FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Identification Requirements - application must be submitted one of the following:
One (1) of the following forms of valid photo-ID:
- Driver license
- State issued non-driver photo-ID card
- Passport
Important Notes
- Failure to include necessary identification will result in rejection of your application.
- Copy of Passport required in addition to the above ID if request is made from a foreign country that requires a U.S. Passport for travel.
What is the fee to search for a birth certificate copy?
- The fee is $10.00 per search.
- Certification of the first birth copy will be included in the search fee. An additional charge of $10.00 will be charged for each additional certified copy.
Where do I obtain a birth certificate copy for someone born in New York City?
The New York State Department of Health does not file and cannot issue copies of New York City birth certificates. For births in one of the five (5) boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Kings, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island), please visit the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Please note that the borough of Kings is sometimes referred to as Brooklyn and the borough of Staten Island is sometimes referred to as Richmond.
Where do I obtain a birth certificate copy for someone born in New York State outside of New York City?
- For genealogy or family history copies, please see the Genealogy section.
- For those born in New York State outside the Town of Austerlitz, please see the NYS Health Department.
- For certified birth certificate copies for those born at home in the Town of Austerlitz
Who is eligible to obtain a birth certificate copy?
- The person named on the birth certificate.
- A parent of the person named on the birth certificate (requesting parent's name must be on birth certificate).
- Only by order of a New York State Court may a spouse, child or other persons obtain a copy of a birth certificate.