Obtaining a Copy of Your Birth Certificate in Brooklyn, New York

The birth certificate is an important piece of personal documentation.

A birth certificate is one of the most important means of establishing your identity, or the identity of a family member. It is required for many important tasks, including obtaining a passport, enrolling in school, and getting a social security card. Birth certificates in Brooklyn must be ordered from the New York Department of Health.

Things You'll Need

• Self-addressed, stamped envelope
• Photo ID or copy of a photo ID including your signature

Instructions

Getting to the New York Department of Health Website

1. Type "nyc.gov/doh" into your Internet browser. Press "Enter."

2. Click on "Birth Certificates (order online now)" on the right side of the Department of Health's website, in the section titled "Services."

3. Order a birth certificate online if you have a credit or debit card. If not, you can send in an order form by mail or you can go to the Department of Health in person.

Ordering Your Birth Certificate Online

1. Click on "Order Now," which is located in the center of the browser window.

2. Choose "Continue," on the right side of the screen, under "Start Your Order."

3. Follow the steps on the Vitalcheck website to order your birth certificate. This will cost $15 plus $8.30 for mailing and service charges.

Ordering Your Birth Certificate By Mail

1. Click on "By mail," at the end of the last paragraph in the middle of your browser window.

2. Click on "Application" to download the birth certificate application form. Print and fill out the form.

3. Mail the form, a copy of your photo ID with the signature, and a money order for $15 enclosed in the self-addressed, stamped envelope to:

   Office of Vital Records

   125 Worth Street, CN 4, Room 133

   New York, NY 10013

Obtain a Birth Certificate in Person

1. Click on "In person," located at the end of the last paragraph in the middle of the browser window.

2. Click on "Application" at the bottom of the section titled "Applying for Birth Certificates In Person" to download the birth certificate application form. Print and fill out the form.

3. Go to a mapping website such as Google Maps or Mapquest. In the search bar, type in "125 Worth St. New York, NY." Press "Enter." This is where the Office of Vital Records is located. You will want to go to room 133.

4. Drive to the Office of Vital Records, or take the subway to the Chambers Street stop on the J line. Use the Metropolitan Transit Authority subway map to plan your route. Have your filled-out application and a photo ID with you.

Tips & Warnings

• It can take up to 11 days to process and mail you a birth certificate, even if it is an express order. If it is an emergency and you need your birth certificate immediately, call The Office of Vital Records at 212-788-4520.

References

• New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene - Applying for Birth Certificates By Mail
• New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene - Applying for Birth Certificates Online
• New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene - Applying for Birth Certificates In-Person
• Metro Transit Authority - Subway Map

Resources

• New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene - Applying for Birth Certificates Online