How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

NY State Department of Health (NYSDOH) (for deaths outside NYC) / NYC DOHMH (for NYC deaths - separate system)

Details

What you need to know

Fee

$15/copy (NYC); premium in-person services higher - Eligible: spouse, parent, child, sibling of deceased; others must show lawful right or claim

Processing Time

NYSDOH mail: 6-8 weeks; VitalChek: expedited; NYC in-person: appointment required

Online Option

VitalChek (both systems)

Where to Go

For NYC deaths: nyc.gov/health (NYC DOHMH). For all other NY deaths: NYSDOH or local registrar

New York Notes

Important state-specific details

NYSDOH has death records from 1881 for all NY State EXCEPT NYC.
NYC DOHMH has NYC death records separately.
Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each need a copy.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

NYSDOH Vital Records (outside NYC) - health.ny.gov/vital_records | (855) 322-1022 | P.O. Box 2602, Albany, NY 12220-2602; NYC DOHMH (NYC deaths) - nyc.gov/health | 311