Apostille for Vital Records

What is an "Apostille" or "Authentication"?

An "Apostille" or "Authentication" is a means of certifying the authenticity of the signature of the issuing authority, the capacity in which the signer was acting, and the identity of any stamp or seal attached to the document. This provides countries with a means of verifying documents issued by a local authority in another country.

If you will be presenting your vital record to a government agency in another country, you should contact the consulate of that country to determine what the requirements are to have your record accepted. You may need an apostille or authentication for the record. You may also be required to have the record and supporting documents translated.

The directions below are for certificates available from the New York State Department of Health.

For records from New York City, local vital statistics offices or town and city clerks, visit the New York State Department of State web site for important information.

New York State Vital Records

An apostille or authentication for New York State is issued by the New York State Department of State. For further information and instructions on obtaining an apostille or authentication, visit the New York State Department of State web site.

If you are ordering a certificate from us and you need an apostille for it, we can help by forwarding your certificate to the Department of State which will return the certificate with apostille to you.

In order for us to forward your certificate to the Department of State, you must order by mail and pay for expedited processing ($45.00 per certificate copy) by check or money order payable to the New York State Department of Health.

Enclose a separate check or money order for $10.00, per certificate to be apostilled, made payable to the New York State Department of State (this is in addition to your payment to the Department of Health for the certificate itself). You must also include a letter telling us for which country the apostille is needed (this information is required by the Department of State).

Ordering by Phone or Internet

The certificate will be sent directly to you and you will need to send the document to the New York State Department of State yourself to get the apostille. Visit the New York State Department of State web site for information about submitting your document for apostille.

PLEASE NOTE: If you order your certificate on line or by phone and you require an apostille, you should request a "LONG FORM" (also known as a "FULL COPY" or "VAULT COPY").

To order a "LONG FORM" through www.vitalchek.com, select "Long Form" from the "What will you be using this certificate for? Reason:" drop-down box.

Translation Services

The New York State Department of Health does not offer translation services for Vital Records or supporting documents.

Questions or comments: contact the Vital Records Call Center at (855) 322-1022.