Bureau of Vital Statistics – New York, NY

Official Vital Records Office

Institution Overview

The Bureau of Vital Statistics, located within the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene at 125 Worth Street, is the official custodian of birth and death records for the five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island). This specific office (Room 144) handles the in-person processing and issuance of certified copies of these essential documents. It is a critical facility for citizens requiring proof of identity for passports, schools, or employment.

Records Availability

The bureau maintains a vast archive, but specific date ranges apply for immediate issuance:

• Birth Certificates: Available for those born in NYC from 1910 to the present.
• Death Certificates: Available for deaths occurring in NYC from 1949 to the present.
• Older Records: Records pre-dating these years are typically held by the NYC Municipal Archives, not this office.

Visit Policy: Appointment Only

Crucially, this office operates on a strict appointment-only basis for in-person orders. Walk-ins without an appointment are generally turned away or directed to schedule online. The Department strongly recommends using the approved online vendor (VitalChek) to order certificates to avoid travel and wait times.

Identification Requirements

Strict identity verification is enforced. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification (such as a driver's license or passport) that matches the name on the application. Attorneys and third parties require specific notarized authorization.