Vital records in New York are handled at the municipal level. Birth, death, and marriage records are maintained by local city or town clerks. The state office (City/Town Clerk (local) / DOH (state)) keeps duplicate copies.
What this page covers: New York vital record ordering, eligibility requirements, and related databases. What it does not cover: Genealogy records older than the state vital records system (check the Genealogy Resources page for historical records).
Where to start: For certified copies of birth or death certificates, contact City/Town Clerk (local) / DOH (state). For marriage licenses, contact the City or Town Clerk in the county where the ceremony will occur. For divorce records, contact the court that granted the decree.
Common mistake: Birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees come from different offices. Do not assume one office handles all vital records.
New York Vital Records — Key Facts (2026)
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The 4-Step New York Vital Records Pathway
Five Things People Get Wrong About New York Vital Records
Primary Sources and Official Record Portals
- www.health.ny.gov — Official New York Vital Records — State portal for New York vital records
- CDC National Vital Statistics System — National Vital Statistics System
- CDC — Where to Write for Records — CDC state-by-state directory
- National Archives — Vital Records — Federal genealogy & vital guide
- Social Security Death Master File — Social Security death records
- Census — Births and Deaths — Census Bureau vital statistics
- VA — Veterans Records — Veterans Administration records
Related Vital Records Resources
- New York Court Records →
- New York Criminal Records →
- New York Property Records →
- New York Voter Records →
- New York Wants & Warrants →
- New York Licenses →
- New York Recorded Documents →
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Vital Records Databases
17 official New York vital records sources.
Vital Records
New York Counties
62 New York counties are indexed on SearchSystems.net — top 28 counties shown below. Browse the full directory or click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Which New York counties publish vital records information online
4 of New York's 62 counties run their own online source for vital records information, based on what this directory indexes. Every other county is covered by the statewide systems listed above — click a county for its full records page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I order a New York birth certificate?▼
Certified birth certificates for events in New York are issued by the Official New York Vital Records at www.health.ny.gov. Requests can be made by mail, in person, or (in most cases) online through the state's authorized vendor. The county of registration may also be able to issue certified copies for recent local events.
How do I get a New York death certificate?▼
New York death certificates are issued by the Official New York Vital Records; eligibility (next of kin, executor, legal representative) and ID documentation requirements are listed at www.health.ny.gov. For deaths within the last year, the county clerk or local registrar where the death occurred can often issue a copy more quickly.
Can I look up a New York marriage or divorce record online?▼
New York marriage and divorce records are not generally available in a free, name-searchable online index. The Official New York Vital Records (www.health.ny.gov) handles certified copies; the underlying license/decree is filed with the county clerk or court that issued it, which is also a primary search point.
How long does it take to get a New York vital record?▼
Standard New York vital-record processing times vary from a few business days (in-person same-day at some county clerks) to several weeks for mailed requests. The Official New York Vital Records publishes current turnaround times at www.health.ny.gov. Expedited processing is usually available for an additional fee.
What ID do I need to order a New York certified vital record?▼
The Official New York Vital Records requires government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID) and proof of your relationship to the record holder, if applicable. The full list of acceptable ID and supporting documents is published at www.health.ny.gov.