If you need a certified copy of a New York birth certificate, you can apply online through VitalChek, the only online service authorized by the New York State Department of Health for online birth certificate orders. This service is available for births that occurred outside New York City’s five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island). If the birth occurred within New York City, online requests are handled separately through the New York City Department of Health using VitalChek.
Who Can Apply?
You may request a certified copy of a New York birth certificate if you are:
- The person named on the birth certificate.
- A parent whose name appears on the birth certificate.
- A spouse, child, or another person with a court order authorizing access to the record.
How To Apply Online
Follow these steps to order a birth certificate online:
Visit the official New York birth certificate webpage.
Select the option to order online through VitalChek.
Enter the required information, including:
Full name at birth
Date of birth
Place of birth
Parents’ names
Complete the identity verification process.
Upload identification documents if requested.
Pay the applicable fees using an accepted payment method.
Submit your application and save your confirmation for tracking purposes.
Documents You May Need
Applicants must provide either:
- One valid government-issued photo ID, such as:
- Driver’s license
- State-issued non-driver ID
- Passport
- U.S. military photo ID
Or
- Two documents showing your name and address, such as:
- Utility or telephone bill
- Letter from a government agency issued within the last six months
Applicants applying from certain foreign countries may also need to provide a copy of their U.S. passport.
Fees
Current fees for New York State birth certificates are:
- Online or telephone orders: $45 per copy plus an $8 vendor processing fee per transaction.
- Mail orders: $30 per copy.
Processing Time
Processing times vary depending on application volume and the selected delivery method. Online applications submitted through VitalChek are generally processed faster than mail requests, although delays may occur during periods of high demand.
Official Contacts
New York State Department of Health – Bureau of Vital Records
Website:
[Login to see the link]
Birth Certificate Information:
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Online Ordering (VitalChek):
[Login to see the link]
Phone:
(855) 322-1022
Online Order Phone:
1-877-854-4481
Mailing Address:
New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602
United States
Join The Discussion
Have you recently applied for a New York birth certificate online? How long did it take to receive your certified copy, and did you experience any delays during identity verification or processing? Share your experience to help others applying for the first time.
