New York Application for Genealogical Services (Birth, Death and Marriage Records) (DOH-4384)

Who can use this form

• Anyone making a genealogy request, if the person named on the record is known to the applicant to be deceased.
• The record must have been on file long enough: 75 years for births, 50 years for deaths, and 50 years for marriages with both parties deceased.
• Those time periods are waived for a descendant who provides documentation of direct line descent. Someone acting for a descendant must also show that the descendant gave permission for the request.
• The state office does not have New York City records, except births in Queens and Richmond counties for 1881 through 1897.
• Copies cannot be provided for commercial purposes.

What to send with it

• The completed and signed application, with the birth, death or marriage section filled in for each record requested.
• A check or money order payable to the New York State Department of Health. Do not send cash.
• Copies of any required documentation, such as proof of direct line descent.
• If requesting birth or marriage records: the signed statement that, to the best of your knowledge, the persons named are deceased.
• Requests for records filed in Albany, Buffalo and Yonkers before 1914 go directly to the local office.

Where to send it

Mail to

New York State Department of Health Vital Records Section Certification Unit P.O. Box 2602 Albany, NY 12220-2602

State fee

$22 per record for a search of 1 to 3 years, with an uncertified copy or notice of no record. Longer searches cost more: $42 for 4 to 10 years, $62 for 11 to 20, $82 for 21 to 30, $102 for 31 to 40, $122 for 41 to 50, $142 for 51 to 60 and $162 for 61 to 70 years. The fee is not refunded if no record is found.

Typical processing

Not provided

Form revision

12/05

Source

Official government page