New York Birth Records

How to Order Birth Certificates in New York State

Birth certificates for the state of New York are handled by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.  Their records begin in the year 1910. 

Please note that you are only able to order birth certificates for yourself, your spouse, or a child for whom you are the parent, guardian or legal representative.  You must be at least 18 yeas of age and provide proof of your identity in the form of a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID, such as your driver’s license, state-issued identification card, government issued employment identification, or passport.  Enlarge the copy of your ID and lighten it if needed to ensure it is clear and readable.  Sign underneath it to verify that you are the requestor.  If you are not ordering your own birth certificate, please make a notation on the copy of your ID of y our relationship to the person whose birth certificate you are requesting.  Enclose a copy of any legal or supporting documentation such as guardianship papers or marriage license or certificate.

Please download the Adobe PDF application and fill it out and mail with payment and a copy of your photo identification to:

New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Section
Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602

The fee is $30.00 per birth certificate.

Please do not send cash.  Personal check or certified funds only.

Please call (518) 474-3075 prior to mailing to ensure that the fees have not changed since the publication of this document.

New York City births - including New York City, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island - are handled separately.  They are $15 and should be mailed to:

Division of Vital Records
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
125 Worth Street, CN4, Rm. 133
New York, NY 10013-4090
(212) 788-4520