Birth and death records are not public records and their confidentiality is protected by New York State Public Health Law. Vital Records are not subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Law ( FOIL ) and are not subject to public inspection.
Birth records can only be released to the person themselves once they are 18 years old, a parent listed on the birth record, a lawful representative or by court order. Birth records are not public records and New York State Public Health law protects their confidential nature.
The City of Albany only holds records for birth events occurring within city limits. A copy of a birth record for a person born in the City of Albany can be requested in person at our office, located in Albany City Hall on the second mezzanine room 254M. A birth record, for those people born in the City of Albany, also can be requested by mail, under the same restrictions for release. There is a request form to complete, and all the information pertaining to the person must be supplied, including the:
You must have identification to pick up a copy of your birth certificate or the birth certificate of your children. As a legal guardian requesting a record for a minor in your custody you must have a certified copy of the court order for the children dated within the last year. Temporary custody papers must be issued within the last six months.
We also process Acknowledgment of Paternity affidavits that can be used to have a father's name added to a child's birth certificate.
There is a fee of $15 for each certified copy of a birth record or a No Record Certification*.There is a 4% surcharge for all credit/debit card payments made in office.
Vital Statistics does not accept personal checks. Please bring cash, a money order or a certified bank check when coming into the office.
*No Record Certification is provided when a birth record is not located at time of search
Birth records cannot be mailed to a P.O. Box or third-party address unless the applicant completes a notarized signed consent, authorizing us to mail the certificate to a P.O. Box.
A money order or a certified bank check for $15 per copy must accompany the request, payable to the City of Albany. If you are requesting an expedited service, you must include a prepaid envelope to expedite the record back to you.
Processing time for mailed in applications is 7 to 10 business days upon retrieval of completed request with all necessary documentation. All mail requests must be sent to the following address:
Vital Statistics
24 Eagle Street, Room 254M
Albany, NY 12207
Birth records for individuals born in the City of Albany can be ordered through our third party source Vital Chek, under the same restrictions regarding the release of records mentioned on this page. There is an additional fee for this service of $6 that is charged by the company VitalChek Network, which supplies us with the equipment and deals directly with the credit card companies.
**Legal Guardians and Power of Attorney must physically mail in their request or come in person to place a request as original certified court orders and POA are necessary to fulfill the request. If an order is placed through our online system by either individual the order will be cancelled.
A birth record for people born in the City of Albany can also be ordered over the telephone and charged to a credit card, under the same restrictions regarding the release of records mentioned on this page. There is an additional fee for this service of $6 that is charged by the company VitalChek Network, which supplies us with the equipment and deals directly with the credit card companies. The request can be made by calling our office at 518-434-5045. Customers will be required to fax or email; the completed application, identification, and supporting documentation (if required), before we can process the request.
Please note that phone orders will not be accepted between 12 p m and 1 pm due to high volume.
For more information on NYS requirements for Apostille, visit the NYS Department of Health Apostille for Vital Records website.