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Obtaining Genealogy Copies

What types of records are available from the New York State Department of Health for genealogy research?

Vital records registration started in New York State outside of New York City in 1881. Generally, the New York State Department of Health provides uncertified copies of the following types of records for genealogy research purposes:

• Birth certificates - if on file for at least 75 years and the person whose name is on the birth certificate is known to be deceased.

• Death certificates - if on file for at least 50 years.

• Marriage certificates - if on file for at least 50 years and the bride and groom are both known to be deceased.

Are the time periods ever waived?

The time periods are waived for direct-line ancestors. A direct line ancestor is a person in the direct line of descent, i.e., the child, grandchild, great grandchild of the person whose record is requested. The direct-line ancestor applicant must provide the following:

• Proof of their relationship to the person whose record they are requesting.

• Proof of the death of the person whose birth certificate they are requesting.

• Proof of the death of the bride and groom whose marriage certificate they are requesting.

Are there exceptions to the types of records generally available from the New York State Department of Health?

There are three (3) exceptions.

• 1. The New York State Department of Health does not file records of births and deaths that occurred in New York City and marriage licenses that were obtained in New York City. To obtain information about genealogy services available for New York City records, please visit the New York City Municipal Archives web page.

• 2. The New York State Department of Health does not file records of birth, death and marriage from the Cities of Albany, Buffalo and Yonkers prior to January 1, 1914. To obtain records from these municipalities contact the Local Registrar for birth and death record requests or the City Clerk for marriage record requests. The addresses follow:

• For birth and death record requests submit request to the Local Registrar of the appropriate city:

• For marriage record requests submit request to the City Clerk of the appropriate city:

3. For the period 1881 through 1897 the New York State Department of Health does have records of birth for the City of New York boroughs of Queens and Richmond.

What is the fee for a genealogy copy?

The standard fee for a genealogy copy is $22.00 - This includes a copy of the certificate and a three-year search of the index and either a copy of ?the record or a no record report. When more than a three-year search is requested, the fee is higher.

The fee applies separately to each record requested. For example, the fee for a request consisting of one birth record (1-year search for $22.00), plus one death record (24-year search for $82.00), plus one marriage record (11-year search for $62.00) is a total of $166.00

How long will it take?

Processing a genealogy request may take from two weeks to one (1) month.

How do I place an order for a genealogy copy?

• 1)      Appear in person with valid ID

Identification Requirements:

Application must be submitted with copies of either A or B

1. One (1) of the following forms of valid photo-ID

• Driver license

• Non-driver license

• Passport

• Employment ID

2. Three (2) of the following showing the applicant's name and address

• Utility or telephone bills

• Letter from a government agency dated within the last six (6) months

2) Obtain a copy by mail by submitting a request to:

Susan Miller
Town Clerk
Town of Poughkeepsie
1 Overocker Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
(845) 485 -3620

Include a money order for the fees listed above made out to the Town of Poughkeepsie and have your signature notarized on the letter. Include as much information as is known for the request.