Death Certificates
NEW: Family members can order death certificates online.
Individuals can order death certificates through the Office of Vital Records for $15. The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene encourages family members to apply for death certificates online, in-person, or by mail. The quickest and easiest way to avoid paperwork and waiting in line is to apply online.
Individuals other than family members can apply for death certificates in-person or through the mail.
Identification requirements for those applying for death certificates are strict and differ between family members and those not related to the deceased. The Office of Vital Records strongly urges you to read the requirements so as not to delay your application. Please note that death certificates are not issued the same day for in-person requests and are usually mailed within eight business days of when your application is received. Online requests are processed substantially faster than mailed requests and as quickly as in-person requests.
To order an updated copy of a death certificate that
includes the Medical Examiner's cause of death, please follow these instructions.
Requests for Older Documents
Death certificates issued prior to 1949 are not available through the Office of Vital Records. For these documents, please contact the Municipal Archives by calling 311 (or 212-639-9675 outside New York City) or visiting the agency’s website. You also can visit the Municipal Archives in Manhattan at 31 Chambers Street, Room 103.
