Birth, Death, Marriage & Divorce Records

Legislation signed on November 14th 2019 allows adoptees to receive a copy of their birth certificate when they turn 18-years-old. This measure (S3419/A5494) helps ensures that all adult New York adoptees will have the same unimpeded right to information about their birth and biological parents.

This act shall take effect on January 15, 2020. Additional information on how to request the birth certificate will be made available on the New York Department of Health website.

WALK-IN SERVICES ARE CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

For New York City records

New York County (Manhattan), Kings County (Brooklyn), Bronx County (The Bronx), Richmond County (Staten Island), and Queens County (Queens), contact: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene or New York City Marriage Bureau.

One exception: DOH keeps divorce certificates for both New York State and New York City.

Outside New York State:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – National Center for Health Statistics

To order a certificate, select one of the following:

Visiting to check order status?

Additional Information

Getting Married in New York State

Adoption Information Registry

Adoption and birth records are confidential and under court seal. The Adoption Information Registry makes it possible to get some kinds of information.

The Adoption Information Registry can

  • Help adoptees obtain available non-identifying information about their birth parents.
  • Enable the reunion of registered adoptees with their birth parents and biological siblings.
  • Provide a place for birth parents to file medical information to share with registered adoptees.

Questions About Correcting or Amending Records

If you have questions about correcting or amending vital records you may contact New York State Vital Records by email at vr@health.ny.gov or by telephone, toll-free, at 855-322-1022.

Questions and Comments

If you have questions or comments you may contact New York State Vital Records by email at vr@health.ny.gov or by telephone, toll-free, at 855-322-1022.

Please note -- we cannot provide a record or verify the existence or facts of a record based on email requests. To apply for a record, follow the links above.

Freedom of Information (FOIL)

Vital Records are not available through FOIL. For information about FOIL and access to other Department of Health information, please visit the following link.