Us Birth Certificates Will Continue Operating During The Covid
Some government offices remain closed, or are only open for appointments, however online and mail applications are accepted as normal. This allows our vital records services to continue without interruption. Processing times have improved and most vital records offices are now operating as usual. Your vital record request will be processed and delivered as quickly as possible. We will keep you updated on any changes.
Legal Disclaimer: US Birth Certificates is a privately owned website that is not affiliated with, not owned or operated by any government agency. US Birth Certificates is an independent preparer that provides vital records application preparation assistance services. If you are looking for blank forms, you can get them for free at the relevant state office.
- Your mothers name or parents name prior to first marriage
- Your fathers name or parents name prior to first marriage
Before applying for a birth certificate, it is also essential that you know that there is more than one type of certificate. You can apply for either an authorized copy or an informational copy.
The difference between the two is as follows:
An if you wish to apply for a U.S. passport, get married, or get a drivers license. When registering a child in school, it is also necessary to provide an authorized copy of the certificate. If you need to prove your identity, you will need to apply for an authorized birth certificate.
How To Request New York State Vital Record Certificates
Once you have retrieved information about the record you are seeking, you can obtain a copy of the vital record certificate by contacting either:
- The New York State Department of Health
- The local registrar or municipal clerk
What’s the difference?
- Requests to the New York State Department of Health can take considerable time to process , but you will receive the official state record.
- Requests through a local registrar or municipal clerk are often answered sooner but may not have all the information found on the state record.
Ordering a certificate from the New York State Department of Health
**Note: From 2020 to the present, researchers are experiencing very long wait times for genealogical records requests from the NYS Department of Health. The NYG& B is actively monitoring the situation. We advise seeking records from local authorities or seeking vital record substitutes.**
The New York State Department of Health will provide uncertified copies in the following instances:
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Birth certificates can be requested after 75 years if the person whose name is on the birth certificate is known to be deceased.
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Death certificates can be requested after 50 years.
If you are a direct-line descendant , then these time periods are waived, but all researchers will need to provide:
Requests can take eight months or longer to complete.
To submit your request, fill out the online form and send a completed copy by mail to:
Alternative: Contact the Local Registrar or Municipal Clerk
Birth Marriage And Death Certificates
Vital Records:
Birth, marriage, and death certificates are not filed in the Broome County Clerks Office. Theyre recorded in the City, Town or Village where the event took place.
These vital records can also be ordered online through the NYS Department of Health by visiting www.health.ny.gov/vital_records or by calling 1-877-854-4481.
Pennsylvania birth, death and marriage records can be ordered online through the Pennsylvania Department of Healths Division of Vital Records at www.health.pa.gov/topics/certificates/Pages/Vital%20Records.aspx.
Officiating Weddings:
The Broome County Clerks office does not register marriage officiants.
According to the New York State Department of Healths website , there is no requirement for officiants to register if the marriage is performed in New York State outside of the five boroughs of New York City.
We would encourage you to contact the City, Town or Village where the marriage license was issued to see if they have any other requirements.
Their contact information is below:
Municipal Clerks in Broome County:
City of Binghamtons Registrar of Vital Statistics:
- Phone: 772-7029
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New York City Birth Records
Birth records are some of the most sought-after family history records because of the sentimental value and the wealth of information they hold.
In New York State, there are essentially two separate civil systems for tracking birthsone in New York City serving the city’s five boroughs, and one in Albany, serving the majority of other municipalities in the state.
For this reason, researchers looking for birth records from New York City will need to look in different places than those researching people born elsewhere. The good news is New York City birth records begin earlier and are easier to access than those kept in Albany.
If you’re looking for a birth record outside of New York City, visit our New York State vital records guide.
About Vital Records From Ny State Vital Records

NEW YORK VITAL RECORDSThe New York State Division of Vital Records issues certified copies of New York birth certificates, New York death certificates, New York marriage records for events which occurred in the State of New York boroughs of New York City) and New Hyde Park. New York State Vital Records issues copies of New York divorce certificates for events that occurred anywhere in the State of New York, including New York City. You may order copies of New York Vital Records through VitalChek on an expedited basis.
NOTICE
Although VitalChek attempts to include accurate and up-to-date information on this site, state and agency information is subject to change without notice. VitalChek makes no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the information herein and assumes no liability with respect to such information.
