New York Public Records /Find New York Vital Records Online

Find New York Vital Records Online

Are New York Vital Records Available to the Public?

Yes, most New York vital records are accessible to the public if the individual in question is deceased. The New York Department of Health (DOH) provides informational copies for genealogical purposes. However, certified documents and records of living persons are generally restricted. These restrictions can be waived if the requester has legal authorization to access the document.

What Information is Included in New York Vital Records?

New York vital records contain data on significant life events. These include:

Births
Deaths
Marriages
Divorces

These records are maintained by the State Department of Health and county equivalents, regulated by Chapter II of the Administrative Rules and Regulations of the New York Code.

How to Access New York Vital Records Online?

Public New York vital records can be accessed online through state-operated electronic portals or local repositories. However, records of living individuals or those deemed confidential by court order are not available online. To search for public vital records online, the requester must provide:

Personal information of the record subject(s)
Full name of the subject's parents or legal guardian
Judicial district where the event occurred
Approximate date of the event
Case file number or license number (for marriage and divorce records)

Third-party aggregate sites also manage and disseminate publicly available records, although they are not government-sponsored. Requesters must provide:

Location of the record (city, county, or state)
Name of an involved individual, excluding juveniles

What Do I Need to Access New York Vital Records?

To access New York vital records, requesters must provide specific documentation. For uncertified copies, usually no additional documents are required. For certified or restricted records, the following may be needed:

Government-issued photo ID
Court-issued subpoena
Proof of relationship documents (if applicable)
Payment for copy or certification fees

These documents should be submitted to the appropriate local or state office that maintains the records.

Certified vs. Informational Copies: Key Differences

Certified records and informational copies serve different functions. Certified records are legally recognized documents used to establish identity and often feature a raised seal. Informational copies are non-legal documents used for research or genealogical purposes and are usually watermarked with a 'not for official use' disclaimer.

Are New York Birth Records Available to the Public?

Certified birth records in New York are restricted from public access for 75 years after the birth. During this period, only the registrant, their parents or legal guardian, spouse, descendant, or individuals authorized by a court order can obtain the records.

How to Access New York Birth Records?

New York birth records are managed by the local Registrar of Vital Statistics in the county where the birth occurred and the state DOH. Eligible persons can request birth certificate replacements by completing the DOH birth record application. Required documents include:

Government-issued photo ID
Utility bill, telephone bill, or government agency letter
Payment of $30 per record

These documents can be submitted in person or via mail to the New York State Department of Health.

Are Birth Certificates Public in New York?

Birth certificates in New York are not publicly available until 75 years after the birth. Only the registrant, their parents or legal guardian, spouse, descendant, or individuals authorized by a court order can access these records within this period.

Are New York Death Records Available to the Public?

Certified death records in New York are generally restricted to the deceased's immediate family members. Public access is granted only after fifty years have passed since the death. Eligible individuals include the deceased's parents, legal guardians, descendants, and those with a documented claim or medical need.

How to Access Death Records in New York?

To access death records in New York, requesters can query the Registrar of Vital Statistics where the death occurred or the state DOH. They must complete the DOH death record request form and provide:

Government-issued photo ID
Payment for the requested record

These documents can be submitted in person or via mail to the New York State Department of Health.

Are New York Marriage Records Available to the Public?

Certified New York marriage records are not public information. However, informational copies are available for genealogical or research purposes. Only individuals named on the document or those legally authorized can access certified marriage records.

How to Access Marriage Records in New York?

Marriage records are managed by the judicial district where the marriage license was issued and the state DOH. To access these records, requesters must provide:

Completed application form
Government-issued photo ID
Payment for the record

Requests can be submitted in person or via mail to the relevant office.

How to Obtain a Marriage Certificate in New York

To obtain a certified marriage certificate from the DOH, eligible persons must complete the DOH marriage record application. Required documents include:

Government-issued photo ID
Court order or official letter (if the requester is not a spouse or legal representative)
Payment for the record

These documents should be mailed or submitted in person to the New York State Department of Health.

Are New York Divorce Records Available to the Public?

New York divorce records are generally restricted but are accessible to the registrants named on the record and those authorized by a New York State Court Order. Authorized third parties can also obtain these records with a notarized letter and proof of identity.

How to Get Divorce Records in New York?

Divorce records in New York include divorce decrees and divorce certificates. Divorce decrees are maintained by the court where the divorce hearing occurred, while divorce certificates are filed locally and with the state DOH. Eligible individuals must complete the DOH divorce record request form and provide:

Government-issued photo ID
Payment for the record

These documents can be submitted in person or via mail to the New York State Department of Health.

How to Obtain a Certified Divorce Certificate in New York

Certified divorce certificates can be obtained from the office of the county clerk where the divorce was issued. Eligible requesters must complete the DOH divorce record request form and provide:

Government-issued photo ID
Proof of eligibility

These documents should be submitted in person or via mail to the appropriate office.

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