Death Certificate Request

• Office hours:  Monday through Friday
  
  SUMMER:  July 1st - August 31st  8:30am - 4:00pm
  WINTER:  September 1st - June 30th  8:30am - 4:30pm
  Closed Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays

Requesting a record in Person: You must provide proper identification and meet eligibility requirements depending on the type of document you are seeking. The fee is $10 per certificate payable by money order, credit card or cash.

Requesting a record Via Internet: Orders can be processed with a credit card at www.vitalchek.com

Requesting a record Via Mail: Orders are processed within 7-10 days from receipt of mail request and the following information must be included:

• Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
• Money order payable to the City Clerk ($10 per certificate)
• Copy of valid identification
• 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

Who is eligible to obtain a death certificate copy?

        -  The spouse, parent or child of the deceased - children must prove relationship through their birth certificate
        -  Other persons who have a:

• Documented lawful right or claim

• Documented medical need

• New York State Court Order or a Government agency for a legal or proper purpose only

What is a lawful right or claim?

If the applicant is not the spouse, parent or child of the decedent, a lawful right or claim must be documented.  An example of a lawful right or claim would be a death record 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.

Identification Requirements - application must be submitted with copies of either A or B:

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

     - Drivers license with photo
     - Non-driver photo ID card
     - Passport
     - Other government issued photo ID

                                       OR

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

     - Utility bills (gas, electric, phone, cable)
     - Paycheck stubs
     - Social Services card
     - Social Security card
     - Health Insurance card
     - Mortgage/Rental lease statement

Important Notes:

Failure to include necessary identification will result in rejection of your application.

A copy of Passport is required if request is made from a foreign country that requires a U.S. Passport for travel.