Deceased ancestors from NY state

How to obtain your ancestors’ birth certificates in NYC and New York State (Not applicable to other states)

Requesting documents for Italian-American ancestors requires careful attention to the specific regulations of each registry office. In New York, the procedure has important particularities that must be observed. Below, we explain what to consider before starting your request. If your Italian-American ancestors were born in New York City and are already deceased, you do not need a court order to obtain certified copies of their birth certificates. However, the request must be submitted by mail and accompanied by their death certificate. COI will guide you through the process of requesting these documents. This rule does not apply to New York State outside of NYC. If your ancestor was born elsewhere in New York State, a court order is required to obtain their birth certificate. While the process can be complex, it is possible to handle it on your own. Should it become necessary, COI can assist you through each step without any additional cost to your balance.