE

Requirements for entering into a Civil Union:

For two people to establish a civil union in New Jersey, they must satisfy all of the following requirements:

a. Not be a party to another civil union, domestic partnership or marriage in this State or that is recognized by this State*;
b. Be of the same sex ; and
c. Be at least 18 years of age, except that applicants under 18 may enter into a civil union with parental consent. Applicants under age 16 must obtain parental consent and have the consent approved in writing by any judge of the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part.

* Same sex couples who meet the above requirements and are registered as domestic partners may enter into a civil union with the same person without terminating their domestic partnership first.  If the domestic partnership was registered in New Jersey, it automatically terminates when the civil union is registered. If the domestic partnership was registered in another state, that state’s laws determine the impact on the domestic partnership. A couple that has previously entered into a civil union or a same-sex marriage may apply for a Reaffirmation of Civil Union License.

Where to apply:

1. You may apply in the New Jersey municipality in which either person resides.  The license is valid throughout the State.
2. If neither applicant lives in New Jersey, submit the application in the municipality where the civil union ceremony will be performed.  The license is only valid in the issuing municipality.

Required documents when applying for a Civil Union license:

1. Proof of identity by presenting your driver’s license, passport or state/federal I.D.
2. Proof of your residency.
3. Your social security card or social security number.*
4. A witness, with their photo ID, (18 years of age or older). Note:  The witness must be able to speak/understand English for translation purposes.
5. The $28 application fee. (Cash – exact amount, check, or money order)

*Social security number is required by law for US citizens and will be kept confidential.
Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

Requested additional documents (these documents are helpful but not required):

1. A copy of your birth certificate to establish your parents’ names and related birth information.
2. If you are divorced, have had a previous civil union dissolved, domestic partnership terminated or have had a civil union annulled, please bring the decree(s) or the civil annulment documents.
3. If your former spouse/civil union or domestic partner is deceased, please bring the death certificate.

After you apply:

There is a 72-hour waiting period before the license is issued. The waiting period begins when the application is filed with the Local Registrar. There is no 72 hour waiting period for a reaffirmation of Civil Union; however, you must bring a certified copy of your existing marriage or civil union.

The Civil Union license application is valid for six months from the date accepted, unless the Registrar has given prior approval to extend the validity of the application to a maximum of one year.

Only one Civil Union license may be granted from a Civil Union application. If the license expires before being used, a new application must be made and another $28 fee remitted.

The only exception to this requirement is in the case where a civil and religious ceremony are to be performed on the same day. In this case, the Local Registrar will photocopy the Civil Union application, marking one “A” and one “B”, and issue the corresponding Civil Union licenses, marking them “A” and “B” as well. One copy will be used for the religious ceremony and the other for the civil ceremony.

Reaffirmation of Civil Union:

For individuals who are currently in a Civil Union in New Jersey or are in a same sex union in another state where the rights afforded that union are equal to the rights afforded married couples, there exists the option to reaffirm your relationship/vows by registering a Reaffirmation of Civil Union.
 
In order to apply for a Reaffirmation of Civil Union the couple must provide proof of their existing same sex union, meet the requirements for entering into a civil union in New Jersey and follow the guidelines above to completing the license application.

The process for a Reaffirmation of Civil Union License are the same as for the Civil Union License, except that the Reaffirmation of Civil Union License must be accompanied by the proof of existing union and once the application is filed there is no 72 hour waiting period before the license is issued.
 
Civil Union Applications are taken Monday through Friday, 
 between the hours of  9:00 AM – 12:00 PM  and 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM.
                              
 If you have any questions, please contact the Registrar’s office at
(201) 997-0600,   Ext. 3503.
 
WILLIAM J. PETTIGREW, Registrar of Vital Statistics

See link for application & instructions: http://www.state.nj.us/health/forms/reg-77.pdf

DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIPS AFFIDAVITS

Effective February 19, 2007 Domestic Partnerships may only be registered by individuals who are each 62 years of age or older and meet all other requirements for being deemed eligible to register a domestic partnership. Domestic Partnerships may be registered by same sex or opposite sex couples (again if age 62 years or older) See link for further information: http://www.state.nj.us/health/vital/dp2.shtml

HOW TO OBTAIN VITAL RECORDS:
(See below for form link) 

ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS WHO CAN OBTAIN CERTIFIED COPIES OF VITAL RECORDS ( BIRTH, MARRIAGE / CIVIL UNION, DEATH, OR DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP CERTIFICATES )
 

The individual of legal age, the parents of, a brother or sister of legal age (with proof of their relationship i.e. a certified copy of birth certificate showing parents names), the spouse / partner (with proof of marriage, civil union, or domestic partnership certificate), the child of legal age (with proof of their relationship i.e. certified copies of birth certificate showing parents names), the grandchild of legal age (with proof of their relationship i.e. certified copies of birth certificate showing parents and grandparents names), the legal guardian / representative with proper court documents within a 2 year period.

