Death certificate · New York
How to get a death certificate in New York
In New York, certified death certificates are issued by the New York State Department of Health — or NYC Health for deaths in the five boroughs. The first certified copy costs $30 (NYS) / $15 (NYC) per copy, with additional copies at Same per-copy fee. For deaths outside New York City, order from the NYS Department of Health. For deaths in the five boroughs, order from NYC Health. Online ordering goes through VitalChek.
- Where to order
- New York State Department of Health — or NYC Health for deaths in the five boroughs — official site
- Cost
- $30 (NYS) / $15 (NYC) per copy first copy; Same per-copy fee.
- How to order
- For deaths outside New York City, order from the NYS Department of Health. For deaths in the five boroughs, order from NYC Health. Online ordering goes through VitalChek.
- Good to know
- New York City and the rest of the state run separate vital-records systems — order from the right one.
Common questions
- How much is a death certificate in New York?
- The first certified copy is $30 (NYS) / $15 (NYC) per copy, and additional copies ordered at the same time are Same per-copy fee. Third-party online vendors add a service fee.
- How many death certificates do I need?
- Most families order 10 or more certified copies. Each bank, insurer, brokerage, and government agency typically wants its own certified original, not a photocopy, so it's better to over-order than to wait for more later.
- Who can order a death certificate?
- Usually the next of kin, the executor, or someone with a documented legal or financial interest. The funeral home can order certified copies on the family's behalf when it files the death certificate.
General guidance, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change — confirm with the New York vital-records office.