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

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO OBTAIN A BIRTH CERTIFICATE COPY?

• The person named on the birth certificate.
• A parent of the person named on the birth certificate (requesting parent's name must be listed on the birth certificate)
• Only by order of a New York State Court or a Government agency for a legal or proper purpose may a spouse, child or other persons obtain a copy of a birth certificate.
• If you have custody of a minor under the age of 18, you will need custody papers that are no older than 6 months otherwise you must obtain an updated copy from the court.
• NYS Court Order

General Inquiries:

sadler@city-buffalo.com

(716) 851-5432 (716) 851-5431

2. What Type of Identification Can I Use to Obtain a Birth 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

General Inquiries:	sadler@city-buffalo.com	(716) 851-5432
24 Hour General Information Line:		(716) 851-5431

3. How Can I Request a Birth Certificate?

Birth 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.

• Note: Wallet-sized photo birth certificates are available (only in person) for $25. The same criteria applies if you were obtaining a hardcopy birth certificate.

• 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. An additional fee is charged by VitalChek 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 birth certificate, date of birth, hospital, father’s name, mother’s maiden name, 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.

Mail-In Request Questions:	bdockery@city-buffalo.com
General Inquiries:	sadler@city-buffalo.com	(716) 851-5432
24 Hour General Information Line:		(716) 851-5431