Just for information. I know that this is a NY list, but since people from Westchester often moved to NJ and sometimes back again, I thought some may be interested, if they didn't already know .... The NJ State Archives in Trenton has vital records on microfilm. Birth 1848 -1923, Marriage 1848 -1940, Death 1848 - 1940 They ONLY do mail requests on the records from 1848 -1878. Cheaper than the Dept of Health & Senior Services. See link for info: http://www.njarchives.org/links/reference.html New online indexes/databases are being created by Archives staff. So far, they've got Marriages from 1848 - 1867, last time I checked. This link shows what's up so far. For those back into colonial times, there are a couple of other databases. http://www.state.nj.us/state/darm/links/databases.html By mail, after 1878, you have to go through the Dept of health and Senior Services (with all of their requirements and fees, currently $25+) http://www.state.nj.us/health/vital/index.shtml or local registrars (service, fees & availability can vary) Any microfilm vital records at the Archives after 1878, have to be accessed in-person by you or by someone on your behalf. If you need a few, a trip to the Archives can be worth it. Actual copies from the microfilm cost 50 cents each, (after you take the time to find them)! Nothing is blacked out. To get into the state office bldg where the Archives is housed, you do have to show a photo ID at the reception/security desk where you're issued a visitor's badge. No copies of ID taken. <g> Just thought some might be interested. Maureen in NJ On 3/29/07, grlswthguitars@aol.com <grlswthguitars@aol.com> wrote: > > The State of New Jersey required ID before processing my request for a genealogical copy of a death certificate over 120 years old, even though their own published guidelines say this isn't necessary. They returned my request TWICE before I sent copies of utility bills with the account numbers obliterated (in lieu of my driver's license). So 10 months after my initial request, I received a death certificate from 1880 with the cause of death blacked out as a privacy issue. The wrong death certificate. The name was the same but the other information could hardly have been more different (an infant vs. a 60 year old woman). Then I found the films at LDS with the indexed VR and the causes of death were listed there anyway. Go figure. > snip > We just have to find out the rules and play by them to get the best results. Although in this day and age, I don't think I'd mail my driver's licence to someone I didn't know. I'd look for some other alternative. > > Kathi > IBSSG > New York - Thompson/Crane/Bramm/Fleischer > New Jersey - Thompson/Early/Coyle/Hunter > Wisconsin - Meissner/Steng/Diem/Zeininger