How to Get a Birth Certificate from the City of New York
Obtaining a birth certificate from New York City is an easy task that can be accomplished online, in person or through the mail. All you need is proof of your identity and $15 for each certified copy you want (plus an additional fee for online orders). This service is not available to all New York City residents---only to people who were actually born inside the five boroughs of the city, regardless of where they may live currently.
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Instructions
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How to Order a New York City Birth Certificate By Mail
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Call (212) 788-4500 and ask for an application for a birth record, or print one out online.
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Complete the application form, as well as a self-addressed stamped envelope.
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Mail the form, the SASE, a check or money order for $15 made out to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and a copy of a signed, valid photo identification of the person named on the birth certificate to: NYC Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene, Office of Vital Records, 125 Worth St., CN 4, Room 133, New York, N.Y. 10013-40904.
How to Order a New York City Birth Certificate Online
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Visit the New York Office of Vital Records website and click on the link for "Order Online Now."
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Select "Order a Birth Certificate via the Internet" on the following page and then choose "Birth Certificate" from the menu.
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Fill in the required information: name, place of birth, date of birth, gender, mother's maiden name, father's full name, hospital, relationship and reason for your order.
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Pay for your online order, which costs $15 for the birth certificate plus $8.30 in fees (prices may change over time). You can use a credit card for online purchases.
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Answer any requests for additional information. The city may contact you to verify that you are in fact ordering a birth certificate for yourself or a family member, and may require additional documentation.
How to Order a New York City Birth Certificate in Person
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Print out the birth certificate application in advance if you can and fill it out to save time.
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Go to the Office of Vital Records at 125 Worth Street, Room 133, New York, NY 10013 on a weekday between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Use the entrance on either Centre or Lafayette streets.
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Present your application, along with a signed photo ID such as a driver's license. If you are seeking a birth certificate for someone else (other than your own child), you will also need a signed and notarized letter from that individual, as well as that person's photo ID.
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Pay $15. The office accepts cash, checks, money order and credit/debit cards.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are ordering in person, lines are shortest between 9 a.m. and noon.
