Registrar

DEATH CERTIFICATES

A death certificate is filed with the municipality Registrar in which the death occurred within 72 hours of the death. A funeral director or coroner usually handles such filing.

Who is eligible to obtain a copy of the death certificate?

1) The surviving spouse, parent, child, sibling, domestic partner (must show proof), or designated agent (usually the person working with the funeral home).

2) Other persons with a documented lawful right or claim,  documented medical need, or a New York State Court Order, Government Agency (stamped for official purposes only), or Attorney (must represent someone authorized to receive a copy).

Note: If a request for a copy of a death certificate is within six months from the time of death, and a funeral director handled the arrangements, that director acting on behalf of the family may request a copy or copies

What is a lawful right or claim?

A lawful right or claim must be documented if the applicant is not the decedent's spouse, parent, child, sibling, or domestic partner. An example of a lawful right or claim would be a death record needed by the applicant to claim a benefit. Documentation would consist of an official letter from the agency verifying that to process the claim; the applicant must provide a copy of the requested death record.

Identification Requirements - The application must be submitted with copies of either A or B:

A. One of the following forms of valid photo ID:

Driver license

State-issued non-driver photo-ID card

Passport

U.S. Military issued photo-ID

                      OR

B. Two of the following showing the applicant's name and address:

Utility or telephone bills

Letter from a government agency dated within the last six months

Note: If you are applying for a copy of a death certificate via the mail and your driver's license does not reflect the address to which you want the certificate mailed, you must have your signature notarized.

A fee of $10.00 per certified copy of a death certificate is charged. Fees are payable by cash or check ONLY. 

Lynne M. Buchanan, Registrar 518-356-1980 (x1059)

Tammy Kennedy, Deputy Registrar 518-356-1980 (x1045)