Public Online Death Record New York

By Claire Dowell


For those who are looking to access the New York death records or vital records, it is important that researchers know where to look at. Death records dating prior to 1949 from the five (5) Boroughs of New York City, which include Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, Manhattan and Queens, are located at the Municipal Archives. Deaths recorded after 1948 are available from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Ordering is done through email, telephone or mail.

Death records are public records; however, not all applicants are eligible to obtain a copy of the death certificate. To be able to obtain a copy of the death certificate, the applicant must be the (a) sibling, blood relative or spouse of the deceased (b) has a lawful right (ex. legal guardian) (c) court order and (d) for medical reasons. Records of deaths that occurred outside the New York state can be obtained from the county where the death occurred. Fees for the records depend on the office where the record is to be obtained.

For family history or genealogical purposes, researchers can get copies of death records that happened prior to 1949 from the NY Municipal Archives. Getting the information is relatively easy as individuals can order through online, walk in or mail. The Municipal office does not accept any phone in requests. Each record costs about $15 and individuals who walk in can obtain a copy for $11. Additional fees are charged: (a) $2 for each borough for one year (b) $2 each borough for a year (c) $5 for "letter of exemplification" which will be appended in the certified copy and (d) $10 for each additional copy.

For death records starting from 1949, the applicants can request the information from the NY Department of Health. To request, applicants must submit a copy of their identification card with photo or utility statement with their name and full address. Passport copy is included if the request is made from a country which requires a valid US passport for travelling.

The cost of one death record is $30. For those who order through telephone and mail order, the office will send the reports via priority handling. The Office charges $15 for priority handling for a total of $45. Additional charge amounting to $8 is added for vendor processing fee. Processing will take about a week although those who want a faster transaction can ask for overnight delivery of the report. The Office will charge additional $15.50 for UPS overnight delivery.

As the Office does not accept online orders and credit card payments, applicants or those who are requesting the records can check out the partnered establishment of the Office. VitalChek processes almost all online requests. For those who require basic information such as death records or death notices, there are online search engines and sites from which one can obtain the information that they need.




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