Death Certificate Change

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You can correct a death certificate for someone who died in New York City from 1949 to present. 

Who Can Correct a Record

You may correct a death certificate if you are 18 years or older and the deceased person’s:

  • Spouse or domestic partner
  • Parent
  • Child
  • Sibling
  • Grandchild
  • Informant listed on the certificate
  • Entitled party

If you aren’t listed on the death certificate as the informant, Vital Records will notify the informant of your correction request.

Ways to Request a Correction

If the facility or provider listed on the certificate made the error and it’s within 12 months of the death, contact them. They can submit the correction request electronically.

For all other corrections, you can request a correction by mail or in person. Appointments are required for in-person orders. You can't request a correction online.

You can request a death certificate correction by mail.

You must send:

  • Completed Death Certificate Correction Application
  • Photocopy of a current, signed photo ID
  • Required documents (for some corrections, you must include both originals and copies)
  • Check or money order for fee payment (if applicable)

Cost

There is a nonrefundable $40 processing fee per order for most types of corrections. The fee is the same even if you are correcting more than one type of information.

If you also want a copy of your corrected certificate sent to you, you must submit a payment of $55. It costs $15 for each copy you request.

Cash is not accepted. You must pay by check or money order payable in U.S. dollars to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Processing and Shipping

It takes 12 weeks to process the application. Delivery can take an additional 2 weeks. 

Processing time does not start until Vital Records receives your application. Allow additional time for your application to be delivered.

The Office of Vital Records isn’t liable for items delayed or lost in the mail.

Application

Online

You can download the Death Certificate Correction Application in multiple languages online.

Get the application.

By Mail

You can request a paper copy of the application by phone.

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) to request a paper copy.

You can request a death certificate correction in person. An appointment is required.

Schedule an appointment.

What to Bring

  • Completed Death Certificate Correction Application
  • Current, signed photo ID
  • Required documents (for some corrections, you must include both originals and copies)
  • Credit or debit card, check, or money order for payment (if applicable)

Cost

There is a nonrefundable $40 processing fee per order for most types of corrections. The fee is the same even if you are correcting more than one type of information.

If you also want a copy of your corrected certificate sent to you, you must submit a payment of $55. It costs $15 for each copy you request.

Cash is not accepted. You can pay by:

  • Credit or debit card
  • Check or money order payable in U.S. dollars in the exact amount to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Location and Hours

The Corrections Unit is open from Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 3:30 PM and located at:

125 Worth Street, Room 144
New York, NY 10013

Processing and Shipping

It takes 12 weeks to process the application. Delivery can take an additional 2 weeks.

The Office of Vital Records isn’t liable for items delayed or lost in the mail.

Application

Online

You can download the Death Certificate Correction Application in multiple languages online.

Get the application.

By Mail

You can request a paper copy of the application by phone.

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) to request a paper copy.

It takes 12 weeks to process a correction. Delivery by mail may take an additional 2 weeks.

You can check the status of a death certificate correction online.

Check order status.

If the relevant processing time has passed and you haven’t received your request, you can contact Vital Records.

By Email

Email correctionsunit2@health.nyc.gov.

By Phone

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) for status.

You can contact the Office of Vital Records for help with:

  • Ordering a certificate
  • Status of an order if processing time has passed
  • Scheduling an appointment
  • Refunds

By Email

Email correctionsunit2@health.nyc.gov.

Include:

  • The reason for the email
  • How you ordered (mail or in person)
  • Date you ordered

Online

Chat online with an operator Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

In Person

Appointments are required.

Schedule an appointment.

Visit:

Office of Vital Records
125 Worth Street
New York, NY 10013 (use the entrance on Lafayette Street)

By Phone

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) for assistance.

Emergency Record Requests

You can get help if you are unable to schedule an appointment and have an emergency request.

The request must be related to travel, health care coverage, government services, military, housing, or employment. If you do not have a documented emergency, you must make your request in person (by appointment) or by mail following the normal process.

Send an email to correctionsunit2@health.nyc.gov. Include a clear copy of your unexpired ID and documents showing you have an emergency. Examples include a paid plane ticket, a letter from an employer with a job start date, or a letter from a government agency with an appointment date.

If you don't have internet access or are having difficulty sending your documents by email, you can get help by phone.

Call 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) for assistance by phone.

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