Conveniently order New York birth, marriage, and death certificates through the secure and straightforward online service of Vital Records Online. Rest assured that your confidential information and documents will remain secure and arrive safely.
Summary:
New York, also known as the Empire State, is home to 20 million people, of which approximately 18 million reside in New York City’s five boroughs – the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.
In 1866, the state legislature passed the Metropolitan Health Law and established the NYC Metropolitan Board of Health. Also, in 1870, the legislature replaced the Metropolitan Board of Health with the NYC Department of Health. The State Board of Health was created in 1880.
The New York State Department of Health (NYSDH) – Office of Vital Records preserves birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. Only the individuals named on the birth certificate are eligible to request certified copies, and a spouse, child, or other interested parties must show cause for the request. A spouse may request a copy of the death certificate. Also, those individuals who possess a New York State Court Order may request a copy of the death certificate.
If you perform a genealogy search, the Office of Vital Records may access the many available public archives. You can discover what these archives contain, where to obtain the information, and how vital records are used.
Start your application online for NY vital records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Birth, death, and marriage certificates are essential for many milestones in life. Vital records are important documents that can be used to validate your identity, citizenship, and family relationships. Vital records can help settle legal disputes, claim an inheritance, and even research family history. Vital records may also reveal important details about your ancestors, such as their full names, birth and death dates, and places of residence. If you have lost your birth, marriage, or death certificate, file a police report immediately and request a certified replacement immediately.
Every New York State county is responsible for certifying and issuing vital records within its jurisdiction. Find the complete list of New York County vital record issuing agencies below. By reviewing this information, you can find locations, contact information, and online applications for requesting copies of vital records.
In the United States, all records of life’s most important moments are meticulously kept at both county and state levels. These precious moments are diligently recorded within local jurisdictions. Vital Records Online is a convenient and trustworthy secure service for obtaining New York birth, marriage, and death certificates. You can order confidently, knowing your vital records will be delivered with the utmost care and confidentiality.
❗️ For ancestry or genealogy research in New York, you can search historical records with various public archives for free.
Visiting Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
You can request documents in-person, by mail, or online. The New York State Department of Health – Bureau of Vital Records will provide certified copies for births, deaths, and marriages, as long as you meet the specified requirements and follow the instructions. Once you meet the essential requirements, the procedure is straightforward.
You can apply in person if you live near where the vital record was first issued. Otherwise, you can use mail or order online to save time and avoid possible long waiting lines.
It is essential to familiarise yourself with the associated costs, eligibility requirements, and processing times before requesting certified copies of vital records from the NYSDOH-BVR, as each application process is unique. Whether you order by mail or in person, you will want to understand the requirements and procedures before completing an application.
Ordering New York Vital Records online is quick and effortless and involves two simple steps:
You can order New York birth, death, or marriage certificates online if you’re eligible as an authorized individual. Vital Records Online provides a step-by-step ordering system that allows you to collect the required documents and directs you where to submit them. The application only takes five minutes on any device with an internet connection and helps ensure your application is not rejected due to mistakes or missing documents.
✔︎ First-Class mail tracking is available as an add-on during the final checkout process.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning, printing, and notarizing your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and premium handling process works.
Getting certified copies of vital records in person can be difficult or even impossible for some individuals who do not live near the state health department office. Even those residing nearby may have to deal with long wait times or delays. You can avoid these issues by using the simple online application or sending your application and documents via mail.
The requirements are generally the same whether you apply for vital records in-person or by mail. However, if you choose to apply in person at the vital records office, prepare to complete the following tasks:
Additionally, by mail, you will need the following:
You can avoid long lines at the vital record office by sending your application package by mail or online. Mailing your application is convenient if you live in a different state than the office. If you live overseas, then ordering online is usually the easiest method.
We recommend purchasing mail tracking when sending your application and documents to ensure their safe delivery to the correct office. To avoid potential mishaps that may cause your application to be denied, be sure to research and meet all the specific requirements for each type of vital record.
❗️ Ensure that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies of the preserved original record.
❗️ Before receiving approval, confirm if you must also have your documents and application notarized with a sworn statement for identity verification.
Knowing the requirements and conditions is imperative before gathering your vital record application documents.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization
Check the table below for a comprehensive list of requirements to order a vital record from New York. If you do not possess a valid form of identification, then secondary identification may be acceptable.
To obtain a vital record from the New York State Department of Health – Bureau of Vital Records, you must present an accepted form of identification, such as a driver’s license or state photo ID, with a photocopy and a notarized sworn statement confirming your identity. For some types of records, secondary forms of ID may be acceptable – be sure to check the requirements for the specific form of identification you need.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in New York?
To authenticate their request for a certified vital record, the New York State Department of Health-Bureau of Vital Records stipulates that an individual present the following information:
| Certificate | Required Information | ID Requirements Options | Secondary ID Options | Notary Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Certificate Number, Date of Birth, Father's Name, Full Name of Person of Record, Hospital of Birth, Local Registration Number, Mailing Address, Mother's Maiden Name, Phone Number, Place of Birth, Purpose for the Certificate, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature | Driver's License, Non-Driver Photo ID, Passport, US Military ID | Letter from Government Agency Dated Within Last 6 Months, Telephone Bill, Utility Bill | Notarized statement for third parties from authorized person |
| Death Certificate | Age at Death, Certificate Number, Date of Birth, Date of Death, Father's Name, Full Name of Person of Record, Local Registration Number, Mailing Address, Mother's Maiden Name, Phone Number, Place of Death, Purpose for the Certificate, SSN, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature | Driver's License, Non-Driver Photo ID, Passport, US Military ID | Letter from Government Agency Dated Within Last 6 Months, Telephone Bill, Utility Bill | Notarized statement for third parties from authorized person |
| Marriage Certificate | Bride Name, Bride Residence, Bride's Date of Birth, Bride's Name Before Marriage, Certificate Number, Date of Marriage, Groom Name, Groom Name Before Marriage, Groom Residence, Groom's Date of Birth, Local Registration Number, Mailing Address, Phone Number, Place of Marriage, Place where License Was Issued, Purpose for the Certificate, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature | Driver's License, Non-Driver Photo ID, Passport | Letter from Government Agency Dated Within Last 6 Months, Telephone Bill, Utility Bill | Notarized statement for third parties from authorized person |
❗️ The Vital Records processing department of the NYSDOH-BVR can produce an informational copy if your application is not approved. You cannot get a refund in this scenario. Avoiding a rejection can save you from accumulating additional costs and an extended wait time.
Who can request vital records in New York?
The certificate holder can request a certified copy of their vital records by confirming their identity when obtaining a notarized sworn statement with the application.
If you request vital records on someone else’s behalf, double-check the eligibility requirements for birth, death, and marriage certificates to ensure you are authorized. The New York State Department of Health-BVR will only issue certified copies of vital records to family members or legal representatives of the individual on record.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Children, Other Person by Court Order, Parents, Person on Record |
| Death Certificate | Children, Other Person by Court Order, Other Person of Interest, Other person with documented medical need, Parents, Siblings, Spouse |
| Marriage Certificate | Other Person by Court Order, Person on Record, Spouse |
✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record for that person.
Do I need a notary with my application?
New York’s Health Department may require applicants to validate their identity by submitting a notarized sworn statement with their vital record application and documents. Vital Records Online agents will review and include this document with your application packet. Remember to bring a valid form of identification to a public notary in order to complete this step.
❗️ A Notarized sworn statement may be required under the following circumstances:
✔︎ Vital Records Online includes an online notary service as part of your application packet. Otherwise, you must bring your ID when choosing to use a local public notary to create this document.
✔︎ The New York State Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Records does not require a photocopy of your ID; the notarized application document will be enough proof of identity.
✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is not required when requesting informational copies of New York vital records.
The expenses associated with obtaining a replacement vital record may vary, depending on the NYSDOH-BVR’s fees for the respective document. NYSDOH-BVR will charge a $30.00 fee for a certified copy of a birth record, a $30.00 fee for a marriage certificate, and $30.00 for a death certificate. Also, consider the notarization fee in the overall cost.
| Certificate | Fee | Additional Copy | Rush State Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $30.00 | $30.00 | $15.00 |
| Death Certificate | $30.00 | $30.00 | $15.00 |
| Marriage Certificate | $30.00 | $30.00 | $15.00 |
✔︎ You can request additional copies when ordering to have spares in case of an event when your vital records go missing, get damaged, or are stolen.
VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from New York?
Birth, death, or marriage certificate processing and replacement times may vary.
| Certificate | Processing Time | Rush Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 10-12 weeks | 2-4 weeks |
| Death Certificate | 10-12 weeks | 2-4 weeks |
| Marriage Certificate | 10-12 weeks | 2-4 weeks |
❗️ It is also advised to allow 2-3 additional days for the application process when required to obtain a notary and meet the state’s application submission deadline.
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
Submitting your application through Vital Records Online allows you to monitor the progress of your application. Prepaid postage to the New York Department of Public Health is also included with every package. The Rush and Full-Service Package options include First-Class Prepaid mail tracking of your application packet after your application has been processed and shipped.
If you opt to send your application packet to the vital records health department yourself, we suggest purchasing first-class mail tracking so you can be sure your application reaches its destination. The NYSDOH-BVR ships all vital records via USPS first-class mail directly to your home for additional security. If your birth certificate is lost or stolen, you should immediately act and file a report. The New York State Department of Health-Bureau of Vital Records will not take responsibility for any misdirected or lost certificates; the consequences of even a single mistake, such as a typo or missing document, could result in extended waiting times, extra shipping costs, or the wrong recipient obtaining access to your personal information.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the New York counties office locations directory.
An apostille is necessary if you require vital records to be filed with a foreign government. Apostilles are granted for vital records issued by the New York State Department of Health-Bureau of Vital Records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
The only way to obtain an apostille for NYSDOH-BVR vital records is through the Department of State. To get an apostille for a vital record in New York, you will need to submit the following documents:
You can reach the office at (855) 322-1022 or online at https://dos.ny.gov/apostille-or-certificate-authentication. The fee is $10.00 per apostille or certificate. You can submit requests for vital record apostilles by mail to the NYSDOH-BVR Department of State at the following addresses:
New York State
Department of State
Division of Licensing Services
Apostille and Authentication Unit
PO Box 22001
Albany, NY 12201-2001
For express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
NYS Department of State
Division of Licensing Services
1 Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Avenue, 6th Floor
Albany, NY 12231
State Office Phone Number: (518) 474-4429.
Alternatively, you can obtain an apostille in person at the local office (by appointment only):
123 William Street, 2nd Floor (between Fulton and John Streets)
New York, NY 10038
Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 3:30 PM
Local Office Phone Number: (212) 417-6103.
To assist, NYSDOH-BVR has provided a list of common scenarios requiring an amendment to the person’s birth or marriage certificate.
The New York State Department of Health – Bureau of Vital Records (NYSDOH-BVR) created an efficient way to amend or correct birth, marriage, or death certificates for family members by law. Different forms exist depending on the details that need to be amended. Supplemental changes become addendums to the original vital record. Nevertheless, the original document remains unaltered by any entity.
The requirements for requesting the changes or amendments vary depending on which vital record needs to be altered.
Typically, requests to correct or amend vital records will require the following:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Where can I search for free public records?
You can sift through New York’s public records of birth, marriage, and divorce certificates to obtain the information you are looking for, but be prepared to dedicate ample time to examine the records.
Are New York Vital Records Open to the Public?
In New York, most state records are generally open to the public; however, the amount of access will depend on the record type and the year of birth, death, or marriage. Many vital records in New York are free and readily available to the public after 75 years.
Third-party websites can be a great place to begin your research. These websites offer an extensive range of records making it easier to find the records you need – though they may differ from official government reports. Generally, to access these records, you will need to provide the following information:
Each state, county, and municipality keeps specific vital records. Depending on which entity issued your birth, death, or marriage certificate, verify what it should look like to guarantee you possess the official version.
To distinguish an informational copy from an authorized copy, look for a stamp or bold print that reads something similar to “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity.”
Authorized Copy:
Certified copies constitute legal documents accepted for official identification, whereas informational copies cannot be used to verify an individual’s identity. Therefore, only those with a “direct and tangible interest” are authorized to receive certified copies of vital records.
If you need an official birth, death, or marriage certificate, you may be required to obtain a notarized sworn statement proving legal entitlement to the authorized copy. Any person requesting an authorized birth, death, or marriage certificate copy must include the signed and notarized sworn statement, declaring under penalty of perjury, that they are legally entitled to receive an authorized copy. Without the notarized sworn statement, the request cannot be accepted and will be returned to you, resulting in further delays.
Informational Copy:
You do not need to provide a sworn statement if you request an informational copy. The New York State Public Officers Law’s Article 6 Sections 84-90, known as the NY Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), grants the public the right to access records held by government entities – with some exceptions. The Freedom of Information Law does not provide access to birth, death, marriage, and dissolution of marriage certificates. You can find out how to get Birth, Death, Marriage, and Divorce Records by visiting the Vital Records section of the New York State Department of Health.
Please review the resources section to find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Visit the official New York government website at https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/
