If you were born in New York City but now live in another state or another country, you may be wondering whether someone in New York can simply pick up your birth certificate for you.
Unlike NYC marriage certificates, birth certificates have stricter access rules.
In most cases, another person cannot simply walk into the NYC Department of Health and order your birth certificate on your behalf.
Hi, I’m Corinne JOX, founder of Oui Oui Oui. I help clients in New York, across the United States, and abroad navigate NYC document authentication and apostille services.
If you need your NYC birth certificate prepared for international use, I can help you understand the process and handle the required New York authentication or apostille steps for you.
Who Can Order a NYC Birth Certificate?
Generally, you can order a NYC birth certificate if:
- You are the person named on the birth certificate and are at least 18 years old, or
- You are a parent whose name appears on the birth certificate.
There are also specific procedures for certain other situations, including requests involving deceased relatives, attorneys and eligible organizations.
Can I Authorize Someone Else to Pick Up My Birth Certificate?
A simple authorization letter does not automatically allow another person to order your NYC birth certificate.
This is different from some NYC marriage certificate requests, where an authorized person may be able to retrieve the record on someone else’s behalf.
If you are eligible to order your NYC birth certificate, you can request it directly from the NYC Department of Health online, by mail or in person.
What If I Live Outside New York?
You do not need to live in New York to order your NYC birth certificate.
If you are eligible to receive the record, you can order it remotely. The NYC Department of Health recommends ordering online through its authorized vendor for the fastest service.
If you need the birth certificate for use outside the United States, make sure you request the correct version for your purpose.
What If I Need My Birth Certificate for an Apostille?
For a NYC birth certificate that will go through the New York Apostille process, you generally need a Long Form Birth Certificate with a Letter of Exemplification.
When ordering the certificate, select Apostille/Authentication as the reason for your request so the appropriate documents can be issued.
After you receive them, there are two additional New York steps:
- Manhattan County Clerk certification
- New York State Apostille
This is where I can help.
I Already Have My Birth Certificate. Can You Handle the Rest?
Yes.
If you already have the appropriate NYC Long Form Birth Certificate and Letter of Exemplification, I can handle the New York portion of the Apostille or Authentication process for you.
You can send the documents to me, and I can take care of the required County Clerk certification and New York State Apostille or Certificate of Authentication.
This is particularly helpful if you no longer live in New York or if you are already abroad.
Not Sure Which Birth Certificate You Need?
Tell me which country your birth certificate will be used in and what you need it for.
I can help you understand which document you need and which New York authentication steps apply to your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order my NYC birth certificate if I live abroad?
Yes, provided you are eligible to order the record. You do not need to live in New York to request your NYC birth certificate.
Can you order my NYC birth certificate for me?
Because NYC restricts who can order a birth certificate, I cannot simply order another living adult's birth certificate as an unrelated third party.
However, I can explain which certificate you need and, once you have the appropriate documents, handle the required New York authentication or Apostille steps for you.
What birth certificate do I need for an Apostille?
For the NYC Apostille process, you generally need a Long Form Birth Certificate with a Letter of Exemplification.
Can you handle my Apostille if I live outside New York?
Yes. Once you have the appropriate birth certificate and Letter of Exemplification, you can send the documents to me and I can handle the required New York certification and Apostille steps.
Need Help With Your NYC Birth Certificate?
Not sure what you need? Tell me which country your birth certificate will be used in and whether you already have your certificate.
I can help you understand the next steps and handle the New York authentication or Apostille process for you.
For a faster response, call or text me at 914-689-0869.