The paperwork · New York
Almost everything that comes after a death, from the bank to the life insurance company, asks for a certified copy. Here is what a copy costs in New York, where to order it, and how many to get.
Order about 10 certified copies at the start. It costs less to buy them together than to come back for more later, and nearly every office will want an original, not a photocopy.
From the state vital records office
Cost of a certified copy: $30.00
Mail requests to: Certification Unit Vital Records Section/2nd floor 800 North Pearl Street Menands, NY 12204
State office has records since 1881. For records before 1914 in Albany, Buffalo, and Yonkers, or before 1880 in any other city, write to Registrar of Vital Statistics in city where event occurred. For the rest of the State, except New York City, write to State office. Personal check or money order should be made payable to New York State Department of Health. Payment of mail order copies submitted from foreign countries must be made by a check drawn on a United States bank or by an international money order. To verify current fees, the telephone number is 1-855-322-1022. This will be a recorded message. Information on how to obtain certified copies is also available via the New York State Department of Health website. For all types of State and local issued copies, the applicant is required to provide government issued photo identification.
If the family cannot afford a funeral, call the county burial assistance program before signing anything with a funeral home. Find your county on the New York help page, and see what else is owed to you in the first 48 hours checklist.
Questions families ask
The state vital records office lists the cost of a certified copy as: $30.00 Fees can change, so confirm on the official site before you send payment.
Most families need about 10. Banks, life insurance, Social Security, the vehicle title office, retirement accounts, and property transfers each tend to want an original certified copy, and many will not accept a photocopy.
Yes. Funeral homes file the death record for you and can usually order certified copies at the same time. If you are using a county burial program instead, ask the caseworker how copies are ordered.
Eligibility rules are set by New York. Spouses, children, parents, and the executor named in the will are commonly eligible, and you may be asked for photo ID and proof of your relationship. The state office confirms the exact rules.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Costs and rules come from the official New York vital records listing and can change; confirm with the office before you send payment.
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Reviewed by the Final Steps Help research team.
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