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A Birth Certificate shows your name at birth, date of birth and your parents' names.

You can use your birth certificate as "proof of citizenship."

A birth certificate is sometimes called a "vital record."

Apply Online
Apply In Person

Apply Online

Getting your birth certificate online is easy. You won't have to wait in a long line or present any documents. It will take about 10 minutes. You can order online even if you were not born in NYC (costs may vary from state to state).

Were you born outside of NYC or outside of the U.S.?
Learn more

You must be 18 years old to get a birth certificate online for yourself. If you are not 18, you can ask one of your parents to apply for you.

What to do:
Want to apply online?
Go to the VitalCheck website

Under "Start Your Order" click on Birth Certificate. You need to enter some information about you and your parents and where you were born.

If you don't understand a question, check the "Order Tips" box on the right side of the page.
If you don't have some of the required information, you will need to apply in person.

How to pay:
It costs $23.30 total. You must pay with a major credit card or electronic check. Shipping is free if you choose "Regular Mail."

If you would like to receive your birth certificate quickly, there is an option for UPS Express for an additional charge.

Note: The name on the credit card or personal checking account that you use must be either your name or your birth parent's name.

Apply in Person

You can get your birth certificate from the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene if you were born in one of the five boroughs of NYC. If you are not yet 16 years old, you can ask one of your parents to apply for you.

Were you born outside of NYC or outside of the U.S.?
Learn more

What to bring:
Before you go to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, make sure you have:

ONE of these original, unexpired IDs with your picture AND signature:

Non-Driver State ID
Passport
Driver license
Employee ID with current pay stub
Student ID and current transcript
NYS Benefit Card with photo
Inmate photo ID with release papers (does not require signature on ID)

TWO different types of original documents showing your name and address:

Utility bill received within the last 60 days (e.g., your cable, electricity or gas bill)
Telephone or cell phone bill received within the last 60 days
Official letter(s) from a city, state or federal government agency

If you cannot provide any of the above documents, submit a request to the NYC Health Department's Office of Vital Records.

Learn more via the Health Department’s Office of Vital Records website

Download and print a blank application (in PDF), fill it out, and take it with you. If you don't have a printer, applications are also available at the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene office.

Where to go:
125 Worth Street, Room 133 in lower Manhattan
Enter on Lafayette or Centre Street
View map

When to go:
Monday - Friday, excluding holidays
9:00am - 3:30pm
Lines are shortest in the morning

How to pay:
It costs $15 for each copy of your birth certificate. Bring a credit card, debit card, check or money order (made payable to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene). Cash is not accepted.

If you had a birth or death certificate that was lost or damaged in Hurricane Sandy, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will replace it free of charge. Learn more.