ny.gov/services/identification

Contact the NYS Vital Records to obtain a birth certificate for someone born in New York State.  (Also death, marriage, and divorce certificates.)

You can download a copy of the mail-in application form here:
http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/vr/applications/wdh296b.pdf

Identification Requirements: These may change. Check a current application. For example, an application might be submitted with copies of either A or B.

A. One (1) of the following forms of valid photo-ID:

  • Driver license
  • Non-driver license
  • Passport
  • Employment ID

B. Two (2) of the following showing the applicant’s name and address:

  • Utility or telephone bills
  • Letter from a government agency dated within the last six (6) months

Fees:
The fee is $30.00 per birth certificate copy. Payment of mail order copies may be made by check or money order payable to the New York
State Department of Health.  Do not send cash.

How do I place an order for a birth certificate copy?
Regular handling is given to requests sent to the Vital Records Section by first class, registered mail, certified mail or two-day prioritymail. Requests submitted in this manner will be processed within twelve (12) to fourteen (14) weeks from the day they are received.

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