Where to Request a Death Certificate in New York City

You can get a death certificate from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), which keeps records for all deaths that occurred in the five boroughs. The easiest way is to order online through the DOHMH website, where you can request a certified copy and have it mailed to you. You can also order by mail, phone, or in person at their office in Manhattan.

If the death happened in New York City but you are not sure which borough, the DOHMH can search their records for you. You will need to provide the person's full name, date of death, and date of birth. The office is located at 125 Worth Street in lower Manhattan, and they accept walk-in requests during business hours.

Key Takeaways

  • The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene issues death certificates for all deaths in the five boroughs, and you can order online, by phone, by mail, or in person.
  • You will need the person's full name, date of birth, and date of death to request a certificate, and the DOHMH can search their records if you do not know which borough.
  • Certified copies cost between $15 and $30 depending on how fast you need them, and processing takes 5 to 10 business days for standard orders.
  • You do not have to be a family member to order a death certificate, but you may need to show your relationship to the deceased or explain your reason for requesting one.
  • If the death happened outside New York City, you will need to contact the vital records office in the county or state where the person died.

What Information You Need to Provide

Before you order, gather the person's full legal name, date of birth, and date of death. If you have the person's Social Security number, include it—it helps the DOHMH find the record faster. You should also know which borough the death occurred in (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island), though the DOHMH can search across all five if you are unsure.

If the person's name changed after birth—through marriage, divorce, or legal name change—provide both the name at death and the birth name. This is especially important if the death was many years ago and records were filed under a different name. The DOHMH staff can help you search if you have incomplete information, but the search takes longer.

Ordering Online, by Phone, or by Mail

The fastest route is the DOHMH website, where you can order a certified copy and pay by credit card. You choose how many copies you need and select standard delivery (5 to 10 business days) or expedited delivery (1 to 3 business days). The website shows you the cost before you submit, and you receive a confirmation email with a tracking number.

If you prefer to order by phone, call the DOHMH vital records line at 311 and ask for the death certificate unit. They will take your information and tell you the cost and delivery time. To order by mail, send a completed process form (available on the DOHMH website) along with a check or money order to the address they provide. Mail orders take longer because of postal delays, so use this method only if you do not need the certificate quickly.

Ordering in Person at the DOHMH Office

The vital records office at 125 Worth Street in Manhattan is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., except on city holidays. Bring a photo ID and the person's full name, date of birth, and date of death. If you order in person, you can pay with cash, check, or card, and staff can often give you a certified copy the same day if the record is found quickly.

Expect to wait 30 minutes to an hour during busy times, especially early in the week. The office does not take appointments, so arrive early if you need the certificate urgently. If you cannot go in person, a family member or someone with power of attorney can order on your behalf by bringing a signed letter from you along with their own ID.

Cost and Processing Time

A certified copy of a death certificate costs $15 for the first copy and $5 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. If you order online or by phone, add a $5 handling fee. Expedited delivery costs an extra $15 and takes 1 to 3 business days; standard delivery takes 5 to 10 business days. In-person orders at the DOHMH office may be ready the same day, but this depends on how quickly staff can locate the record.

If you order multiple copies at once, you save money compared to ordering them separately. Many people order 5 to 10 copies because banks, insurance companies, and government agencies often require original certified copies, and you cannot use the same copy twice. Plan ahead and order extra copies if you think you will need them for probate, insurance claims, or other purposes.

Who Can Order a Death Certificate

You do not have to be a family member to order a death certificate. The DOHMH will issue one to anyone who requests it, though they may ask you to state your relationship to the deceased or your reason for requesting it. Common reasons include settling an estate, claiming life insurance, explore for survivor benefits, or genealogy research.

If you are ordering on behalf of someone else, bring a signed letter from that person authorizing you to request the certificate, along with both your ID and theirs. If the person is deceased, you do not need written permission—just explain your relationship and why you need the certificate. The DOHMH staff can tell you if additional documentation is needed for your specific situation.

If the Death Happened Outside New York City

If the person died in a different county or state, you cannot order from the DOHMH. Instead, contact the vital records office in the county or state where the death occurred. Each state has its own vital records bureau, and they have different fees, processing times, and ordering methods. You can find the correct office by searching "[state name] vital records" online or by calling the state health department.

Some states allow online ordering, while others require mail or in-person requests. Processing times vary widely—some states take 2 weeks, others take 6 weeks or longer. If you are unsure which state or county to contact, start with the state health department, and they can direct you to the right office based on the date and location of death.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a death certificate from New York City?

Standard delivery takes 5 to 10 business days from the date you order. Expedited delivery takes 1 to 3 business days and costs an extra $15. If you order in person at the DOHMH office, you may receive a copy the same day, but this depends on how quickly staff can locate the record in their system.

Can I order a death certificate if I am not related to the deceased?

Yes. The DOHMH will issue a death certificate to anyone who requests it. They may ask you to explain your reason for requesting it, but you do not have to be a family member. Common reasons include settling an estate, claiming insurance, or genealogy research.

What if I do not know the exact date of death?

Provide the month and year if you do not know the exact day. The DOHMH can search their records using the person's name, approximate date of death, and borough. The search takes longer, but staff can usually find the record if you have the name and a general timeframe.

Can I get a death certificate by phone or email?

You can order by phone by calling 311 and asking for the vital records unit, but you cannot receive the certificate by email. Certified copies must be mailed to you or picked up in person. You can view some death records online through the DOHMH website, but official certified copies require a mailed or in-person request.

What if the DOHMH cannot find the death record?

If the record is not found after a search, the DOHMH will tell you. This can happen if the death was not registered, the name was spelled differently, or the death occurred in a different borough or state. Ask the DOHMH staff for guidance—they can sometimes help you locate the correct record or direct you to another office.