New York State Marriage Records
Researchers should begin by searching New York State’s index to all marriage records from 1881. Marriage indexes are available online at Internet Archive for 1881 to 1964. As with other vital records, compliance increased as time went on, and records between 1881 and 1913 may be incomplete.
Also, many counties hold marriage license files, some of which may be found in FamilySearchs New York, County Marriages, 1847-1848 1908-1936 database.
In many cases, marriage records can be located at the county level. For detailed information on marriage and other records available in each county, see our New York State County Guides for Genealogists for your county of interest.
Findmypast has a growing collection of county marriage records for New York State – this includes a searchable index of brides and grooms, along with images of marriage records in many cases. NYG& B members can access these records for free as a benefit of membership.
Again, these indexes do not cover several notable locations. New York City marriage records have always been kept completely separate from vital records of other locations in New York State. See the New York City section of this guide for more information.
Additionally, New York State does not have marriage records for Albany, Buffalo, or Yonkers before 1914. Click the name of each municipality to find out about obtaining vital records for your ancestors in these cities.
Introduction To New York Birth Marriage And Death Records
Official birth, marriage, and death recordsalso called vital recordsare crucial family history sources that every researcher should seek.
These deep and rich sources can provide names, relationships, locations, dates of events, and other essential details about your family.
Many states in the U.S. have well-organized and complete collections of vital recordsbut not New York!
For many reasons, finding vital records in New York State can be confusing and challenging. The purpose of this guide is to help clarify:
- Where to look for vital records, which depends on the time and place of the event
- How to find the vital record certificate number
- How to locate or request a copy of the vital record
Record Confidentiality & Restrictions
The release of death certificates is governed by New York State Public Health Law §4174, which protects their confidential nature. New York State is a closed state and death records are not subject to FOIL and available to individuals who are:
- The spouse of the deceased and you were married at the time of death
- The biological sibling of the deceased
- Biological child of the deceased
- Someone with a NY State court order
- The administrator or executor of the estate
- Someone with a documented legal right or claim
- Someone with a documented medical claim
All requests are subject to review of identification and documentation presented at time of service. If you have specific questions, please contact our office.
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How To Get A Death Certificate
A death certificate is a paper that records the official date and location of a person’s death.
The funeral director usually purchases several copies for your use.
In some cases, you might need a “certified” death certificate. A certified death certificate has security features that proves that the document is genuine. Depending on the county the death certificate is from, the death certificate can have a watermark, a raised seal, micro-printing, multi-colored background, heat sensitive ink, etc. A certified death certificate is good for legal purposes such as settling an estate or claiming insurance benefits.
Information On A Death Certificate
A deceased persons death certificate must contain certain information. If you are in charge of preparing a death certificate, you will have to gather documentation on the following aspects of the deceased.
- Full name
- Fathers name and birthplace
- Mothers name and birthplace
- Social Security number
- Cause of death
- Last known address
The state of New York uses the U.S. Standard Certificate of Death, rather than their own edition, according to a PBS article.
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Enter Information From The Death Record
Once youre ready to begin your application, start by sharing the information found on the death certificate. Include the name of the deceased, their Social Security Number , date of death, date of birth, parents name, place of death, the purpose for your request, and your relationship with the deceased.
If youre not sure of any of the above, its better to visit in person to complete an application or to complete one by mail. This gives you more flexibility to write a range of dates to be searched or to leave sections blank.
How To Get A Copy Of An Ontario Death Certificate Online
ServiceOntario the only government-authorized source for Ontario death certificates. Its safer, cheaper and faster.
A death certificate is a document containing the details of a death that took place in Ontario. You can order a copy, or multiple copies online, if the death is registered in Ontario. You can use this certificate to cancel a health card or drivers licence and for insurance purposes.
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How To Get A Death Certificate In New York
We can facilitate the ordering of death certificate copies. First, you need to complete a simple online application. Second, you will need to pay the state fee and the service fee. Lastly, you will need to send the application package to the state Health Department, where afterwards you will receive the death certificate by mail. The entire process can be done without leaving home.
