Don't guess which office to contact. Follow this order:
- Birth & death certificates: Order from the state health department or the county where the event occurred.
- Marriage certificates: Go to the county Clerk (or Recorder) where the marriage license was issued.
- Divorce records: Go to the court where the divorce was filed — usually the county circuit or district court.
Every source on this page is verified by SearchSystems.net — est. 1997.
Use the databases below to search New York vital records.
Search New York by Record Type
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get New York vital records? ▼
Start with the strategy box at the top of this page. It tells you exactly where to order birth certificates, death records, marriage certificates, and divorce records in New York.
Is there a single office for all New York vital records? ▼
It depends on the record type. Birth and death certificates usually go through the state health department. Marriage licenses go through the county. Divorce records go through the court. Use the databases listed on this page.
How long does it take to get New York vital records? ▼
Processing times vary by office and method. Online orders are typically fastest. Mail orders can take 2-6 weeks. In-person requests at the issuing office are usually same-day if records are available.