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- 1). Determine where the person whose death certificate is sought passed away. In New York, there are two different entities responsible for maintaining death certificates. For persons passing away in the five boroughs of New York City (which include the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island), apply to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. For all other regions, apply to the New York State Department of Health.
- 2). Determine whether one has an automatic right to receive the death certificate. The parent, spouse or child of the deceased person has such a right. If you do not possess this right, provide a written letter to the agency indicating why you are seeking the death certificate.
- 3). Obtain and complete a Death Certificate Request Form from either the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene or the New York State Department of Health. This form may be downloaded from the New York State Department of Health at http://www.health.state.ny.us/vital_records/death.htm, and from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene at http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/home/home.shtml. This form requests all information known about the deceased person, the relationship of the requesting party, and the reason for the application. In addition, provide a drivers license and at least two bills to prove your residence at the address.
- 4). Provide payment of the fee. Currently, the standard processing fee is $30.00. If you need the death certificate quickly, there is a $45.00 fee for expedited processing.
Steps to Follow to Obtain a New York State Death Certificate
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