New York State Vital Records
New York State has created indexes to births, marriages, and deaths occurring after 1880 for locations outside of New York City.
State coverage for Albany, Buffalo, and Yonkers does not begin until 1914. If you’re seeking a birth, marriage, or death record for an ancestor in one of those locations before 1914, click the name of each municipality for tips on finding records before 1914.
Researchers with ancestors anywhere else in New York State can get their ancestor’s vital record in two steps:
- Locate the certificate number in a New York State vital records index
- Use the certificate number found in the index to request the record
These records are only available to the public after a certain period of time, which varies depending on the record and the researcher’s relation to the person of interest. Read on for a general overview of each type of record and where to find the indexes you need to get started.
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Birth Marriage And Death Certificates
Vital Records:
Birth, marriage, and death certificates are not filed in the Broome County Clerk’s Office. They’re 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 Clerk’s office does not register marriage officiants.
According to the New York State Department of Health’s 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
Early New York City Vital Records
Where to look and what methods to use can vary depending on the county or borough you’re looking in, as well as the exact year.
If you’re looking for a birth, marriage, or death certificate from the early 1800s or before, a good place to start is Harry Macy’s detailed New York Knowledge Base guide to New York City vital records.
This guide provides comprehensive information on locating vital records in New Netherland, colonial New York, and in the five boroughs of New York City. His suggested repositories and record sets also include many vital record substitutes for periods and locations when official city copies are unavailable.
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New York State Death Certificates
To find a death certificate, researchers should begin by searching New York State’s index to all deaths beginning in 1880. Death indexes are made available after 50 years.
The NYG& B eLibrary contains images of the New York State Death Index, and images can also be found at Internet Archive.
The images in these collections are not searchable, but they are easy to browse by year, though the image quality of some years makes it difficult to read certain images.
Ancestry.com has a searchable database that also contains the same images as the collections above.
For more recent deaths, researchers should use New York State’s Interactive Ancestry/Genealogical Research Death Index, which begins with 1957 and contains deaths up to the current legal limit .
Again, these indexes do not cover several notable locations. New York City death records have always been kept completely separate from vital records of other locations in New York State. See the New York City section of this guide for more information.
Additionally, New York State does not have death records for Albany, Buffalo, or Yonkers before 1914. Click the name of each municipality to find out about obtaining vital records for your ancestors in these cities.
Once you have found the death certificate number, you’re ready to request a copy.
Who Can Apply For A Death Certificate
There are no restrictions on who can apply for a death certificate and no restriction on the number of death certificates you can apply for and receive.
The deceaseds next of kin or their authorized representative may apply for a certified copy of death registration. Authorized representatives will be required to provide proof of authorization.Next of kin are:
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Getting Copies Of A Death Certificate
Heres how to obtain a death certificate in New York if it has already been filed. You can request a copy of it. The form to fill out can be accessed online through the New York City Health Office of Vital Records. You can also request copies of the death certificate at the time that the death certificate is originally filled out.
Those who are legally allowed to obtain a copy of a death certificate according to the New York State Department of Health are listed below.
- Spouse
Order A Death Record In New York State
Ordering a certified death record doesnt have to be complicated. In New York, you can choose to order online, in person, or by mail. While online is the fastest method, it has less flexibility and is more costly. Ultimately, its up to you to determine which method is right for your needs and timeline.
Before you begin the death certificate ordering process in New York, make sure youre eligible and that you have proper documentation. From there, complete the step-by-step process described above.
If you’re a New York resident and ready to start preparing your own end-of-life planning documents, Cake has Advance Care Planning forms you can download. To help ease your planning, we have all the documents you need in one place.
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Available New York Death Certificate Types
Death Certificate
A certified copy of a death certificate that can typically be used to obtain death benefits, claim insurance proceeds, notify social security and other legal purposes. Death Certificates are available for events that occurred in New York City from 1949 to present.
First Copy: $15.00 Additional Copies: $15.00
Are New York Death Certificates Public Record
In New York state, death certificates are not public records. They are protected vital records, which means you need to be an immediate family member or have a legal claim to access these documents.
The only exception to this is records over 50 years old. In New York state, death records become public record once theyre 50 years old. Theyre then made available through the New York State Archives.
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What Types Of Death Certifications Are Issued
The following death certificates are issued to those legally entitled to receive them:
- Death Long Certificate which contains all information, including the cause of death.
- Death Short Certificate contains limited information excluding the cause of death. However, it does contain the manner of death.
A Death Statement contains the decedent’s name, county, and date of death.
Who Can Obtain A Certified Copy Of A Death Certificate
You are entitled to obtain a certified copy of a death certificate if you are:
- An immediate member of the decedent’s family. Immediate family member is defined as:
- Parent
- Grandchild
Other applicants may be provided a statement that the death occurred, including the date and county of death, but not an actual certified copy of a death certificate.
Death certificates become public records after 50 years. Then any person may obtain an uncertified copy of the death certificate, upon submission of application form and fees.
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How To Get Copies Of A Death Certificate
Where can you obtain certified copies of a death certificate? The simplest way is to order them through the funeral home or mortuary at the time of the death. If you’re in charge of winding up the deceased person’s affairs, you should ask for at least 10 copies. You will need one each time you claim property or benefits that belonged to the deceased person, including life insurance proceeds, Social Security benefits, payable on death accounts , veterans benefits, and many others.
If it’s been some time since the death and you need to order death certificates yourself, contact the county or state vital records office. For deaths that occurred within the past few months, you should start with the county office, because it is more likely to have the certificate on file. After a few months have passed, the state office will probably have it, too.
To get a certified copy of a death certificate, you can usually fill out a request form provided by your vital records office. If there isn’t one, you’ll likely have to provide information such as:
- Name of the deceased person
- Name of the deceased’s parents
- Date of death
- Last address of the deceased person
- Your relationship to the deceased person
In some states, like Connecticut, you’ll have to provide proof of your relationship to the deceased person in others, like California, you will have to submit a sworn statement with your request that states you’re the executor of the deceased person’s estate or a close family member.
Where To Get A Death Certificate In New York
Get a certified copy of a death certificate online or by visiting the state vital records office. Ordering your death certificate online is the easiest way to order death records.
If you are looking for the nearest office in your city, visitOnlineVitals.com, the first of its kind public database to find vital records offices online.
Note: Due to the spread of the COVID-19, some vital record agencies are closed or they are only processing by mail or online applications.Check the current status here.
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Can You Get New York Death Certificates For Free
You cannot get a New York death certificate for free if the death record is less than 50 years old. These records are protected under privacy laws, and they can only be accessed by completing the application and paying the appropriate fees listed above.
However, for records older than 50 years, you can browse the New York State Archives online for vital records. These are organized by county, and access is completely free. These records make it possible to complete genealogical and academic research.
Ny State Vital Records Agency Information
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.
NEW YORK DEATH CERTIFICATESNew York State Vital Records does not file and cannot issue copies of New York City death certificates. For events that occurred in one of the five boroughs of New York City , Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island), you will need to place your order with the New York City Department of Health.
Who Can Order?New York death certificates are only issued to the spouse, parent, sibling or adult child of the decedent*. The applicant’s name must appear on the credit or debit card that is being used for payment.
Acceptable documentation is as follows:
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New York Death Records Lookup
In New York, the death records are maintained by the Vital Records Division of the New York State Department of Health. The aforementioned Vital Records Division maintains death records of 1881-present. As they are not public records, only the parents, spouse, or children of the deceased can obtain the New York Death Records. In addition to aforementioned relatives of a deceased, New York Death Records can be obtained by people with a court order, documented medical need or a documented legal right. However, the public can obtain non-certified death records dating back at least fifty years.
It is important to keep in mind that the Department of Health does not maintain records of deaths that occurred in New York before 1914. If you want pre-1914 New York Death Records then you?ll have to visit the office of the local registrar. There are three ways for you to obtain death records in New York: by mail, by telephone and online. Following is how you can obtain the New York Death Records through each way.