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Birth, Death & Marriage Records for the City of Buffalo ONLY > Death Certificate Request

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

Internet, fax or telephone requests receive priority handling and are processed within three (3) business days of receipt.  The cost is $10.00 per copy ordered plus an additional fee of $5.00 for priority handling.  If you choose to have the copy returned to you by overnight delivery, there is an additional fee.

Vitalchek services are available through a credit card on-line at VitalChek.com.  Credit card requests must include phone identification faxed to our office at (716) 851-4845.

Mail requests ordered with regular handling ($10.00 per copy ordered) will be processed within seven (7) to ten (10) days from when they are received.

        -    Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
        -    Money order payable to the City Clerk
        -    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.