How to get a birth certificate in New York?
To obtain a birth certificate in New York, you can follow these steps:
Determine eligibility
- Only the person whose birth certificate is being requested, their parents, or their legal representative can request a birth certificate.
Obtain the required information:
You will need to gather the following information: full name, date of birth, place of birth, parents’ names, and your relationship to the person on the certificate.
Choose a method
- There are three methods to request a birth certificate in New York: online, by mail, or in person.
Online
- You can request a birth certificate online through the Online Service . You will need to provide the required information and pay the processing and shipping fees.
By mail
- You can download and complete the Application for Copy of Birth Certificate form from the New York State Department of Health website (https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/forms.htm). You will need to provide a copy of your government-issued photo ID, a self-addressed envelope, and a money order or certified check for the processing fee.
In person
- You can visit the New York State Department of Health Vital Records Office (https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records) in person to request a birth certificate. You will need to provide the required information and pay the processing fee.
- To obtain a birth certificate in New York, you need to meet the eligibility requirements and provide certain documents. Here are the documents and eligibility requirements you need to fulfill
Eligibility Requirements:
- The person whose birth certificate is being requested
- The parents of the person whose birth certificate is being requested
- A legal representative of the person whose birth certificate is being requested
Documents Required:
- A valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license, state-issued ID, or passport)
- Information about the person whose birth certificate is being requested, including their full name, date of birth, place of birth, and parents’ names
- Proof of relationship to the person on the certificate (for example, a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or court order)
- Payment for the processing fee (which varies depending on the method of request)
It is important to note that the requirements and procedures for obtaining a birth certificate may vary depending on the method of request (online, mail, or in-person) and the type of certificate requested. It is recommended to visit the New York State Department of Health Vital Records website for more information on the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a birth certificate in New York.
Cost, validity and processing time
- The cost, validity, and processing time for obtaining a birth certificate in New York can vary depending on the method of request and the type of certificate requested. Here is some general information on these factors:
Cost
- The cost of a birth certificate in New York is $30 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Additional fees may apply for expedited processing or shipping.
Validity
- Birth certificates issued in New York are typically considered valid indefinitely.
- However, some organizations or government agencies may require a birth certificate that was issued within a certain time frame (such as six months or one year).
Processing Time
- The processing time for a birth certificate request can vary depending on the method of request and the volume of requests received.
- Online requests through the Vital Records Online Service typically take 2-4 business days to process.
- Mail-in requests can take 8-12 weeks to process.
- In-person requests at the New York State Department of Health Vital Records Office can take several hours.
- It is important to note that these processing times are estimates and may be longer during peak periods or if additional information is required. It is recommended to plan ahead and allow plenty of time when requesting a birth certificate in New York.