After giving birth in NYC, you must complete and submit the Mother/Parent Worksheet. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) uses this form to register the birth and issue the child’s birth certificate. DOHMH will mail the birth certificate to the parents within 4 weeks of the child’s birth.
In rare cases, births aren’t registered with DOHMH. For example, if the baby was born at home or with a midwife. If you or your child don’t have a birth certificate because the birth was never registered, contact DOHMH. The registration process depends on the child's age.
Child Under One
If your child was born less than a year ago, call Vital Records.
Child One or Older
If the child was born more than one year ago, you must submit a Birth Certificate Application. The application will allow Vital Records to check if a birth certificate was ever filed with DOHMH.
If no birth certificate was filed, they will send you a letter letting you know that you must file an Application for Delayed Registration of Birth.
You will then have to submit:
- That letter
- Completed application
- At least 3 documents around the time of birth showing convincing evidence that the birth was in NYC
- Valid photo identification
A verbal interview is also required.
For an application, email correctionsunit2@health.nyc.gov explaining the situation. The Corrections Unit will send the application along with instructions.