Required Identification:

  • A valid photo drivers license showing CURRENT address and signature
  • If a valid photo drivers license is not available, two of the following are necessary:
  • A non-photo drivers license
  • County ID
  • Passport
  • Vehicle registration and/or insurance card
  • Copy of utility bill, bank statement within the previous 90 days
  • Tax return for current or previous year
  • Proof of signature is required

TO GET A COPY OF A VITAL RECORD :

Obtaining a Vital Record
 
When obtaining a copy of a vital record you must first determine the type of copy that will
meet your needs.
 
Types of copies:
 
·        Certified copies have the raised seal of the Town of Kearny – Board of Health and are
always issued on State of New Jersey safety paper. Certified copies may be used to establish identity and are legal documents.
    
·        Certifications are issued on plain paper with no seal and clearly indicate they are not valid for establishing identity or for legal purposes. Certifications are generally only useful for genealogy. Certifications of deaths records do not contain the Social Security Number or the Cause of Death medical terminology.
 
To get a copy of a vital record, you must submit:
 
·        A completed application
·        A copy of the proof(s) of your identity
·        The correct fee
·        Proof of your relationship to the person listed on the vital record you are requesting
(Only required for certified copies)

 BIRTH CERTIFICATES  

  • Issued for persons born in the Town of Kearny. Certified copies issued in person or by mail for $20.00 per copy. If requested by mail, include check or money order payable to Kearny Health Department, give person ’ s name and exact date of birth, father's and mother's (full maiden) name.
  • Valid photo driver's license or 2 forms of identification required. See list above. Proof of your relationship.

MARRIAGE / CIVIL UNION CERTIFICATES

Issued for persons whose marriage/civil union ceremonies were performed within the Town of Kearny. Certified copies are issued in person or by mail for $ 20.00 per copy. If requested by mail, include check or money order payable to the Kearny Health Department. For marriages: must provide groom's name and bride's full maiden name and exact date of marriage. For civil unions: must provide partner's names and exact date of civil union ceremony.

  • Valid Photo Drivers License or 2 forms of identification required. See list above. Proof of your relationship.

DEATH CERTIFICATES

  • Issued for persons who died within the Town of Kearny. Certified copies issued in person or by mail for $10.00 per copy. If requested by mail, include check or money order payable to Kearny Health Department; give person ’ s name and exact date of death.
  • Valid photo driver's license or 2 forms of ID, your relationship to the deceased. See list above.

DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP CERTIFICATES

Issued for persons who have filed a Domestic Partnership Affidavit within the Town of Kearny. Certified copies are issued in person or by mail for $20.00 per copy. If requested by mail, include check or money order payable to the Kearny Health Department. Must provide exact names and affidavit filing date.

  • Valid Photo Drivers License or 2 forms of identification required. See list above. Proof of your relationship.
Getting Copies of Non-Genealogical Records
Birth, Death, Marriage, Civil Union, and Domestic Partnership 
 
Non-Genealogical Records (current events) are:
 
·        Births occurring within the last 80 years
·        Marriages occurring within the last 50 years
·        Deaths occurring within the last 40 years
·        All domestic partnerships and civil unions

For all orders, the following must be sent with your application:

  • all required copies of ID for proof of identity
  • the correct fees
  • copies of documents proving your relationship to the person named on the record, if requesting a certified copy

Your application will be returned if you do not send in all required documentation.

You must be able to fully identify the record by providing all of the information listed below on the application form. Your request cannot be accepted unless you provide the information below.

  • Full name on the record
  • Exact date of the event  (month, day and year)
  • Mother’s maiden name
  • Father’s name (if recorded on the record)
  • For Marriage, Civil Union or Domestic Partnership -- Instead of parents’ names, you must provide the name of the spouse/partner.

You must provide acceptable ID in order to get a copy of any vital record. Copies of vital records must be mailed to the address listed on your identification. 

The following are acceptable forms of ID:

  • A current, valid photo driver's license or photo non-driver's license with current address
    OR
  • A current, valid driver’s license without photo and one alternate form of ID with current address
    OR
  • Two alternate forms of ID, one of which must have current address.

Alternate forms of ID are:

  • Vehicle registration
  • Vehicle insurance card
  • Voter registration
  • US/Foreign Passport
  • Immigrant Visa
  • Permanent Resident Card (Green card)
  • Federal/State ID
  • County ID
  • School ID
  • Bank Statement (within previous 90 days)
  • Utility bill(within the previous 90 days)
  • Tax Return or W-2 for current/previous tax year   

People who are homeless can have a social worker or the coordinator of the homeless shelter where they are temporarily residing submit a request on behalf of the homeless person. The request must be on their agency letterhead and provide the identifying information on the homeless person's vital record. The request must be accompanied by proof of employment by the agency and valid identification. The resulting copy of the vital record will be mailed to the agency.

People who are incarcerated can provide legal imprisonment, conviction papers or release documents that include the name, social security number and all possible aliases used in the past or identification from a prison/probation official.

Please do not send in original ID documents. Only copies are required.

