Birth Records

Who May Obtain a Birth Record?


A certified copy or a certified transcript of a birth certificate may be issued only:
  • To a person with a New York State Court Order.
  • To the person named on the birth certificate, if 18 years of age or older
  • To the parents of the person named on the birth certificate.
  • To the lawful representative of the person named or the parents of the person named on the birth certificate.
  • To the Commissioner of Health.
  • To a municipal, state or federal agency when needed for official purposes.

A certification of birth may be issued:
  • To the person named on the birth certificate, if under 18 years of age.
  • To a person over 18 years of age, if a certification is what they prefer.
  • To a person who can demonstrate the record is required for a judicial or other proper purpose.

Mail Requests


A request from a qualified applicant may be accepted in writing on a signed Application for Copy of Birth Record (PDF), or a letter under the following conditions,
  • The applicant provides the name, date of birth, place of birth, father’s first and last names and mother’s first and maiden names of the person named on the birth certificate; and
  • The applicant provides his/her current name and address along with their relationship to the person named on the birth certificate.

In Person Requests


The request may be accepted from a qualified applicant if the following conditions are satisfied:
  • The applicant completes and signs the Application for Copy of Birth Record (PDF) provided by the department of health.
  • The applicant presents his/her drivers license.
  • The applicant is eligible to receive the copy.