New York Birth Records

To begin, add a birth record or view a list of locations and resources for New York birth records.

Out of all the states in the U.S., New York may have the most complicated process for retrieving birth records. Most states have a single agency that's responsible for birth records, but in New York, this is far from the case.

The first thing to consider is whether or not the birth in question occurred inside or outside of the five boroughs of New York City. If the birth was outside of New York City, then researchers should direct request to the Vital Records Section of the New York State Department of Health, which has birth records dating back to 1881.

If, however, the birth did occur in New York City, then those records are kept separately by the Vital Records Office of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. This office holds records from 1910 to the present. For older records which may date back as far as 1795 depending on the specific borough in question, the agency to contact is the New York City Municipal Archives.

If all this seems like too much to keep in mind at one time, then you may be pleased to learn that there might be an easier way to find the New York birth records you're searching for. An online public records finder could help you get what you need by checking a single resource-one you can check from the comfort of your own home.

To receive a birth certificate fill out the New York Birth Records Certificate Mail-in Form. Mail your application to: