How to Order a Birth Certificate in New York

If you've lost your New York birth certificate or just need another copy, you have lots of options! If you're applying for a New York City birth certificate, you can order it in person, online, by telephone, or by mail. To get a New York state birth certificate, apply online, by telephone, or by mail. You'll need to show a valid photo ID or 2 proofs of address before paying the processing fee. Once you've submitted your completed application, wait for it to be processed before you get the copy of the birth certificate.

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Ordering a Copy Online Through VitalChek

  1. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 1
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    Go to the VitalChek website and select "birth certificate". If you want to order your birth certificate online for New York City or state, go to www.vitalchek.com. Click on "birth certificate" on the home page. Click "Start Your Order" on the next page.[1]
    • VitalChek is a private company that New York uses to process and send vital records.
    • You can order vital records for the entire U.S. using VitalChek.
  2. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 2
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    Identify yourself. Select if you're getting "My Birth Certificate” or “Another Person’s Birth Certificate.” You'll need to type in your current legal name or the name of the person whose birth certificate you're getting. Click "Continue."[2]
    • The name needs to match the name as it appears on the birth certificate.
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  3. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 3
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    Select "New York" and the city of birth. You'll see a map of the U.S. with a drop-down menu. Click on New York and "Continue." On the following page, select the city or borough of birth for the person on the birth certificate and press "Continue."[3]
  4. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 4
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    Enter the date of birth and reason for the getting the certificate. Give the month, date, and year of birth for the person whose birth certificate you're getting and click "Continue." On the next screen, choose a reason for getting the certificate from the drop-down menu and press "Continue."[4]
    • Birth certificates are available in long or short forms. Giving a reason for the certificate should ensure that you get the appropriate birth certificate for your situation. The short form provides the most basic information (names, date, and parent names) while the long form gives more detailed information (place of parents' birth, name of hospital, etc).
  5. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 5
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    Select the birth certificate and agree to VitalChek's disclaimer. Click on the birth certificate that appears on the next screen and click "Continue. You'll need to read the information box about ordering through the VitalChek website and press "Continue."[5]
  6. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 6
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    Select how many copies you'd like and give personal information. Provide the name and gender of the person listed on the birth certificate and click "Continue." The next page may ask you to provide your current legal name or ignore the warning if the names are different. Press "Continue" to get to the page where you'll need to enter the mother’s maiden name and the father’s name (unless it doesn’t appear on the birth certificate). Enter your shipping address, email address and phone number.[6]
  7. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 7
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    Pay the fees to order a New York state birth certificate. Use your credit card (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover) to pay $45 for each copy you want to order along with 1 $8 processing fee per order. While regular shipping is free, you can pay $15.50 per order for UPS Air mail which will track the package as it's being shipped.[7]
    • For example, if you want to order 1 birth certificate with regular shipping, it will cost you $53.
  8. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 8
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    Pay the fees to order a New York City birth certificate, if necessary. If you're ordering a birth certificate for a birth that took place in New Hyde Park or 1 of the 5 boroughs of New York City, you'll need to pay $15 for each copy and 1 processing fee of $8.30 per order. Use a credit card to pay the VitalChek fees.[8]
    • If you want the certificate to be shipped through regular mail, there's no additional fee. If you want it to be shipped by UPS Air, you'll need to pay an additional $17 per order.
  9. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 9
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    Wait 5 business days to 1 month before getting your birth certificate. The time it takes to receive the birth certificate you ordered through VitalChek will depend on whether you're getting a New York City or New York state birth certificate and whether or not you chose priority shipping through UPS Air. Currently:
    • If you ordered a state certificate using regular shipping, processing time is 10 to 14 business days before they're shipped. For priority shipping, it's 15 to 20 days.
    • If you ordered a NYC certificate using regular shipping, processing time is 20 to 30 business days before it's shipped. For priority shipping, it's 15 to 20 days.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Getting the Birth Certificate By Telephone

  1. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 10
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    Call VitalChek to place your order. To order a New York City or state birth certificate, call VitalChek's toll free number (1-877-854-4481). Select if you want English or Spanish and talk with a customer service representative to order the birth certificate.[9]
    • You can call VitalChek 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  2. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 11
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    Send in the identifying documents. Even though you're applying by telephone, you'll still need to send in proof of ID or address. Ask the customer service representative about what documents you'll need to mail in or fax.
  3. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 12
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    Pay the processing fee. Provide your credit card information to pay $30 for the birth certificate plus $15 for priority shipping and handling which is required for telephone orders. You'll also need to pay VitalChek's $8 per transaction processing fee.[10]
  4. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 13
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    Wait 5 to 10 business days. Since your certificate is being shipped priority, you'll receive it within 5 to 10 business days. Call VitalChek if you've waited more than 2 weeks and haven't gotten the certificate or check the tracking number that came with your order.[11]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Ordering a New York State Birth Certificate By Mail

  1. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 14
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    Ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you are the person listed on the birth certificate or listed on the certificate of the person you're applying for, you can get a copy of the birth certificate. You need to be at least 18 years old.[12]
  2. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 15
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    Print and fill out an application. Provide personal information as it appears on the birth certificate that you're ordering. You'll need to list the mother's and father's names, your contact information, how many copies you want to order, why you're ordering the certificate, and sign the application.[13]
  3. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 16
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    Send 1 photo ID or 2 proofs of address. Make a copy of 1 piece of photo ID or 2 proofs of address. For the photo ID, you could use a New York driver license, non-driver license, passport, or other government issued photo-ID. If you want to send in 2 proofs of address instead, you could send in 2 utility bills, telephone bills, or letters from a government agency dated within the last 6 months.[14]
    • If you're giving proofs of address, they need to list your name and address or the name and address of the person listed on the birth certificate.
  4. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 17
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    Pay the processing fee. Write a personal check or money order to the New York State Department of Health. Pay $30 for each copy you're ordering. If you want priority shipping and handling, pay an extra $15 for each copy.[15]
  5. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 18
    5
    Mail in the completed application. Send the completed application, your photo ID or proofs of address, and the payment to New York State Department of Health, Vital Records Certification Unit, P.O. Box 2602, Albany, NY 12220-2602. If you're ordering priority handling, send the application to:[16]
    • New York State Department of Health
    • Vital Records Certification Unit
    • 800 North Pearl Street
    • Menands, NY 12204
  6. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 19
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    Wait 2 to 12 weeks to receive your birth certificate. If you ordered regular shipping, wait 10 to 12 weeks for them to be processed before the copy is sent to you. If you ordered priority shipping, wait 2 to 4 weeks for the order to be processed before the copy is mailed to you.[17]
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Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Requesting a New York City Birth Certificate Through the Mail

  1. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 20
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    Ensure that you're eligible to apply. If you were born in the city or you're listed on the birth certificate of the person who was born in the city, you can get a New York City birth certificate as long as you're at least 18 years old.[18]
  2. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 21
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    Print and fill out an application. Provide personal information as it appears on the birth certificate that you're ordering. You'll need to list the mother's and father's names, your contact information (including email address), how many copies you want to order, and why you're ordering the certificate.[19]
  3. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 22
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    Get 1 photo ID or 2 proofs of address notarized. Go to a notary with your application and show them either 1 photo ID or 2 proofs of address. Make copies to notarize and include with the application.[20]
    • Acceptable photo IDs include a current driver's license, municipal ID, job ID and current paystub, college ID and current transcript, passport, or an MTA reduced fare card.
    • Acceptable proofs of address include utility bills (such as internet, gas or electric bills), credit card statements, or mail from a government agency addressed to you.
  4. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 23
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    Calculate and pay the fees. You'll need to pay $15 for each birth certificate you're ordering. There are no processing fees for ordering the copy by mail. Make a personal check or money order out to NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.[21]
    • Do not send cash with the application.
  5. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 24
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    Mail the completed application with payment. Place the application, the payment, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope within an envelope. Mail the application envelope or package to:[22]
    • 125 Worth Street, CN-4, New York, NY 10013
  6. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 25
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    Wait 25 to 30 days to get the birth certificate. It will take 15 days for your application to be processed. Then, you'll need to wait another 10 to 15 days to receive the copy.[23]
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Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Requesting a New York City Birth Certificate in Person

  1. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 26
    1
    Check your eligibility before you apply. You can get copies of New York City birth certificates if you were born in the city or you're listed on the birth certificate of someone else (such as your child). You'll also need to be at least 18 years old to order a birth certificate.[24]
  2. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 27
    2
    Determine if you should order through the New York City Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene. Order through this department if you need to get a birth certificate for a birth that happened in New Hyde Park or 1 of the 5 New York City boroughs (Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, or Staten Island). [25]
    • The address is 125 Worth Street in Lower Manhattan. Take the Lafayette Street entrance (handicapped accessible) and find office 144. You can apply weekdays from 9 to 3:30.
    • If you're ordering a certificate for a birth that occurred outside of New York City, you'll need to order a state birth certificate online through VitalChek, by telephone, or by mail.
  3. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 28
    3
    Show photo ID if you want to order in person. If you'd like to go to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to get the certificate, show 1 photo ID such as a current driver's license, municipal ID, job ID and current paystub, college ID and current transcript, or an MTA reduced fare card. If you don't have any of these, you could also show 1 of these:[26]
    • Current U.S. or foreign passport or passport card
    • NYS benefit card with photo
    • Permanent resident card
    • Inmate ID with current release papers
    • NYC Access-A-Ride card
  4. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 29
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    Show 2 proofs of address, if you're not showing photo ID. If you don't have any photo ID, you can give 2 proofs of address instead. Keep in mind that you won't be able to receive the certificate the same day if you show proof of address instead of ID and the documents you show have to be dated within the last 60 days. You can show them 2 of the following:[27]
    • Utility bills such as internet, gas or electric bills
    • Credit card statements
    • Mail from a government agency addressed to you
  5. Image titled Order a Birth Certificate in New York Step 30
    5
    Pay the fee in person. The office won't accept cash so pay by credit card, debit card, personal check, or money order. A copy of the New York City birth certificate will cost $15 each. You'll also need to pay a single identity verification fee of $2.75.[28]
    • For example, if you want 2 copies of the certificate, it will cost you $32.75.
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Things You'll Need

