Order Online New York (NY) Death Certificate

How to Get A New York Death Certificate

Applying for a death certificate in New York involves a few essential steps.

You’ll need to gather specific documents and complete the proper forms, depending on whether the death occurred in New York City or New York State (outside NYC).

1. Application form: A completed death certificate application is required. You can fill it out online or by hand. NYC and NY State use different forms.
2. Copy of ID: Submit a clear photocopy of a valid government-issued ID (driver’s license, State ID, or passport). This must be the ID of the applicant, not the deceased.
3. Proof of eligibility: If you’re not an immediate family member, you may need to provide legal documents showing your relationship or need (e.g., power of attorney, court order).
4. Notarization (NY State only): If applying by mail for a New York State death certificate, your sworn statement may need to be notarized to confirm your identity and eligibility. Not required for NYC.

You’ll also need to prepare payment for your request. This can usually be made by check or money order when mailing your form, or by credit/debit card if applying online.

If the death occurred in New York City, mail your documents to:

Office of Vital Records
125 Worth Street, Room 144
New York, NY 10013

If the death occurred in New York State (outside NYC), send your application to:

New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
PO Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602

Who Can Request a New York Death Certificate?

To request a certified death certificate in California, you must fall into one of the following categories:

• Immediate family: Including a parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or unmarried partner of the deceased person

• Legal representatives: Legal guardians, attorneys, or court-appointed agents acting in the name of the deceased person or their estate

• Official agencies: Law enforcement officers or government authorities conducting official business related to the deceased person or their estate

To authenticate your application for a full death certificate, you must provide a sworn, notarized statement. 

If you don’t meet the eligibility requirements, you can request an informational copy of the death certificate, which has some information redacted. There’s no need to make a sworn statement to request this type of certificate.

Types of New York Death Certificate

There are different types of death certificates based on your purpose. Here’s what you can request:

 A certified death certificate is an official document with a raised seal used for all legal purposes, including:

• Property transfers

• Social Security benefits

• Settling estates and wills

• Closing bank accounts or insurance claims

A genealogical copy is an uncertified version, marked for genealogy only. It is not valid for legal use. It’s used for:

• Family tree research

• Historical records

• Academic projects

An amended or corrected certificate is used when the original certificate has errors or outdated information, including:

• Misspelled names

• Incorrect birth/death dates

• Missing or incorrect parents’ names

Important: New York State and New York City do not issue “informational copies” like some other states do.

New York Death Certificate Cost

Costs vary slightly depending on whether the death occurred in NYC or elsewhere in New York State:

New York City: $15 per copy + processing/shipping fees

New York State (outside NYC): $30 per copy + processing/shipping fees

Expedited services are available for an additional charge. If you need an amendment (such as a correction of name or date), additional fees may apply.

New York Death Certificate Processing Times

Standard processing times for online death certificate requests are:

• New York City: 10-12 weeks

• New York State: 10-12 weeks

Rush orders are typically processed within 5–10 business days if expedited service is selected. Mailing times may vary based on destination and delivery method. Apply for a Death Certificate now