As New Jersey’s capital, Trenton residents frequently need vital records for state government employment, federal security clearances, diplomatic passport applications, and legal proceedings in state courts. The city’s proximity to Princeton University, Rider University, and major metropolitan areas creates additional needs for college admissions, professional licensing, and interstate business documentation.
Vital Records & Certificates in Trenton, New JerseyMercer County Clerk
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Mercer County Clerk. We also offer expedited passport services for Trenton residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Trenton residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Trenton
Trenton residents access birth certificates through the Mercer County Clerk’s Office at 209 South Broad Street, serving the state capital and surrounding communities. Local births occur at facilities including Capital Health Medical Center, St. Francis Medical Center, and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, all serving the greater Trenton metropolitan area. As New Jersey’s capital city, birth certificate requests often relate to government employment, security clearances for state workers, and federal positions requiring extensive background verification. The county office processes high volumes of requests given Trenton’s large population and status as a government center. Certified copies are regularly needed for employment with state agencies, college enrollment at nearby institutions like Princeton or Rider University, and international travel documentation for diplomats and government officials based in the capital city.
Requirements
Valid government ID, payment, proof of relationship to person named on certificate
Who Can Request
The person named on the certificate, their parent/legal guardian, spouse, child, grandparent, sibling, or authorized legal representative with proper documentation.
Processing Time
Common Uses
- ✓ Passport applications
- ✓ Driver’s license/State ID
- ✓ Social Security card
Marriage Licenses in Trenton
Couples planning Trenton weddings obtain licenses from the Mercer County Clerk at 209 South Broad Street, whether celebrating at prestigious venues like the historic Trenton Country Club, elegant ceremonies at area hotels, or intimate gatherings in Cadwalader Park. The capital city attracts couples from across central New Jersey for its historic charm and convenient location between New York and Philadelphia. New Jersey requires a 72-hour waiting period, though couples can request expedited processing in special circumstances. The clerk’s office handles numerous requests from government employees and professionals working in Trenton’s thriving public sector, making appointment scheduling advisable during peak wedding seasons.
Requirements
Both parties present with valid ID, certified copies of divorce decrees if previously married
Popular Wedding Venues
Waiting Period
For Passport Name Change
Need to update your passport with your new married name? We can help expedite the process.
Update Passport with New Name →Death Certificates in Trenton
The Mercer County Clerk processes death certificates for Trenton residents, including those who passed at area hospitals, long-term care facilities, or within city limits. Given Trenton’s role as the state capital, these documents often serve complex legal purposes including government pension claims, federal benefit transfers, and estate proceedings involving state employees. The office maintains meticulous records and provides professional service befitting the capital city’s status, though high demand may require advance scheduling for urgent requests.
Requirements
Valid ID, proof of relationship or legal authority
Who Can Request
Spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, legal representative of the estate, funeral director, or anyone with a documented legal or personal interest.
Processing Time
Special Instructions
Divorce Decrees in Trenton
Divorce records for Mercer County proceedings are available through the county clerk’s office on South Broad Street. These documents serve crucial purposes for Trenton’s professional community, including remarriage licenses, child support modifications, and financial account updates. The capital city’s legal community generates significant demand for these records, and the clerk’s office maintains comprehensive files with professional indexing systems to handle the volume efficiently.
Requirements
Valid ID, case number helpful
Processing Time
Special Notes
📄 Reverting to maiden name?
You’ll need your divorce decree to update your passport with your previous name.
Name Change Process →How to Order in Trenton
The Mercer County Clerk operates from 209 South Broad Street in downtown Trenton, within walking distance of the State House complex and major government offices. Office hours accommodate the needs of state employees and the general public, with extended hours during certain periods. Parking downtown can be competitive given the concentration of government buildings, so consider using NJ Transit bus services or the Trenton Transit Center if arriving by train. The office accepts multiple payment methods and processes a high volume of requests efficiently. Given Trenton’s status as the state capital, security protocols may be in place, so bring proper identification and allow adequate time for processing.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Mercer County Clerk
Address
209 S Broad St #3, Trenton, NJ 08608, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
The Mercer County Clerk is located at 209 South Broad Street in downtown Trenton, easily accessible from Route 1, I-95, or Route 206, near the State House complex.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Mercer County Clerk (Government Service) | PassportsAndVisas.com (Expedited Service) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | Same day (in-person) 2-3 weeks (mail/online) | 3 days guaranteed |
| Certificate + Passport | ✗ Separate processes | ✓ One-stop service |
| Personal Account Manager | ✗ Not available | ✓ Dedicated support |
| Error Checking | ✗ Your responsibility | ✓ Expert review |
| Tracking | ✗ No tracking | ✓ Real-time updates |
Need to Renew Your Passport?
Got your marriage certificate for name change? Complete your passport renewal in minutes online. We serve Trenton residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Trenton, New Jersey
Is the Mercer County Clerk’s office within walking distance of the NJ State House?
▼What’s the best public transportation option to reach the clerk’s office in Trenton?
▼Are there any special requirements for government employees requesting vital records?
▼How far in advance should I request vital records during legislative session periods?
▼Can I expedite vital records for federal employment or security clearance purposes?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Trenton residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Mercer County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs