New York Vital Records: Fees, Offices & How to Request
Everything you need to request certified vital records in New York — office addresses, current fees, processing times, and step-by-step instructions for birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records, and divorce decrees.
Birth Certificates in New York
Certified birth certificates in New York are issued by the NYS Dept. of Health – Vital Records (upstate); NYC DOHMH for NYC births. In-person requests at county-level health departments are often faster than mailing to the state office.
New York Vital Records Office
Office: NYS Dept. of Health – Vital Records (upstate); NYC DOHMH for NYC births
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2602, Albany, NY 12220-2602
Phone: 518-474-3077
Fee: $30 per certified copy
Processing (mail): 8–14 weeks mail (NYC: separate office)
Website: health.ny.gov
How to Request a New York Birth Certificate
- Download the official request form
Get the current form from health.ny.gov. Only use official state forms — third-party forms cause delays.
- Complete the form with full birth details
Full name at birth, date of birth, county of birth, and both parents' full names (including mother's maiden name) are required.
- Prepare a copy of your government-issued photo ID
Driver's license or state ID is standard. The form instructions specify whether a photocopy or notarized copy is required.
- Include payment of $30 per copy
New York accepts checks, money orders, and credit cards (for online orders). Do not send cash.
- Mail to the address above or submit in person
For faster service, visit your county health department in person. Bring the completed form, ID, and payment.
Processing Time
8–14 weeks mail (NYC: separate office). For urgent requests, check whether New York offers expedited processing for an additional fee. Call the office directly for current wait time estimates, as these change seasonally.
Death Certificates in New York
Death certificates are handled by the same vital records office as birth certificates in New York. Fee: $30 per certified copy. Processing time: 8–14 weeks mail.
Order at least 10–15 certified copies if settling an estate — each bank, insurance company, and government agency requires its own certified original. See our complete death certificate guide for a full list of who needs copies.
For urgent needs (death just occurred, funeral coordination): see our guide on getting a death certificate before the funeral.
Marriage Certificates in New York
Marriage licenses in New York are issued at the county level by Town or City Clerk where license was issued. Certified copies are available from the county office in the county where the license was issued. Some New York counties also allow requests by mail; call the specific county to confirm.
If you don't know which county issued the license, contact the New York vital records office — they maintain a statewide marriage index. See our marriage certificate guide for full details.
Divorce Decrees in New York
Divorce decrees are court documents, not vital records. They are held by the clerk of the court in the county where the divorce was filed. To obtain a certified copy:
- Identify the county where the divorce was filed
If unknown, the New York vital records office maintains a divorce index and can tell you the county.
- Contact the court clerk in that county
Search "[county] New York clerk of court" for contact information and their specific request process.
- Request a certified copy of the final decree
Provide the case number if available, or both parties' names and approximate year. Court copy fees vary by county: typically $1–$5 per page plus a certification fee.
See our complete divorce decree guide for more detail, including how to get old records.
Out-of-State Requests
If you no longer live in New York but need New York vital records, the process is the same — just submit by mail or online. Use the address above for the state office. The fact that you live elsewhere does not affect eligibility or processing. See our out-of-state records guide for tips specific to remote requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
For birth and death certificates, in-person service at the county health department or registrar is typically same-day or next-day. The state office in New York may have longer waits for walk-in service. Call ahead to confirm hours and current wait times before making a trip.
Most New York records can be expedited for an additional fee. Note "EXPEDITED" clearly on your request form and include the additional payment. For urgent needs, in-person at the county level is almost always faster than any mail or online expedited option.
Contact the New York vital records office for the correction/amendment form. Bring documentation supporting the correct information. Minor clerical errors are processed administratively. See our correction guide for the general process.