If you are getting a birth or death certificate, or a certificate of miscarriage or stillbirth by mail or in person, we accept the following categories of ID:
Category 1 (photocopies permitted for mail orders; if you use Category 1 ID in person, you can leave with your certificate in most cases unless you require a long form certificate). Any of the following, if it includes your photo, your signature and is unexpired:
- Driver's license and non-driver's license ID from all states and U.S. territories
- Public benefit card
- U.S. or foreign passport
- U.S. certificate of naturalization
- U.S. employment authorization card
- Military ID card
- Employee ID with verifiable employer and recent pay stub
- MTA reduced fare MetroCard
- Student ID and transcript from accredited and verifiable institution
Category 2 (no phocopies permitted; when you bring original copies with you, your certificate will be mailed to the address indicated on the documents)
- Inmate photo ID with release papers
- 2 different documents as indicated below, dated within the past 60 days, if they show your name and address
- Utitility or telephone bills (online bills can be downloaded from your provider)
- Letter from a government agency
Category 3 (for birth certificates only; no photocopies permitted)
- An original letter on letterhead from a recognized organization such as the police department or a social services agency explaining why you are unable to provide Category 1 or Category 2 identification
Supporting Documents Requred for a Death Certificate If You Are Not Related to the Deceased
In addition to the ID requirements above, you must establish your right to obtain a death certificate by providing any of the following original or certified documents. The document you provide must include both your name and the name of the deceased.
- Insurance policy
- Will
- Bank book or property statement
- Property deed
- Other documents showing entitlement
To Correct a Birth or Death Certificate
We accept any of the following ID, if it includes your photo, your signature and is unexpired. Photocopies are acceptable for mail orders.
- Driver's license and non-driver's license ID from all states and US territories
- Public benefit card
- U.S. or foreign passport
- U.S. certificate of naturalization
- U.S. employment authorization card
- Military ID card
- Employee ID with verifiable employer and recent pay stub
- MTA reduced fare MetroCard
- Student ID and transcript from accredited and verifiable institution
Supporting Documents Required to Correct a Birth or Death Certificate
In addition to ID, you will need to provide original documents to support the correction you are requesting. See:
If your supporting documents are in a language other than English, you also must provide an English translation. Embassies and consulates often will translate official documents for you. We also accept translations from established translation services.
Birth and Death Certificates Home
