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New York has two separate systems. The New York State Department of Health holds death records for everywhere except New York City. The New York City Health Department holds records for deaths in the five boroughs. Ordering from the wrong one costs you time, so start with where the death happened.
Who can order a New York death certificate?
New York State (outside New York City). The state issues copies to the spouse, parent, child or sibling of the deceased. Others need a documented lawful right or claim, a documented medical need, or a New York State court order. Send a copy of one photo ID, such as a driver's license, state non-driver ID, passport or U.S. military ID, or two documents showing your name and address, such as a utility bill or a government letter dated within the last six months.
New York City. A certificate with cause of death goes to a spouse, domestic partner, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, the informant listed on the certificate or the person in charge of disposition. A certificate without cause of death is also open to a niece or nephew, aunt or uncle, and great-grandchildren. Anyone else must document their right to the record.
Which office holds the record: state, county or city?
- New York State Vital Records, Albany: death records since 1881 for all of the state except New York City
- Local registrar of vital statistics: the registrar where the death occurred also issues copies
- New York City Health Department: all deaths in New York City after 1951
- NYC Municipal Archives: New York City deaths before 1951
How to order online, by mail or in person
New York State
- Online or by phone: through VitalChek or 1-877-854-4481
- By mail: send form DOH-4376 with payment to New York State Department of Health, Vital Records Certification Unit, P.O. Box 2602, Albany, NY 12220-2602. Pay by personal check, postal money order or certified check to NYS Department of Health.
- In person: the state page lists no walk-in service. Contact the local registrar where the death occurred.
New York City
- Online: through VitalChek, the only vendor the Health Department has authorized. Online orders are available only if your name is on the record.
- By mail: use the city's death certificate application, linked from its death certificates page
- In person: by appointment. Emergency appointments are arranged through 311.
In New York City, VitalChek is the only authorized online vendor. Mail requests go to Attention: Premium Death Certificate Request, 125 Worth Street, Room CN-4, Room 119, New York, NY 10013. All in-person orders need an appointment, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Send a photocopy of a photo ID, or two proofs of address dated within the last 60 days.
Cost and processing time
New York State, as listed on November 10, 2026:
The state says it is currently experiencing significant delays in order processing and gives no timeframe.
New York City:
- $15 per certificate
- Plus a processing fee of $9.30 online, $7.50 by mail or $2.75 in person
- UPS Express delivery adds $21
The city quotes two to three weeks for online and standard mail orders, with regular mail delivery taking up to two more weeks. Certificates from 1951 to 1970 take about two weeks longer. Processing fees are not refunded.
How to correct or amend a New York death certificate
New York State. In the first six months, the funeral firm corrects personal details and the medical certifier corrects medical details. After that, a spouse, parent, child, sibling or legal guardian completes form DOH-299 for personal information, or DOH-1999 for medical and burial information, and takes it to the local registrar where the death occurred. Bring original or certified documents. Notarized copies are not accepted.
New York City. Apply by mail with the Death Certificate Correction Application. Most applications carry a $40 non-refundable processing fee, plus $15 per certificate. The city quotes 12 weeks, plus mailing time, and requires original documents.
What to do after you receive the certificate
Check every detail on arrival. In New York State, the first six months are the simplest window for corrections, because the funeral firm can handle them. Keep certified copies secure and ask each organization whether it needs cause of death shown.
Planning ahead with After
If this process has you thinking about your own arrangements, you can explore pre-planning options with After. Plan availability, providers and terms vary by state.
Frequently asked questions
Should I contact the state or the city? New York City for deaths in the five boroughs. New York State, or the local registrar, for everywhere else.
Who is allowed to request a certified copy? In the state, a spouse, parent, child or sibling. New York City's list is wider and depends on whether cause of death is included.
How much does a copy cost? $30 by mail from the state, or $45 per online transaction plus a vendor fee. New York City charges $15 per certificate plus a processing fee.
How long does processing take? The state reports significant delays. New York City quotes two to three weeks plus mailing.
What if the death occurred in another state? Order from that state. See our death certificate ordering guide, or the guides for New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts (link when live).
Last reviewed: November 2026
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change, so confirm with the state or local office before filing.
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