New York State Department of Health - Vital Records Section

New York · Vital Records

health.ny.gov/vital_records/death.htm

State Vital Records in New York

The New York State Department of Health - Vital Records Section issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in New York. Executors and surviving family order certified copies to close accounts, file insurance claims, and transfer titles; the office sets the fees, eligibility rules, and processing times.

Steps to takeKey facts

Steps to take when someone dies

1
Confirm the death occurred in New York; the record belongs to the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the deceased lived.
2
Order certified copies through any of the office's channels:
  • •Online: Order online with MasterCard, Visa, Discover, AmEx, or ACH
  • •By phone: Call Vital Records Call Center at 855-322-1022
  • •By mail: Mail request with personal check, postal money order, or certified check
3
Include what the office requires with the order:
  • •Valid photo ID
  • •Documentation of lawful right or claim if not immediate family
4
Allow the office's processing time (10-12 weeks).

State Vital Records in New York: key facts

What New York says8

Administering office

New York State Department of Health - Vital Records Section.1

Mail orders

New York State Department of Health, Vital Records Certification Unit, P.O. Box 2602, Albany, NY 12220-2602.1

Certificate fee

$30 for the first certified copy.1

Processing time

10-12 weeks.1

Who may order

Spouse, child, parent of deceased; Lawful representative of estate; Person with court order; Person with documented lawful right or claim.1

Filing deadline

The death certificate must be filed within 3 days.2

Public record

Death records become public 50 years after the death.1

Records available from

1881. Does not have records for New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island) - contact NYC Department of Health.1

Governing law: N.Y. Pub. Health Law § 4140

Sources2

  1. 1.New York State Department of Health - Vital Records Section
  2. 2.New York death-certificate filing rule (N.Y. Pub. Health Law § 4140; N.Y. Pub. Health Law § 4142; N.Y. Pub. Health Law § 4145; N.Y. Pub. Health Law § 4144; N.Y. Pub. Health Law § 4200; 10 NYCRR § 77.10)

New York vital records offices

New York State Department of Health - Vital Records Section

Phone

855-322-1022

Mailing address

New York State Department of Health, Vital Records Certification Unit, P.O. Box 2602, Albany, NY 12220-2602
Verified Jul 2026