Thursday 9 October 2014

Public Online Death Record New York

By Claire Dowell


Public records such as birth, marriage and death records are wonderful sources of information that might come handy in certain situations. New York death records are especially important because it can affect the loved one's situation after the person dies. Access to death records in New York can be quite confusing, as records are not kept in one location; all records are kept in the county clerk. However, it is indexed in two main repositories - The New York Department of Health and the New York Municipal Archives so one can actually go to the two locations to save time. For those who need death records prior to 1949, they can head to the Municipal Archives; for the succeeding years, records can be found at the NY Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Death records are public records; however, not all applicants are eligible to obtain a copy of the death certificate. To be able to obtain a copy of the death certificate, the applicant must be the (a) sibling, blood relative or spouse of the deceased (b) has a lawful right (ex. legal guardian) (c) court order and (d) for medical reasons. Records of deaths that occurred outside the New York state can be obtained from the county where the death occurred. Fees for the records depend on the office where the record is to be obtained.

Those who require the records for family history or genealogical purposes, they can check the Municipal Archives. Records dates back to years prior to 1949. As the Municipal Archive does not accept phone requests, researchers can email their request, mail it in or even walk in during office hours. The Office charges $15 for each record requested; however, walk in individuals could wait for the result and pay only $11. There are other services that the researcher might wish to have with their research and these could be adding (1) another year or borough to the search, (2) appending the copy with letter of exemplification and (3) additional copy. Charges depend on the additional services that one would avail of.

For death records starting from 1949, the applicants can request the information from the NY Department of Health. To request, applicants must submit a copy of their identification card with photo or utility statement with their name and full address. Passport copy is included if the request is made from a country which requires a valid US passport for travelling.

The cost of one death record is $30. For those who order through telephone and mail order, the office will send the reports via priority handling. The Office charges $15 for priority handling for a total of $45. Additional charge amounting to $8 is added for vendor processing fee. Processing will take about a week although those who want a faster transaction can ask for overnight delivery of the report. The Office will charge additional $15.50 for UPS overnight delivery.

As the Office does not accept online orders and credit card payments, applicants or those who are requesting the records can check out the partnered establishment of the Office. VitalChek processes almost all online requests. For those who require basic information such as death records or death notices, there are online search engines and sites from which one can obtain the information that they need.




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