New York City and New York State government agencies can request certificates or verifications by mail.

You must:

• Complete a Birth Certificate Application or Get the Death Certificate Application.
• Include a letter on official letterhead saying why you need the information

Office of the Public Administrator

The New York City Office of the Public Administrator can request death records to resolve estate cases. They can receive both pending and unverified death certificates.

You must write a letter on official letterhead with the reason for your request.

Include:

• A copy of your job identification
• $15 check or money order

The Directors of Vital Records or Public Service Operations issue birth certificates on a case-by-case basis. 

Federal and State agencies can request certificates or verifications by mail.

The request must include:

• A letter on official letterhead saying why you need the information
• $15 check or money order

The Social Security Administration must also pay $15 for a certified copy of the record.