New York Public Records

New York is the third most populated state in the United States, with the largest city in the country, New York City. The history of the state dates back to the early 1600s, when the area was first settled by Dutch immigrants. New York played a key role during the Revolutionary War, serving as the site for more than one-third of the battles during the war. It became an official state of the Union in 1788, as the 11^th state to join and one of the original 13 Colonies that began the formation of the U.S. With a rich and illustrious history, many in search of New York public records find that these documents offer vital information about the people that have lived and died in the state. 

Launching a New York public records search may take the researcher to various government offices, where records are categorized according to document type, date of event and event location. With many offices to choose from in your public record search in New York, it is important to get an overview of how records storage works in the state to streamline your search and make it as efficient as possible. Whether you are in search of records for academic, genealogical or personal reasons, basic information about New York archives and records collection will be vital to the success of your search.

When launching a public records search in New York, consider the following tips:

Who can Search for New York Public Records

The state of New York restricts access to official copies of some public records to protect those on the documents from identity theft and other issues. Copies of birth records in New York are limited to the person on the document and his or her parents. Other immediate family members, including spouse, children and others may only obtain access to the document by a court order issued by the state. By the same token, New York death certificates are limited to a spouse parent or child of the deceased, or someone who has direct claim to the document for legal or medical reasons.

New York marriage and divorce certificates are limited in a similar fashion. Those who can obtain copies of these documents include the spouses on the certificate or those with a court order.  NY birth records are made public in the state 75 years after the date of birth, and death and marriage certificates become open to the public 50 years after the date of the event.

New York Public Records Locations

Those in search of vital records in New York will find the New York Department of Health to be the best place to launch their research. This state office holds all birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates for the state, dating back a century or more for most documents. Birth certificates for New Yorkers date back from 1910 to present; death certificates date from 1949, and marriage certificates date back to 1930. Dissolution of marriage certificates date back to 1963 at this state office.

Those looking for New York gov public records that date back even earlier have additional options at their disposal. The New York City Office of Municipal Archives features certificates that date back prior to the dates listed above for birth, death and marriage certificates. The New York State Archives also cover documents that date back earlier – all the way to 1880 in some cases – for people who were born, married or died outside New York City limits.

Public Records Online for New York State

To provide sufficient speed and convenience to those in search of public records in New York, there is an online New York public records search option.  The state’s Department of Health partners with the VitalChek service to allow interested parties to search for documents and order copies right from the Internet. There is an additional fee to use the VitalChek service.