Where to Request a Death Certificate in New York
You request a death certificate from the New York State Department of Health, Vital Records Section, not from a funeral home or hospital. The state keeps all death records filed in New York, and you can order by mail, in person, or online through their official portal.
If the death occurred in New York City, you can also go to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Office of Vital Records in person. For deaths outside the city but within New York State, the state vital records office in Albany handles the request. Both offices charge the same fee and process requests the same way.
You do not need to go through a funeral director or lawyer. The funeral home may offer to order it for you, but they charge a markup. Ordering directly from the state costs less and takes the same amount of time.
Key Takeaways
- Request death certificates directly from the New York State Department of Health or the New York City Department of Health, not from a funeral home.
- You can order online, by mail, or in person; online orders arrive fastest, usually within one to two weeks.
- You will need the full name of the deceased, date of death, and place of death to complete your request.
- Each certified copy costs between $15 and $30 depending on how you order; order multiple copies at once because reordering later costs the same per certificate.
- You do not need to prove your relationship to the deceased for a standard certified copy, but some institutions may ask for proof when you present it.
Ordering Online Through the New York State Portal
The fastest way to get a death certificate is through the New York State Department of Health online ordering system at the official vital records website. You create an account, enter the deceased person's full name, date of death, and county where the death occurred, then pay by credit or debit card. The fee is $30 for a certified copy ordered online.
Online orders typically arrive within one to two weeks by mail. You receive a tracking number so you can check the status. This method works for deaths that occurred anywhere in New York State, including New York City.
You will need a valid email address and a payment method. The system asks you to confirm the deceased's information against state records before processing your order. If the name or date does not match exactly as it appears on file, the order may be rejected, and you will need to resubmit with the correct spelling.
Ordering by Mail or Phone
You can mail a request form to the New York State Department of Health with a check or money order. The form is available on the state health department website. Include the deceased person's full name, date of death, place of death, and your relationship to the deceased. Mail requests cost $15 per certified copy and take three to four weeks to arrive.
Phone orders are not available directly from the state office. However, you can call the vital records office to ask questions about your request or to confirm that a death was recorded in New York. The phone number is on the state health department website.
If you mail your request, send it to the address listed on the form. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope so the office can return your certificates. Do not send cash. If your check is rejected, the office will return your request and you will need to resubmit with a valid payment method.
Ordering in Person in New York City
If you are in New York City, you can walk into the Office of Vital Records at 125 Worth Street in Manhattan and request a death certificate the same day. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. You pay $15 for a certified copy and receive it before you leave.
Bring the deceased person's full name and date of death. If you do not know the exact date, bring the approximate month and year. The office staff can search their records and print a certificate on the spot if the death is on file.
The in-person office does not require an appointment. Wait times vary depending on the day and time you visit. Early morning and mid-week visits usually have shorter lines. The office is accessible by subway (lines 4, 5, 6, A, C, J, Z) and is near City Hall.
What Information You Need to Provide
To request a death certificate, you must provide the deceased person's full legal name as it appears on official documents, the date of death, and the place of death (city and county, or hospital name). If you do not know the exact date, the month and year are usually enough for the office to locate the record.
You do not need to prove your relationship to the deceased for a standard certified copy. New York does not restrict who can order a death certificate. However, some banks, insurance companies, or government agencies may ask you to show proof of your relationship when you present the certificate to them.
If the name on the death certificate is different from what you remember—for example, a middle name you did not know or a nickname instead of the legal name—contact the vital records office before ordering. They can help you search for the correct record.
Cost and Number of Copies to Order
A certified copy of a death certificate costs $15 by mail, $15 in person at the New York City office, or $30 online. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs the same amount. There is no discount for ordering multiple copies together, but ordering several at once saves you from paying the fee again later if you need more.
Most people need between two and five copies. Banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, and probate courts each may require their own copy. Order at least three copies the first time so you do not have to reorder and pay again.
If you order online and later need more copies, you can order again through the same system. There is no limit on how many you can request. Keep your extra copies in a safe place because they are difficult to replace if lost.
How Long the Process Takes
Online orders arrive within one to two weeks. Mail orders take three to four weeks from the date the office receives your request. In-person orders at the New York City office are ready the same day, usually within 30 minutes to an hour.
Processing times can be longer if the death record is incomplete, the name does not match state records exactly, or the office is processing a high volume of requests. The office will contact you by phone or email if there is a problem with your request.
If you need the certificate urgently, order in person in New York City or use the online system and expect to wait one to two weeks. There is no expedited mail option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a death certificate for someone who died in New York but I live out of state?
Yes. Use the online ordering system or mail your request to the New York State Department of Health. Both methods work for anyone, regardless of where you live. Online orders arrive within one to two weeks by mail to your address.
What if I do not know the exact date of death?
Provide the month and year, or even just the year if that is all you know. The vital records office can search by name and approximate date. If multiple people with the same name died around that time, the office may ask you for additional information to identify the correct person.
Do I need to show proof of my relationship to the deceased?
No. New York does not require proof of relationship to order a death certificate. However, some institutions like banks or insurance companies may ask you to show proof when you present the certificate to them. Keep a copy of the death certificate with other important documents in case you need to show your relationship later.
Can a funeral home order the death certificate for me?
Yes, but you will pay a markup. Funeral homes can submit the request on your behalf, but they charge a fee on top of the state's fee. It is cheaper to order directly from the state. The funeral home can provide you with the information you need to order yourself.
What if the death certificate has an error on it?
Contact the New York State Department of Health vital records office and explain the error. You may need to submit a form to request a correction. The office will guide you through the process. Corrections can take several weeks, so order extra copies of the current certificate while the correction is being processed.