New York Death Notices

By Ben Kingsley


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.

To be able to obtain these records, one must be qualified under the following circumstances - (1) relative of the deceased, (2) those who have legal rights, (3) obtained court order and those (4) who require the death records for medical purposes. Access for dead records outside the city can be gained from the clerk of the county where the event occurred.

For those who want to receive a copy of the death record for genealogy or family history purposes prior to 1949, check the New York Municipal Archives site. The office allows online order, by mail order and in person request for the death records. Vital record fees cost $15 for each record and for walk-ins; certified copies cost about $11. Telephone requests are not available for vital records request from the Municipal Archives. Extra fees or charges are charged for the following services: (1) $2 - Per year/per Borough (2) $2 per Borough/1year (3) $10 Additional record copy and (4) $5 for letter of exemplification appended in the certified copy. Shipping and handling charges depend on the total of the item(s) requested. For international shipping and handling services, the local S&H rates double up.

For records that date after 1949, researchers can request the records from New York's Department of Health Office. The Office requires the applicants to present a valid photo-id or if the person does not have one, a billing statement that is under the researcher's name and address. For those who request the records for travelling purposes, the Office requires them to present a copy of their passport.

Each death record costs $30 for priority handling; applicants are charged with additional $15 for a total of $45 per request. The Department accepts internet, telephone and mail order requests for death records. For applicants who request through the internet and phone, they will be charged $15 for handling fee and an additional $8 per transaction for vendor processing fee. Cash payments are not allowed. Processing time would vary depending on the order in which applicants avail of the service although normal processing takes about a week. For those who want to get their copies faster, they may avail of the UPS overnight delivery for an extra $15.50.

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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