APG-L Archives

Archiver > APG > 2002-08 > 1030073289


From: "Joan M. Lowry" <>
Subject: [APG] Certified vs. Uncertified
Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 23:28:09 -0400


My thanks to everyone who has responded to this concern about certified vs.
uncertified copies (or primary vs. secondary) regarding vital records! It
has been a most interesting discussion so far.

Just to set the record straight - the person involved in the original email
correspondence (on another Rootsweb list) was not aware that the "for
informational purposes only" records being issued in NJ are photocopies of
the records (made from microfilm of the originals.) He thought they were
uncertified typed transcripts of the records.

As has been pointed out here, there is a big difference between those two
types of records, and his concerns would not be misplaced if the records
were as he thought.

In NJ there are only two differences between a Certified Copy and an
Informational Copy. The Certified Copy has a raised seal and states that it
is a true copy of the original record. An Informational Copy lacks the
raised seal and is stamped - in red & in 3 places! - that it is not
certified and is for informational purposes only.

They don't even charge more (yet) for the certified copies. Both are still
only $4.00 - a real bargain, provided they do the search you requested! ;-)

Thanks.
Joan

Joan M. Lowry
mailto:


This thread: