New york state department of health bureau of vital records

Record Confidentiality

Birth and death records are not public records and their confidentiality is protected by New York State Public Health Law. Vital Records are not subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) and are not subject to public inspection.

Restrictions

Birth records can only be released to the person themselves once they are 18 years old, a parent listed on the birth record, a lawful representative or by court order. Birth records are not public records and New York State Public Health law protects their confidential nature.

Obtaining Copies

A copy of a birth record for a person born in the City of Albany can be requested in person at our office, located in Albany City Hall on the second mezzanine room 254M. A birth record, for those people born in the City of Albany, also can be requested by mail, under the same restrictions for release. There is a request form to complete, and all the information pertaining to the person must be supplied, including the:

  • Full name at birth
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
  • Father's name
  • Mother's name, including maiden name
  • Relationship of the person making the request
  • Purpose for which the record is needed

You must have identification to pick up a copy of your birth certificate or the birth certificate of your children. You must have a certified copy of the court order for children in your custody. Temporary custody papers must be issued within the last six months.

Acknowledgment of Paternity Affidavits

We also process Acknowledgment of Paternity affidavits that can be used to have a father's name added to a child's birth certificate.

There is a fee of $15 for each certified copy of a birth record or a No Record Certification. All in person requests are subject to a same day service fee of $5. Vital Statistics does not accept personal checks. Please bring cash, a money order or a certified bank check when coming into the office.

Mailed Requests

Birth records cannot be mailed to a P.O. Box or third-party address unless the applicant completes a notarized signed consent, authorizing us to mail the certificate to a P.O. Box.

A money order or a certified bank check for $15 per copy must accompany the request, payable to the City of Albany. If you are requesting a priority handling, you must include a money order or certified bank check for $15.

Processing time for mailed in applications typically takes a week to two weeks unless same day processing is requested. If you request expedited processing your order will be processed within 2 to 3 days. All mail requests must be sent to:
Vital Statistics.
24 Eagle Street
Albany, NY 12207

Order by Telephone

A birth record for people born in the City of Albany can also be ordered over the telephone and charged to a credit card, under the same restrictions regarding the release of records mentioned on this page. There is an additional fee for this service of $6 that is charged by the company VitalChek Network, which supplies us with the equipment and deals directly with the credit card companies.

The request can be made by calling our office at 518-434-5045. Identification must be faxed to our office at 518-434-5975, before we can process the request.

Please note that phone orders will not be accepted between 11 am and 2 pm due to high volume.

Dual Citizenship & Apostille

For more information on Dual Citizenship, visit the NY State (NYS) Department of Health Dual Citizenship and Vital Records website.

For more information on NYS requirements for Apostille, visit the NYS Department of Health Apostille for Vital Records website.

New york state department of health bureau of vital records
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New york state department of health bureau of vital records

We are an authorized online vital records ordering service for New York City Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene.

That means we can process your request fast, affordably, and securely. The only thing faster is doing it in person – but that’s not always possible or convenient, and that’s why we’re here.

New York City Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene Office of Vital Records 125 Worth Street, CN-4, Room 119 New York City , NY, 10013

Phone 866-556-8617

Fax 866-283-0617

Pick a certificate to get started:

About Vital Records from New York City Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene

NEW YORK CITY VITAL RECORDS
The New York City Department of Health, Office of Vital Records (New York City Vital Records) issues certified copies of New York City birth certificates (from 1910 to present) and New York City death certificates (from 1949 to present) for events that occurred in the five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island). For earlier records, contact the Municipal Archives at 311 or (212)NEW-YORK if outside of New York City. Their address is 31 Chambers Street, Room 103, New York, NY 10007.

New York City divorce records must be ordered through New York State Vital Records. You may order copies of New York City birth and death certificates through VitalChek on an expedited basis.

NOTICE

Although VitalChek attempts to include accurate and up-to-date information on this site, state and agency information is subject to change without notice. VitalChek makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the information herein and assumes no liability with respect to such information.

Available New York (NY) Vital Record Types

A certified copy of a birth certificate that can typically be used for travel, passport, proof of citizenship, social security, driver's license, school registration, personal identification and other legal purposes. Birth Certificates are available for events that occurred in New York City from 1910 to present.

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A certified copy of a death certificate that can typically be used to obtain death benefits, claim insurance proceeds, notify social security and other legal purposes. Death Certificates are available for events that occurred in New York City from 1949 to present.

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A Vault certified copy of a birth certificate can used for most all international purposes; dual citizenship, international adoptions, international marriage and generally used for travel, passport, proof of citizenship, social security, driver's license, school registration, personal identification and other legal purposes. Birth Certificates are available for events that occurred in New York City from 1910 to present.

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A pre-adoption birth certificate is a certified copy of the original birth certificate, however, it cannot be used for identification purposes.

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Ready to get started? Choose your certificate:

How do I get a certified copy of my birth certificate from New York?

You can get a certified copy of the birth certificate over the internet, by phone or by mail from the New York State Department of Health Vital Records section. If no birth certificate exists, bring a certificate from the Commissioner of the local Board of Health saying that no birth certificate is available.

What is the fastest way to get a birth certificate in New York?

The Health Department issues birth certificates for all people who are born in New York City. You can order a certificate online, by mail or in person. We recommend ordering online through VitalChek, which is the fastest way to receive your certificate.

How do I get a court order for a birth certificate in NY?

"In order to obtain a court order you must prepare a Petition, which outlines you were are, what the relationship is to the person whose birth record you want, along with the purpose for the record. You may want to attach any documents you may have supporting your reasons for your request for a Supreme Court Order.

How do I find my birth records in New York?

Contact Us. Call 311, or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) if you are calling from outside NYC. Email: Questions about a certificate request: [email protected].