Obtaining authorized copies of vital records like birth and marriage certificates is an important task for many legal purposes. In New York, there are several ways to request these documents. Additionally, if you need an apostille to certify the authenticity of your documents for use abroad, the state also has a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through the steps to get birth certificates, marriage certificates, and apostilles in New York.
Gathering Authorized Copies of Birth Certificates
Whether you need a birth certificate for yourself or a family member, New York offers three convenient ways to request one:
1. Online
The easiest method is to use the official website of the New York State Department of Health’s Vital Records Section¹⁵. Follow the instructions to complete your online request.
2. By Mail
You can send a mail-in request to:
New York State Department of Health
Vital Records Section, Certification Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602¹⁵
Be sure to include all required information and payment.
3. In Person
Visit the New York State Department of Health in person at:
Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12237¹⁵
Bring necessary documentation and payment.
Obtaining Authorized Copies of Marriage Certificates
Newlyweds and long-time couples may require their official New York marriage certificate. Here’s how to request a copy:
1. Online
If you were married in New York City, use the NYC Marriage Records website. For marriages elsewhere in the state, request through eVital¹⁵.
2. By Mail
For NYC marriage records, mail your request to the Office of the City Clerk – Marriage Records Section (address varies by borough). For other parts of the state, use the mailing address provided above for birth certificates¹⁵.
3. In Person
You can visit any office of the City Clerk in NYC or go to the state department in Albany listed previously¹⁵.
Securing a State Apostille from New York
Some situations, such as presenting documents to foreign agencies, require an apostille to verify the legitimacy of your birth or marriage certificate. To get an apostille in New York:
- Ensure your documents are properly notarized with a complete notarial certificate if needed.
- Fill out an Apostille/Certificate of Authentication Request form from the New York Department of State’s website¹¹.
- Submit your documents and request form either by mail or in person:
- By Mail: Send to New York Department of State, Division of Corporations, One Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12231-0001¹¹
- In Person: Bring to either the Albany address above or 123 William Street in NYC¹¹
Helpful Links & Addresses
For your convenience, here are the key websites and locations mentioned in this guide:
- New York State Department Of Health
- Website: health.ny.gov/vital_records
- Address: Empire State Plaza, Albany NY 12237¹⁵
- New York Department of State
- Website: dos.ny.gov/apostille-or-certificate-authentication
- Addresses:
- Albany: One Commerce Plaza, Albany, NY
- New York City: 123 William Street, Manhattan, NY¹¹
Moving Forward with Your Documents
By following these steps, you’ll be able to successfully request authorized copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, and apostilles in New York State. Having these vital records in order will help you navigate important legal and personal matters with greater ease. As always, double check the latest requirements with the relevant state offices before submitting your requests.
Note: Some details in this guide are specific to New York State. Other states and countries may have different procedures.
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