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 fastest way is to visit in person at their office in lower Manhattan, but you can also order by mail, phone, or through their online system. The office is located at 125 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013, and is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

If the death occurred outside New York City but the person lived here, you will need to contact the vital records office in the county or state where the death happened. The DOHMH can tell you which office to contact if you are unsure.

Key Takeaways

  • The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene issues death certificates for deaths that occurred in the five boroughs, and you can request one in person, by mail, by phone, or online.
  • You will need to show a photo ID and proof that you have a direct interest in the record — usually a relationship to the deceased or a legal reason.
  • A certified copy costs $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, and processing takes one to two weeks by mail.
  • In-person requests are processed the same day if you arrive before 3 p.m., but online and phone orders may take longer depending on how the office is staffed.
  • You can order multiple copies at once, which is often cheaper than ordering them separately later.

Who Can Request a Death Certificate

New York City has specific rules about who can order a death certificate. You must have a direct and legitimate interest in the record. This includes the spouse, parent, child, or sibling of the deceased; a grandparent or grandchild; a legal representative such as an executor or attorney; or someone with a court order requiring the record.

If you do not fall into one of these categories, you may still be able to order a copy if you can show a legal reason — for example, if you need it to settle an insurance claim or resolve a property matter. The staff at the DOHMH can tell you whether your situation qualifies before you pay.

What You Need to Bring or Provide

For an in-person request, bring a valid photo ID and be ready to state your relationship to the deceased. You will fill out a form on the spot. If you are ordering by mail, you must include a photocopy of your ID and a letter explaining your relationship to the deceased and why you need the certificate.

Have the deceased's full name, date of birth, and date of death ready. If you do not know the exact date of death, the DOHMH can search by name and approximate date, though this may take longer. For online orders, you will enter this information into their system and upload a photo of your ID.

Cost and How Many Copies to Order

A certified copy of a death certificate costs $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. If you order copies separately later, each will cost $15. This means if you think you will need more than one copy — for insurance claims, bank accounts, property transfers, or other purposes — it is cheaper to order them together now.

Most people need between two and five copies. Order at least two: one for the funeral home or crematory, and one for your records. If the deceased had life insurance, bank accounts, or property, you may need additional copies for each institution.

In-Person, Mail, and Online Ordering

If you go in person to 125 Worth Street, bring your ID and the information listed above. The office will process your request the same day if you arrive before 3 p.m. You will pay in cash or card and walk out with the certificate. This is the fastest option if you need the certificate urgently.

To order by mail, send a photocopy of your ID, a letter with your relationship to the deceased and the reason you need the certificate, and a check or money order for the correct amount to: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Vital Records Section, 125 Worth Street, New York, NY 10013. Processing takes one to two weeks after they receive your request.

The DOHMH also offers online ordering through their website. You will create an account, enter the deceased's information, upload a photo of your ID, and pay by card. Delivery is by mail and takes one to two weeks. Phone orders are available at 311 (in New York City) or 212-788-4520 from outside the city, though wait times can be long during busy periods.

What Happens If You Cannot Find the Record

If the DOHMH cannot locate a death record after searching, they will send you a letter stating that no record was found. This can happen if the death occurred outside New York City, if the record was filed under a different name, or if there was a delay in filing. Ask the DOHMH which county or state office might have the record, or check with the funeral home or hospital where the death occurred — they often have copies or can tell you where the record was filed.

If you believe the record exists but was misfiled, you can request a manual search by the DOHMH staff. This takes longer and may cost more, but it can turn up records that the automated system misses.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a death certificate by mail?

Processing takes one to two weeks after the DOHMH receives your request. Mail delivery to and from their office can add several days on each end. If you need the certificate faster, ordering in person or online with expedited mail delivery is quicker.

Can I order a death certificate for someone who is not a family member?

Only if you have a direct and legitimate interest in the record — usually a legal reason such as being the executor of the estate, handling an insurance claim, or having a court order. Call 311 or 212-788-4520 to ask whether your situation qualifies before you submit a request.

What if the death certificate has a mistake on it?

Contact the DOHMH to report the error. You may need to provide documents proving the correction — for example, a birth certificate if the name is wrong, or a hospital record if the date is incorrect. The DOHMH will guide you through the process of filing an amendment.

Do I need an original certificate or will a photocopy work?

Most institutions — banks, insurance companies, courts — require an original certified copy with the official seal. A photocopy is usually not accepted. Order certified copies from the DOHMH rather than making copies yourself.

Can I order a death certificate if I live outside New York?

Yes. You can order by mail, phone, or online. Mail your request to the address above, call 311 (if you can reach New York City) or 212-788-4520, or use their online system. All methods work the same way regardless of where you live.