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New And Expectant Parents
Parents receive a free birth certificate for newborns about four weeks after birth. Your baby’s birth certificate will be based on information you provide at the hospital when you deliver. It will be automatically mailed to the parents listed on the certificate.
At the hospital, you will be asked to fill out a Mother/Parent Worksheet . You can complete this ahead of time and bring it to the hospital or give it to your midwife. The worksheet collects important information and helps your baby get a Social Security Card.
Be careful when you fill out your babys full name and your mailing address. Correcting a birth certificate can cost money or even require a trip to court. A mistake in the mailing address can delay delivery.
An Acknowledgment of Parentage is a document that unmarried parents must both sign voluntarily to establish the child’s legal father/parent.
Certified copies of an Acknowledgment of Parentage are free of charge. Complete the New York State Acknowledgment of Parentage application and submit by mail or in person.
Who Can Receive A Copy
Under New York law, birth certificates of births less than 100 years old are considered closed records. Only individuals showing a legitimate and tangible interest may be issued certified copies of birth certificates upon paying the appropriate fees, providing proof of identification, and filling out the application form:
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New York Vital Records: Key Facts
There are a couple of crucial facts all researchers should know about locating vital records in New York State.
Fact #1: New York State did not require local governments to report births, marriages, and deaths until 1880.
The history of New York State vital record-keeping is complex and convoluted. For the most part, New York State did not force local governments to track birth, marriage, and death events until the 1880seven after that, many smaller municipalities were not stellar in their compliance.
If you’re looking for a birth, marriage, or death record prior to 1880, you should check with local records offices first, but you may need to ultimately seek a vital record substitute.
Fact #2: Where you look for a vital record will change depending on the year and location of the event you’re investigating.
New York vital records are not all stored in the same location or by the same authority. You will need to investigate sets of vital records in Albany, New York City, or other locations depending on the time period of the event you’re investigating.
This guide includes the following sections:
For an even more comprehensive overview of New York State vital records, see the NYG& B Guide to Birth, Marriage & Death Records available in print in our online store.
What Is The Difference Between A Certified Copy Of Birth Certificate And A Certified Transcript Of Birth
Above is an image of a certified copy of NYS birth certificate issued by the NYS Department of Health in Albany. It is eligible for a NY apostille or the legalization by a foreign embassy. It is signed by the current Director of Vital Records and bears the raised seal of the NYS Department of Health. This is considered to be a long form birth certificate as it contains a lot of information: parents information , additional information on the childs birthplace, and the information on the doctor that assisted in the birth of the child. The long form also usually includes the signature of the doctor involved and at least one of the parents.
New York State Department of Health also issues Certified Transcripts of Birth.
The image to the left is a Certified Transcript of Birth issued in 2015. It is considered to be a short form birth certificate. Certified Transcripts of Birth typically include the childs name, date of birth, sex, and place of birth, and the names of the childs parents, including the mothers maiden name.
Certified Transcripts of Birth are eligible for a NY apostilles or the legalization by foreign embassies.
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Not Born In The United States
To change the name of someone born outside the United States, most, but not all, foreign countries have records of births and deaths. Most foreign countries will give certifications of births. You can contact the Embassy or the nearest Consulate in the U.S. from the country where you were born. Addresses and telephone numbers for these offices can be found online.
If you cant get a certified copy of your birth certificate, the Judge may permit a copy of the birth certificate, baptismal certificate, passport, or other legal documents which show the date and place of your birth.
Early United States Period
Despite the sweeping changes that occurred as a result of the American Revolution, the new New York State government changed very little in the way of vital record keeping.
For the most part, those looking for New York City birth records during this time period will still need to look for religious records as substitutes. Some town records may be available as wellinvestigate at the local level.
One notable exception is that in 1799, births of children born to enslaved women began to be tracked by local authorities. The Northeast Slavery Record Index contains some of these records for New York.
Other records can be found by investigating records of specific towns and villages, but the existence and availability vary widely.
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Births From 1851 Thru 1880
Try: |
New York, Church and Civil Births and Baptisms, 1704-1962 | FREE at FamilySearch.org. Index and images. |
Starting in 1881, New York required that village, town, and city clerks record births. Copies of these births were then filed with the State Department of Health. Due to earlier city laws, births recorded in Albany, Buffalo, and Yonkers were not copied to the State between 1881 and 1914.
