New York vital records are held by the State Department of Health Vital Records Section in Albany (records outside NYC) and by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (records within the five boroughs) under PHL Article 41. Certified birth and death records cost $30; orders are placed via VitalChek or in person.
About New York Vital Records
New York Vital Records
County Records
Dansville Obituaries
Official Free
Search this Dansville Public Library database of obituaries by month and year or by name or keyword. Covers 1968 to the present.
Delaware County Deaths | Probate Index before 1900
Official Free
Browse this Delaware County Genealogy and History Site by name for Delaware County probate files for persons who died before 1900.
Delaware County Vital Records
Official Free
Delaware County Genealogy and History Site for births, marriages, and other vital records.
Divorce Certificates
Official Free
New York State information for application for divorce certificate and mailing address only.
Monroe County Marriages | 1876-1937
Official Free
Search this City of Rochester Archives and Records Center database for marriages in Rochester (Monroe County) between 1876 and 1937.
Ulster County Death Records - Poorhouse Project
Official Free
Search by name or browse the lists of deaths and burials believed to be at the Ulster County, New York Poorhouse Project.
Ulster County Marriages | 1908-1935
Official Free
Search these marriage records from Ulster County Clerk Archives Division by name, or date issued. Records are from 1908 to 1935.
Westchester County Marriages | 1908-1935
Official Free
Browse this Westchester County Archives database by name for marriages between 1908 and 1935.
Westchester County | Veterans Cemetery Records
Official Free
Westchester County Archives database of Veteran Cemetery Records.
Deaths | Cemetery Records
Official Free
Cemetery records in New York, including interment details, cemetery maps, and gravestone photographs.
Onondaga County Cemeteries
Official Free
Browse this RootsWeb database by cemetery name for cemeteries and burials in Onondaga County, New York.
Columbia County Burials
Official Free
Scroll to the bottom of the page to browse this RootsWeb database by name for burials in Columbia County.
Births and Christenings 1640-1962
Official Free
Births and christenings recorded in New York between 1640 and 1962.
Deaths and Burials 1795-1952
Official Free
Deaths and burials recorded in New York between 1795 and 1952.
City Records
New York City Death Index
Official Free
New York City deaths in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
New York City Marriages | 1864-1937
Official Free
Search for marriages in all boroughs of New York City by bride or groom, county, date range or certificate number.
Rochester Marriages | 1876-1937
Official Free
Search this City of Rochester, New York Archives and Records Center database for marriages in Rochester (Monroe County) between 1876 and 1937.
Brooklyn Burials | Green-Wood Cemetery
Official Free
Search this Green-Wood Cemetery located in Brooklyn for cemetery burials by name or by name and burial date.
North Watertown Cemetery
Official Free
Browse the North Watertown, New York cemetery records by name for inscriptions and dates of birth and death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I get a New York birth or death certificate?
New York's state vital records office issues certified copies. County clerks or local health departments often handle local copies faster.
Are vital records free to view online?
Indexes may be free; certified birth, death, marriage, and divorce copies cost a fee.
Who can request a confidential record?
Certified birth and death copies are typically restricted to the registrant and immediate family. Informational copies are open.
How do I find older marriage or divorce records?
Older records often reside with the county clerk or town clerk where the event occurred — see the County tab.