How much do death certificates cost in New York?
Costs depend on whether the death occurred in New York City or elsewhere in the state:
| Jurisdiction | Cost per copy |
|---|---|
| New York City (five boroughs) | $15 + processing fee ($2.75 to $8.30 depending on method) |
| New York State (outside NYC) | $30 per certified copy |
NYC processing fees vary by method: $8.30 for online orders, $7.50 for mail, and $2.75 for in-person appointments.
How to order
NYC deaths (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island)
The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene handles death certificates for deaths in the five boroughs from 1949 onward.
- Online: Through VitalChek — the only authorized online vendor for NYC. Other websites are unauthorized and may charge higher fees.
- By mail: Send a completed application to the NYC Office of Vital Records with a check or money order for $15 plus the $7.50 processing fee.
- In person: By appointment at the Office of Vital Records. The processing fee is $2.75 for in-person requests.
Deaths outside NYC
Contact the city or town clerk where the death occurred, or order from the New York State Department of Health in Albany.
- Online: Available through VitalChek for state records.
- By mail: Download the application from the NYS DOH website. Include a check for $30 payable to "New York State Department of Health."
- In person: Visit your local city, town, or county clerk's office.
Through a funeral home
Your funeral director can order copies during arrangements. This is the fastest route and avoids the need to navigate the city vs. state distinction yourself.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Online (VitalChek) | 2 to 4 weeks |
| By mail | 4 to 6 weeks |
| In person (NYC) | By appointment, a few days |
| In person (local clerk) | Same day to a few days |
Who can order?
New York restricts certified copies to:
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Parent, child, or sibling
- The executor or administrator of the estate
- An attorney or legal representative
- Anyone with a court order or demonstrated legal need
You will need a valid photo ID and may need to show proof of your relationship to the deceased.
What to know about New York specifically
The NYC vs. state split. This is the biggest source of confusion. If the person died in one of the five boroughs, you go through the NYC Department of Health. If they died anywhere else in New York State, you go through the local clerk or the state DOH. The forms, fees, and processes are different.
Unauthorized vendors. NYC specifically warns against third-party websites that are not VitalChek. These sites charge inflated fees and may not actually be processing your order through the official channels.
Historical records. NYC death certificates from 1949 and earlier are gradually being transferred to the NYC Municipal Archives. If you need a very old record, check the Archives first.
For a broader overview of the death certificate process, see our guide on how to get death certificates. If you are handling probate, see our guide on how probate works in New York.
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