Ordering a Copy Online Through VitalChek

  • Internet access
  • Credit card

Getting the Birth Certificate By Telephone

  • Telephone
  • Credit card

Ordering a New York State Birth Certificate By Mail

  • Paper application
  • Photo ID
  • Proofs of address
  • Personal check or money order
  • Envelope or package

Requesting a New York City Birth Certificate Through the Mail

  • Paper application
  • Photo ID
  • Proofs of address
  • Personal check or money order
  • Self-addressed stamped envelope
  • Envelope or package

Requesting a New York City Birth Certificate in Person

  • Photo ID
  • Proofs of address
  • Credit card, check, or money order

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.vitalchek.com/birth-certificates/new-york/ny-state-vital-records
  2. ↑ https://www.vitalchek.com/birth-certificates/new-york/ny-state-vital-records
  3. ↑ https://www.vitalchek.com/birth-certificates/new-york/ny-state-vital-records
  4. ↑ https://www.vitalchek.com/birth-certificates/new-york/ny-state-vital-records
  5. ↑ https://www.vitalchek.com/birth-certificates/new-york/ny-state-vital-records
  6. ↑ https://www.vitalchek.com/birth-certificates/new-york/ny-state-vital-records
  7. ↑ https://www.vitalchek.com/birth-certificates/new-york/ny-state-vital-records
  8. ↑ http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/vr/order-birth-certificate-en-sp.pdf
  9. ↑ https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/vitalchek.htm
  1. ↑ http://www.ny.gov/services/get-copy-birth-certificate#
  2. ↑ http://www.ny.gov/services/get-copy-birth-certificate#
  3. ↑ http://www.ny.gov/sites/ny.gov/files/atoms/files/doh-4380.pdf
  4. ↑ http://www.ny.gov/sites/ny.gov/files/atoms/files/doh-4380.pdf
  5. ↑ http://www.ny.gov/sites/ny.gov/files/atoms/files/doh-4380.pdf
  6. ↑ http://www.ny.gov/services/get-copy-birth-certificate#
  7. ↑ http://www.ny.gov/services/get-copy-birth-certificate
  8. ↑ http://www.ny.gov/services/get-copy-birth-certificate
  9. ↑ http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/vr/order-birth-certificate-en-sp.pdf
  10. ↑ http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/vr/birth1.pdf
  11. ↑ http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/vr/order-birth-certificate-en-sp.pdf
  12. ↑ http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/vr/birth1.pdf
  13. ↑ http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/vr/birth1.pdf
  14. ↑ http://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/services/birth-certificates.page
  15. ↑ http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/vr/order-birth-certificate-en-sp.pdf
  16. ↑ http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/vr/order-birth-certificate-en-sp.pdf
  17. ↑ http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/vr/order-birth-certificate-en-sp.pdf
  18. ↑ http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/vr/order-birth-certificate-en-sp.pdf
  19. ↑ http://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/vr/order-birth-certificate-en-sp.pdf

About This Article

Jessica Gibson
Co-authored by:
Jessica Gibson
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Jessica Gibson is a Writer and Editor who's been with wikiHow since 2014. After completing a year of art studies at the Emily Carr University in Vancouver, she graduated from Columbia College with a BA in History. Jessica also completed an MA in History from The University of Oregon in 2013. This article has been viewed 49,227 times.
20 votes - 50%
Co-authors: 5
Updated: December 5, 2019
Views: 49,227
Categories: Birth Certificates
Article SummaryX

To order your birth certificate in New York, use the online VitalChek system for a quick solution. You'll need to pay $45 for each copy you request. Alternatively, you can order a copy of your certificate by phone. Just call VitalChek toll free on 1-877-854-4481. Whether you apply online or by phone, you can expect to receive your certificate up to a month after your request is made. For tips on how to request a New York City birth certificate through the mail, keep reading!

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