Death Certificate: Ten Dollar ($10.00) fee for each copy. Birth, Marriage, Civil Union, and Domestic Partnership: Twenty Dollar ($20.00) per certified copy.  Please make your check or money order made payabe to Town of Kearny. Please do not send cash through the mail.

Proof of relationship is not required if you are asking for a certification, which is an uncertified informational copy of the vital record not valid for establishing identity or legal purposes.  However, you must still provide proof of identity when requesting a certification.

To get a certified copy of a person’s vital record, you must provide proof of your relationship to the person listed on the record and the proof must establish you are one of the following:

  • The subject of the record
  • The subject’s parent, legal guardian or legal representative
  • The subject’s spouse/civil union partner; child, grandchild or sibling, if of legal age
  • A state or federal agency for official purposes
  • Pursuant to court order

If you are requesting a certification (an informational copy of a vital record not valid for legal purposes), you do not need to provide proof of relationship.

If you are looking for a certified copy of

  • your own birth certificate and you have assumed your spouse’s/civil union partner’s surnameyou must provide a copy of the certified copy of your marriage/civil union certificate to link the name on your current ID to the name on your birth certificate.  
     
  • your child’s birth certificate you don’t need any additional documents.
     
  • your spouse’s/civil union partner’s birth certificate you must provide a copy of your marriage/civil union certificate.
     
  • your parent’s or sibling’s vital record you must provide a copy of your birth certificate.
     

your grandparent’s vital record you must establish that you are the person’s grandchild by providing proof that links the name on your ID to the name of the grandparent.   

For example, if you changed your last name after marriage/civil union and want a grandparent’s vital record, you must:

  • Provide your marriage/civil union certificate to show your name at birth,
  • provide your birth certificate to identify your parent, and
  • provide the parent’s birth certificate to identify the grandparent.

If you are not a person qualified to get a certified copy of a record

  • but you are helping a person receive a certified copy of a vital record they are eligible to receive 
    you must show your valid ID and a notarized, written release authorizing you to get the record on that person’s behalf OR, you can supply a written release from the person you are helping along with a copy of that person’s valid photo ID.

If you are an attorney

  • who is executor of an estate you must supply proof of appointment as the executor.
     
  • who is the legal representative of the executor of an estate you must supply proof of legal retainer by the executor and proof of the appointment of the individual as the executor.
     
  • who is the legal representative of an individual that is eligible to receive a certified copy of a vital record you must supply proof of legal retainer by the eligible individual and their proof of relationship.
     
  • who needs a certified copy of a vital record and you are not the legal representative of an eligible person you must obtain a court order directing the Registrar to issue a certified copy of the record. A subpoena is not sufficient to issue a copy of a vital record.

Click here for form : NON-GENEALOGICAL REQUESTS 

 

Getting Copies of Genealogical Records
Birth, Death, and Marriage
  
Genealogical Records (family history research) are:
 
·        Birth, death, and marriage records for people who are deceased

You must identify the record by providing the following required information, if you provide the optional information it may assist us in locating the record.

Required Information:

  • Full name on the record
  • City or county where the event occurred
  • Year the event occurred

Optional Information:

  • Exact Date of Event
  • Mother’s maiden Name
  • Father’s Name
  • Social security Number (deaths only)

You must provide acceptable ID in order to get a copy of any vital record.  Copies of vital records must be mailed to the address listed on your identification. The following are acceptable forms of ID:

  • A current, valid photo driver's license or photo non-driver's license
    OR
  • A current, valid driver’s license without photo and one alternate form of ID
    OR
  • Two alternate forms of ID, one of which must have current address.

Alternate forms of ID are:

  • Vehicle registration
  • Vehicle insurance card
  • Voter registration
  • US/Foreign Passport
  • Immigrant Visa
  • Permanent Resident Card (Green card)
  • Federal/State ID
  • County ID
  • School ID
  • Bank Statement (within previous 90 days)
  • Utility bill(within the previous 90 days)
  • W-2 or tax return for current/previous tax year  

Please do not send in original ID documents. Only copies are required.

Ten Dollar ($10.00) fee for each certification. Please make your check or money order made payabe to Town of Kearny. Please do not send cash through the mail.

Proof of relationship is not required if you are asking for a certification, which is an uncertified informational copy of the vital record which is not valid for establishing identity or legal purposes. 

To get a certified copy you must provide proof of your relationship to the person listed on the vital record and the proof must establish you are one of the following:

  • The subject of the record
  • The subject’s parent, legal guardian or legal representative
  • The subject’s spouse/civil union or domestic partner; child, grandchild or sibling, if of legal age
  • A state or federal agency for official purposes
  • Pursuant to court order

Click here for form : GENEALOGICAL REQUESTS  

AND where
 
·        the birth occurred more than 80 years ago
·        the marriage occurred more than 50 years ago
·        the death occurred more than 40 years ago
 
Your request cannot be processed as a genealogical request if the person
On the record is still living or the event was more recent than listed above.
 
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