Ordering Death Certificates By Mail

Payment may be made by check or money order. The fee is $30.00 for the first certified copy and $15.00 for each additional copy of the same certificate when ordered at the same time. Express Mail (2 to 3 day delivery) is available for an additional $20.00. FedEx Standard Overnight Delivery is available for an additional $25.00. All other orders will be sent U.S. Mail. Regular mail requests will take approximately 7-10 business days to be processed.
A person may get a copy of a death record if they are the spouse, child*, or the parent of the deceased. If you are not one of the above listed, a letter or document on letterhead from the office or the agency that needs the death certificate for a legal purpose must be submitted with the request.

• 1. Print the Request for a Death Certificate form.
  2. Complete and sign the form.
  3. Include a check or money order payable to the Office of Vital Statistics. A phone number must be included on the check.
  4. Include a signed copy of your identification. Examples of acceptable identification are:
      • Photo Driver License
      • Non-Driver Photo License
      • Passport
      • Military ID with signature
      • Employer's Photo ID with signature
      • Photo Social Services Card with signature
  5. Please be sure that your identification is signed.
  6. Mail the request to: Office of Vital Statistics, 421 Montgomery Street, Room 20 Basement Civic Center, Syracuse, NY 13202
  Please note: A Death Certificate will not be issued unless a completed request form, copy of your identification and payment are received. Please make sure the copy is readable. Enlarging image on copier may help legibility.

*A child of the deceased must also provide a copy of their own birth certificate showing deceased parent listed as proof of relationship.