Requests for Death Records

The applicant must provide the decedent's name and date of birth, along with any additional information required by the local registrar. The Application for Copy of Death Record (PDF) must be signed. If the request is made by someone other than the spouse, parent or child of the deceased, the application or letter must be accompanied by supporting documents establishing a legal right or claim to obtain a certified copy or transcript, or a judicial or other proper purpose to obtain a certificate.

A certified copy or certified transcript of a death certificate may be issued:

• To a person with a New York State Court Order issued on a showing of necessity
• To the spouse, parent or child of the deceased
• To the lawful representative of the spouse, parent or child of the deceased
• To a person requiring the record for a documented legal right or claim
• To a person requiring the record for a documented medical need
• To a municipal, state or federal agency when needed for official purposes

Legal Right or Claim

A legal right or claim is established on the basis of documentation demonstrating that the requester has a legal need requiring a copy of the death certificate. Some examples follow:

• Letter from the bank of the surviving joint account owner requesting proof of the death of the deceased account owner
• Letters Testamentary from a person claiming to be the executor or executrix of the estate
• Insurance policy showing the requester is a beneficiary