Obtaining Original (Pre-Adoption) Birth Certificate for Adoptees

Pre-Adoption Birth Certificates can be ordered online


Overview

For Adoptees Born in New York City:

Adoptees born within the five boroughs of NYC should contact the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, or visit their webpage at http://www.nyc.gov/vitalrecords for ordering information.

Requirements

Who is eligible to get a copy of a pre-adoption birth certificate?

  • An adoptee who is 18 years of age or older
  • Direct Line Descendants - A Direct Line Descendant is a child, grandchild, or great grandchild, etc. of the adoptee
  • A lawful representative of the adopted person
  • A lawful representative of a deceased adopted person’s Direct Line Descendant

What identification needs to be submitted by the applicant?

Application must be submitted with copies of either A or B:

  1. One of the following forms of valid photo-ID:
    • Driver's license
    • State-issued, nondriver photo-ID card
    • Passport
    • U.S. Military-issued, photo-ID

OR

  1. Two of the following showing the applicant's name and address:
    • Utility or telephone bill
    • Letter from a government agency dated within the last six months

Please submit a copy of your U.S. passport in addition to the above ID if you are applying from a foreign country that requires a passport for travel.

Fees

FEES (per copy)
$45

Paper Forms

Mail forms to:

New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Vital Records, PAC Unit
P.O. Box 2602
Albany, NY 12220-2602

Payment Options:

  • Online / Phone – MasterCard/Visa, Discover, American Express, ACH (Electronic Check)
  • Mail – Personal Check, Postal Money Order, or Certified Check made payable to NYS Department of Health. Payment for orders from foreign countries must be made by a check drawn on a United States bank or by international money order - Do not send cash

Questions or comments: contact the Vital Records Call Center at (855) 322-1022.