DEATH CERTIFICATES

A death certificate is filed with the Registrar of the municipality in which the death occurred within 72 hours of such death. Such filing is usually handled by a funeral director or coroner. 
 
Who is eligible to obtain a death certificate copy?  
 

• The spouse, parent or child of the deceased
• Other persons who have a:
• documented lawful right or claim
• documented medical need
• New York State Court Order

Note : If a request for a copy of a death certificate is within six months from the time of death, and the arrangements were handled by a funeral director, that director acting on behalf of the family may request a copy or copies 
 
What is a lawful right or claim?  
If the applicant is not the spouse, parent or child of the decedent, a lawful right or claim must be documented. An example of a lawful right or claim would be a death record needed by the applicant to claim a benefit. Documentation would consist of an official letter from the agency verifying that to process the claim the applicant is required to provide a copy of the requested death record.

Identification Requirements - Application must be submitted with copies of either A or B:

A. One of the following forms of valid photo-ID: 

• Driver license
• State issued non-driver photo-ID card
• Passport
• U.S. Military issued photo-ID

B. Two of the following showing the applicant's name and address: 
 

• Utility or telephone bills
• Letter from a government agency dated within the last six months

Note : If you are applying for a copy of a death certificate via the mail and your driver's license does not reflect the address to which you want the certificate mailed, you must have your signature notarized.

There is a fee of $10.00 per certified copy of a death certificate. Fees are payable by cash or check.