For those who are looking to access the New York death records or vital records, it is important that researchers know where to look at. Death records dating prior to 1949 from the five (5) Boroughs of New York City, which include Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island, Manhattan and Queens, are located at the Municipal Archives. Deaths recorded after 1948 are available from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Ordering is done through email, telephone or mail.
To be able to obtain these records, one must be qualified under the following circumstances – (1) relative of the deceased, (2) those who have legal rights, (3) obtained court order and those (4) who require the death records for medical purposes. Access for dead records outside the city can be gained from the clerk of the county where the event occurred.
For those who want to receive a copy of the death record for genealogy or family history purposes prior to 1949, check the New York Municipal Archives site. The office allows online order, by mail order and in person request for the death records. Vital record fees cost $15 for each record and for walk-ins; certified copies cost about $11. Telephone requests are not available for vital records request from the Municipal Archives. Extra fees or charges are charged for the following services: (1) $2 – Per year/per Borough (2) $2 per Borough/1year (3) $10 Additional record copy and (4) $5 for letter of exemplification appended in the certified copy. Shipping and handling charges depend on the total of the item(s) requested. For international shipping and handling services, the local S&H rates double up.
Records, which date after 1949, are available from the New York Department of Health Office. To be able to request for records, one must present either (a) valid id with photo and/or (b) billing statement under the individual’s name. Those who request records for travelling to visa-required countries should present a copy of their passport to the office.
The cost of one death record is $30. For those who order through telephone and mail order, the office will send the reports via priority handling. The Office charges $15 for priority handling for a total of $45. Additional charge amounting to $8 is added for vendor processing fee. Processing will take about a week although those who want a faster transaction can ask for overnight delivery of the report. The Office will charge additional $15.50 for UPS overnight delivery.
All death records and death notices under the New York Department of Health are available through the affiliated partner VitalChek Network. The company processes credit card and online orders. For general information, one can check out several online websites that offer free services for public records. This is the fastest and easiest way to search for records without having to wait for weeks.
Looking for Free Death Records? Visit us for tips and information about Death Records and other related Public Records at Public Death Records Online.