Birth and Death Records

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Pre-adoption Birth Certificates

• You are the adopted person and are 18 years or older.
• The adopted person is deceased and you are their direct line descendent — child, grandchild or great-grandchild.
• You are a lawful representative for the adopted person. A lawful representative may include the adopted person's attorney or the attorney for the direct line descendant.
• If the adopted person is deceased, you are a lawful representative for a direct line descendant.

When you receive your pre-adoption certificate, it will be clearly marked as a record from a sealed file. In addition, you will also receive a copy of any documents related to the adoption that are currently on file with the pre-adoption birth certificate, such as the adoption order. You do not have to submit a separate application to get adoption-related documents that may be on file with the pre-adoption birth certificate.

Descendants Ordering a Pre-adoption Certificate

To be entitled to the pre-adoption birth certificate, you must also submit birth certificates showing a link back to the person whose pre-adoption birth certificate you are requesting.

In addition to a signed and notarized application, descendants of a deceased adoptee must also include in their request:

• If the person died outside NYC, the original death certificate of the adoptee.
• If the person died in NYC, a copy of the death certificate or the death certificate number.
• A check or money order for $15.
• A copy of your current valid photo identification, such as an unexpired driver's license or U.S. passport.
• Your original birth certificate.
• You must also provide birth certificates showing a link back to the adoptee:
  • If they are your parent, you must have your original birth certificate.
  • If they are your grandparent, you must have your original certificate and your parent's certificate.
  • If they are your great-grandparent, you must send your original certificate and those of your parent and grandparent.

  You must also submit birth certificates showing a link back to the person whose pre-adoption birth certificate you are requesting.

  How to Order

  The fastest way to order your pre-adoption certificate is to order online through VitalChek. Only the adoptee can place an order online. The processing time for every Pre-Adoption application (no matter how you order) is six weeks.

  The adoptee must apply and provide the information as it currently appears on their birth certificate.

  If you are ordering the pre-adoption birth certificate of a direct line descendant who is deceased, or if you are a lawful representative of an entitled applicant, your order must be submitted by mail.

  For mailed requests, you must include:

  • Pre-adoption Birth Certificate Application (PDF)
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    • The application will ask for information as it appears on the current NYC birth certificate (post-adoption). No information is required from the pre-adoption birth certificate.

    Along with your completed request, we will include a copy of any adoption-related documents that are on file.

    NYS Adoption Information Registry

    If you are adopted, or if you placed a child for adoption, or if you are the biological sibling of an adopted person, you may wish to learn more about your birth family. The New York State Health Department’s Adoption Information Registry can help and even facilitate a reunion.

    Orders from Lawful Representatives

    An attorney can request the pre-adoption long-form birth certificate on behalf of a living adoptee. If the adoptee is deceased, an attorney hired on behalf of a direct line descendant can also request the certificate.

    • Pre-adoption Birth Certificate Application
    • Proof of representation of the entitled party (for example, a retainer letter)
    • A copy of your current unexpired photo I.D. (such as an unexpired driver's license)
    • Proof of attorney licensure
    • A letter with the addressed envelope label noting "Attn: Attorney Protocol Request"
    • Any other items the entitled party must submit, according to the pre-adoption application form

    Chat: For more help ordering a certificate, you can chat online with an operator, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.