Attorneys may submit requests for NYC birth and death certificates on behalf of entitled parties in person or by mail only when following these instructions.  This does not include paralegals, couriers, or other substitutes. If you experience any problems when attempting to submit an order in-person, please ask for a supervisor.

NYC Birth Certificates

For birth certificate applications (PDF), the entitled parties are limited to:

• The person named on the certificate (the registrant)
• Mother
• Father (if named on the certificate)

• Identification of attorney and entitled party (For non profit agencies representing individuals without identification or permanent address, please email the details to nycdohvr@health.nyc.gov)
• Application form (PDF) signed by either the attorney or the entitled party
• Appropriate fee
• Envelope marked "Attorney Request"

• Original notarized letter from the entitled party authorizing the attorney (not a paralegal or other staff) to receive the certificate and 
• A request signed by the attorney on his/her firm’s letterhead stating that the firm represents the entitled party.

NYC Death Certificates

For death certificate applications (PDF), the entitled parties are limited to:

• Those related to the deceased, as a blood relative, spouse or domestic partner
• The person in control of disposition
• The heir or beneficiary, or others with a vested right in property
• Those individuals who can demonstrate the certificate is necessary or required for a judicial or other proper purpose.

• Identification of attorney and entitled party (For non profit agencies representing individuals without identification or permanent address, please email the details to nycdohvr@health.nyc.gov)
• Application form (PDF) signed by either the attorney or the entitled party
• Appropriate fee
• Envelope marked "Attorney Request"

• Original notarized letter from the entitled party authorizing the attorney (not a paralegal or other staff) to receive the certificate and 
• A request signed by the attorney on his/her firm’s letterhead stating that the firm represents the entitled party and 
• For those not related to the deceased, original document(s) demonstrating a connection between the entitled party and the deceased, such as deeds, wills or insurance policies.