Births in New York State
STEP ONE Search the Index
The New York Archives as well as nine other repositories in New York hold copies of microfiche indexes to birth certificates. Contact one of these ten repositories to search the index.
STEP TWO Obtain the Certificate
With an exact date , you can order a copy of the birth record for a fee from the following locations:
To Order Birth Certificates |
New York, Church and Civil Births and Baptisms, 1704-1962 | FREE at FamilySearch.org. Index and images. |
After 1914, copies of all birth records were filed with the New York Department of Health. Copies can be obtained either through the village, town, or city clerk where the birth took place or by contacting the Department of Health.
STEP ONE Search the Index
The New York Archives as well as nine other repositories in New York hold copies of microfiche indexes to birth certificates. Contact one of these ten repositories to search the index.
STEP TWO Obtain the Certificate
With an exact date , you can order a copy of the birth record for a fee from the following locations:
Certified Copies Of Birth And Death Records

For important information about what records are available and who is eligible to receive copies of records, visit the following:
Genealogy copies are not available for same day pick up at the Vital Records Office. However, we can accept your payment and application at the counter. Your record will be mailed to you when the research has been completed.
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Birth Records Of Alien Children Adopted By Us Citizens
Birth certifications for alien children adopted by U.S. citizens and lawfully admitted to the United States may be obtained from the Immigration and Naturalization Service if the birth information is on file. To obtain the birth data, it is necessary to provide the Immigration Office with proof of adoption or legitimation.
Records Maintained By Foreign Countries
Most, but not all, foreign countries record births and deaths. It is not possible to list in this publication all foreign vital records offices, the charges they make for copies of records, or the information they may require to locate a record. However, most foreign countries will provide certifications of births and deaths occurring within their boundaries.
Persons who need a copy of a foreign birth or death record should contact the Embassy or the nearest Consulate in the U.S. of the country in which the death occurred. Addresses and telephone numbers for these offices are listed in the U.S. Department of State Publication 7846, Foreign Consular Offices in the United States, which is available in many local libraries. Copies of this publication may also be purchased from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
If the Embassy or Consulate is unable to provide assistance, U.S. citizens may obtain assistance by writing to the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-4818. Aliens residing in the United States may be able to obtain assistance through the Embassy or Consulate of their country of nationality.
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English Colonial New York
Under the English, churches continued to be the main institutions that recorded births, but a few town governments began keeping records of these events as well.
Researchers should primarily look for religious records as substitutes, but its also worth checking for town records.
There is no central collection of colonial town records, so if you know what town your ancestor may have lived in, begin by searching for records of that town or nearby towns.
Investigate at the town level with an internet search, or consult one of our county guides for family history researchers for leads on what may be available for the specific location of interest.
Records Of Birth Death And Marriage In The Panama Canal Zone For Us Citizens And Foreign Nationals
From 1904 until 1979, the Canal Zone Government registered all civil acts of birth, death, and marriage in the Canal Zone for U.S. citizens and foreign nationals. Since 1979, the Panama Canal Commission has issued certified copies of these documents in response to requests from the public. On December 31, 1999, the Panama Canal Commission ceased to exist . On December 1, 1999, those records were transferred to Passport Services in the U.S. Department of State, which will provide the certification service just as it does for similar records issued by U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad.
To request copies of Canal Zone Birth and Death Records, write to:
Department of State
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Not Born In New York State
To change the name of someone who was not born in New York State you can use any document that proves when and where the person was born. An official birth certificate should be on file in the place of birth. These records are filed permanently in a State vital statistics office or in a city, county, or other local office. To get a certified copy of the birth certificate, write or go to the vital statistics office in the state or area where you were born. The National Center for Health Statistics has a list of state agencies that keep vital records on their website.
What Is A Certified Marriage Certificate
A certified copy of a marriage certificate is a duplicate of your original marriage certificate issued directly from the county office where you received your marriage license. It is totally different to the marriage license . A certified copy can be used to apply for insurance benefits, file joint taxes, and many other crucial documents and services in the United States.
Real ID deadline update to October 1st of 2021.Read the complete article.
To order a copy of your lost marriage certificate, the vital statistics office will require the following information to fill the application:
- Information about the wedding ceremony.
- Personal information about the spouses.
- Name and contact information of the person filing the application.
If you change your name after marriage,read this article
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