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.