Government > Departments > Vital Statistics

Vital Statistics

Denise C. Kelley
Registrar

Vital Statistics provides birth and death records for those events that occur in the City of Albany. Our records begin with September 1, 1870 and all records are maintained under guidelines and requirements of the New York State Department of Health. The Registrar and other employees of Vital Statistics deal with relatives, funeral homes, hospitals, social services agencies and others in providing accurate and legal documents. The office also makes documented corrections to certificates, can issue various certificates upon proof of entitlement under NYS Public Health law and also issues burial and disposition permits. Individuals needing copies of any of these certificates can obtain them by coming to City Hall and presenting the proper identification. Fees are $10.00 per copy for birth and death records and $22.00 for each genealogy record.

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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. A birth record, for those people born in the City of Albany, also can be requested by mail, under the same restrictions mentioned above. All those wishing a birth certificate must supply the full name at birth, date of birth, place of birth, father’s name, mother’s name including maiden name, and be able to prove their identify and verify the purpose for which the certificate is being requested.

A copy of a death record for a person who died in the City of Albany can be requested by coming in person to our office. Death records are not public records and New York State Public Health law protects their confidential nature. The deceased’s spouse, parent, child or lawful representative with proper identification can request certified copies. All other persons must have proof of why they need the death certificate as well as identification. A certified copy of a death record of a person who died in the City of Albany also can be requested by mail. Requestors must supply the name of deceased, date of death, place of death, date of birth, age, parent’s names, the deceased’s social security number, and be able to verify their relationship, the purpose for requesting the certificate and provide identification.

Under state mandated guidelines, we can also assist in genealogy research. A death record must be on file for 50 years before it can be accessed for genealogy. A birth record must be on file for 75 years and the person must be known to be deceased. The time limits specified above can be waived if the person who is making the request has proof of direct lineage to prove relationship (grandparent, parent, child) to the person whose record is being requested.

We also process Acknowledgment of Paternity affidavits that can be used to have a father’s name added to a child’s birth certificate.

Contact Information

    Vital Statistics 
    Room 254M City Hall 
    Albany, NY 12207

    Phone: (518) 434-5045
    Fax: (518) 434-5975
  

Registrar, Denise C. Kelley