Onondaga County

Note: Only the individuals listed on the birth certificate (parents or child), the legal representatives of the parents or child, or legal guardians with court ordered custody are entitled to request and receive certified copies of a birth certificate.

To Order a Birth Certificate:

1. Complete, print and sign a request form. Electronic signatures are not accepted.
2. Review the Form: Please be sure to complete the applicant and mailing address portions. Please list the child’s and their mother’s maiden name – not married name. If both parents’ names are known, please include both names. Incomplete applications may result in processing delays.
3. Payment: Checks and money orders are payable to: Office of Vital Statistics. 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. If you pay by check, you must include your phone number on the check. If the check was written by someone other than the applicant, we require a copy of the check writer’s ID as well.
4. Identification: We require identification which shows your photo, signature, and mailing address. Please make sure the copy is readable, large and clear. Examples of acceptable identification include:
   • Photo driver license with signature
   • Non-driver photo ID with signature
   • Passport with signature
   • Military ID with signature
   • Employer’s photo ID with signature
   • Photo social services card with signature
5. If your ID does not show your current mailing address, we can accept two (2) of the following:
   • Utility or phone bill from the past 6 months, showing your name and current address
   • Mail from a government agency from the past 6 months, showing your name and current address
6. If you cannot provide any ID or utility bills showing your current address, or if you need us to mail the certificate to a third-party, please fill out the Notarized Permission to Release Vital Records form.
   • This policy does not apply to law firms or other agencies requesting the record for legal or other official purposes.
7. Mail the request to:
   • Office of Vital Statistics
     421 Montgomery Street
     Rm 20 Basement Civic Center
     Syracuse, NY 13202

A certificate is only issued after a completed request form, proper identification, and payment are received.

Expedited Orders (Domestic Shipping Only)

• Priority Mail (USPS delivery 2-3 business days): Add $20.00
• Next Business Day (UPS delivery): Add $25.00
• All other orders are sent by USPS First-Class Mail. Certificates typically arrive within 1 – 2 weeks, but delivery may take up to 1 month.