Identification Requirements
Ordering all certificates
Anyone applying for a certified copy of a NYC certificate must submit the following information. If you are submitting an application in-person, you must bring the original identification or documents. For those applying by mail, please make sure to send copies of the identification or documents.
ONE copy of valid, unexpired photo identification (ID) with signature:
- Driver's License or
- Employee ID with most recent pay stub or
- Government ID or
- Social Services ID or
- U.S. or Foreign Passport or
- Student ID and transcript from accredited and verifiable institution
OR TWO different documents, dated within the past 60 days, showing your name and address (online utility or telephone bills can be downloaded from your provider):
- Utility bill and/or
- Telephone bill and/or
- Letter(s) from a City, State, or Federal government agency
Additional Instructions for Death Certificate Applicants
Some relatives of the person who died are able to get certified death certificates by submitting the information listed above. People who are not related to the person who died must show why they should get a copy of the death certificate by providing one of the following documents.
Documentation showing entitlement includes (but is not limited to):
- Insurance policy (both the applicant and the person who died must be named on the policy) or
- Bank statement or
- Property deed or
- Will
Correcting NYC birth and death certificates
Anyone who would like to change a birth or death certificate must include the following with their application.
ONE copy of valid, unexpired photo identification (ID) with signature:
- Current military card or
- Driver's License and non-driver's ID from all states and U.S. territories or
- Employee ID with verifiable employer and recent pay stub or
- MTA reduced fare MetroCard or
- Student ID and transcript from accredited and verifiable institution or
- U.S. certificate of naturalization or
- U.S. employment authorization card or
- U.S. or foreign passport
