IMPORTANT DEATH CERTIFICATE INFORMATION
‚You can obtain a death certificate if you are the spouse, domestic partner, parent, child, sibling, grandparent or grandchild of the decedent, or if you establish your right to obtain this document (see documentation requirements below).
‚All death certificates are mailed, usually within 2-4 weeks. If there is an urgent need, and documentation is provided, you can request expedited services and you will be called to pick up the certificate in 5-7 business days.
‚Falsifying information, including forging a signature, to obtain a death certificate is a misdemeanor and violators may also be subject to a fine of up to $2,000 per violation.
‚Submitting fraudulent identification is a crime and violators are subject to prosecution.
‚Please see below for identification requirements, fees and other important information.
‚ID requirements are subject to change.
3 WAYS TO ORDER A NEW YORK CITY DEATH CERTIFICATE
●Online: Visit www.nyc.gov/vitalrecords to order using a credit card, debit card or electronic check. “Only spouses, domestic partners, parent, siblings, grandparent, grandchild, or person in charge of the disposition (informant) may submit orders online”
●Walk-In: Go to 125 Worth Street in Lower Manhattan and use the Lafayette Street (handicapped accessible) or Centre Street entrances. We are open Monday through Friday 9:00AM – 3:30PM. Lines are shortest
in the morning.
●By Mail: Applications submitted by mail must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public. Mail your application to 125 Worth Street, CN-4, New York, NY 10013. Be sure to include a self-addressed, stamped, envelope with your check or money order. You also will need to provide a photocopy of the required identification and any necessary documentation (see below).
Identification (ID) Requirements including the deceased’s spouse, domestic partner, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, or person in charge of the disposition (informant)
We accept any of the following, IF it includes your photo, your signature and is unexpired:
●Driver’s License or Non-driver’s ID Card
●IDNYC Municipal ID
●Passport
●Government ID
●Employment ID with pay stub
If you don’t have any of the above, we also accept:
●Inmate photo ID with release papers
●Two different documents as indicated below if they show your name and address and are dated within the past 60 days, we will MAIL the certificate
m Utility or telephone bills
m Official government mail that you have received
If you do not have the items required above, you may email nycdohvr@health.nyc.gov for additional information and options.
Documentation Requirements for applicants NOT related to the deceased
If you are not related to the deceased, you need to establish your right to obtain a death certificate. You may obtain a death certificate if you are the legal representative of the estate, a party with a property right to protect or assert, or if you can specify another judicial or other proper purpose.
●Insurance Policy
●Will
●Bank Book or statement
●Property Deed
●Other document showing entitlement
If you are unable to provide the required documents, ask us for help by calling 311 or 1-212-NEW-YORK if you are outside of New York City.