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1. Who is eligible to obtain a death certificate copy?

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO OBTAIN A DEATH CERTIFICATE COPY?

• The informant, surviving spouse, parent, child or sibling of the deceased – child and sibling must prove relationship with birth certificate.

For more information, please call 716-851-5440.

2. What Type of Identification Can I Use to Obtain a Death Certificate?

A. One (1) of the following forms of valid photo ID:

• Driver’s license with photo
• Non-driver photo ID card
• Passport
• Nexus Pass
• Pistol Permit
• Other government issued photo ID
  
   OR

B. Five (5) of the following showing the applicant's name and address:

A utility bill (gas, electric, phone, cable)

Current Paycheck stubs

Social Services card

Social Security card

Health Insurance card

Mortgage/Rental lease statement

Death Certificate Questions: (716) 851-5440

3. What is a lawful right or claim?

What is a lawful right or claim?

• If the applicant is not the spouse, parent, child or sibling of the decedent, a lawful right or claim must be documented. An example of a lawful right or claim would be a death record needed by the applicant to claim a benefit. Documentation would consist of an official letter from the agency verifying that to process the claim they require from the applicant a copy of the requested death record.

For more information, please call 716-851-5440.

4. How Can I Request a Death Certificate?

Death Certificate Request - for the City of Buffalo Only

• REQUESTING A RECORD IN PERSON: You must provide government issued photo ID.  The fee is $10 per certificate payable by money order, MasterCard®, Visa® or cash.
• REQUESTING A RECORD VIA INTERNET: For your convenience, you may process online requests through VitalChek Network, Inc. an independent company. They can be reached either online at www.vitalchek.com or by phone at 800-255-2414. VitalChek charges an additional fee for using their service. They accept all major credit cards. The City of Buffalo is not responsible for the operation of this service. VitalChek assumes all liability.
• REQUESTING A RECORD VIA MAIL: Orders are processed within 7-10 days from receipt of mail request.  The following information must be included:

• Enclose a written request with the following information: name on death certificate, date of death, place where death occurred, contact phone number
• Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope 
• Money order payable to the City Clerk ($10 per certificate)
• Copy of valid government issued photo ID 
• Proof of address if your address on your ID is not current and send to:

Vital Records
1302 City Hall
65 Niagara Square
Buffalo NY 14202

Fees: If no record is on file, a NO RECORD CERTIFICATION will be issued and the fee will NOT be refunded

We do not send records to third parties or PO Boxes.

Death Certificate Questions: (716) 851-5440