Birth, Death, Marriage & Divorce Records
Welcome to the New York State Vital Records web site. The Vital Records Section of the New York State Department of Health files certificates for births and deaths that occur in New York State outside of New York City and for marriage licenses issued in New York State outside of New York City. Also on file are divorce records for all of New York State since 1963. The Vital Records Section provides qualified applicants with certified copies of the certificates associated with these events. Uncertified copies of older certificates are available for genealogy research.
Birth and Death records are also available from the Local Registrar of the municipality where the event occurred. Marriage records are available from the Town or City Clerk of the municipality where the Marriage License was issued. For further information about these services, please contact the appropriate office of the municipality involved. Telephone numbers are available from the local phone directory or telephone information.
Vital Records Walk-in Services
The Vital Records Office provides eligible applicants with copies of birth and death certificates for births and deaths in New York State outside of New York City (1881-present), marriage licenses obtained in New York State outside of New York City (1880-present) and dissolution of marriage certificates for all of New York State (1963-present).
For more information and directions to our office visit our Walk-in Services web page.
Ordering Certified Copies by Mail, Internet or Phone
For important information about ordering and to download forms visit these pages:
- Birth Certificates
- Death Certificates
- Marriage Certificates
- Divorce Certificates
- Fetal Death & Still Birth Certificates
Genealogy Copies
For information on obtaining genealogy copies, links to other resources and to download an application form visit:
Adoption Information Registry
While adoption and birth records remain confidential and under court seal, an adoptee who was born and adopted in New York State, the birth parent of that adoptee or the biological sibling of that adoptee can register with the Adoption Information Registry to obtain certain kinds of information.
The Registry helps adoptees obtain available non-identifying information about their birth parents and enables the reunion of registered adoptees with their birth parents and biological siblings. Finally, the Registry provides a place for birth parents to file medical information updates which may be shared with registered adoptees.
To learn more about the New York State Adoption Information Registry Program and to download registration forms visit:
Getting Married in New York State
For information on getting married in New York State visit:
Questions and Comments
If you have questions or comments you may contact New York State Vital Records by email at vr@health.state.ny.us
Please note -- we are unable to provide records or verify the existence or facts of a record based on email requests. To apply for a record, follow the links above for important information, select an ordering method, and follow the links to download the appropriate form.
Freedom of Information (FOIL)
Vital Records are not available through FOIL. If you would like information about FOIL and access to other Department of Health information, please visit the following link...