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CHECKLIST

FEE: $15 each certified copy

Acceptable forms of Identification:
•Driver’s license
•Non-driver’s license
•Passport
•Naturalization Papers
•Military ID
•Employer’s Photo ID
•Two utility bills showing applicant’s name and address
•Police report of lost or stolen ID

For deaths which occured within Tompkins County, click here for the form used to submit your request by Postal mail.

For deaths which occurred outside Tompkins County, click here to link to the NYSDOH

Home > Vital Records > Death Certificates

Obtaining a Certified Death Certificate or Death Transcript

General Instructions

  • Use this application only to submit your request by U.S. Postal mail.
  • Use this application only if the death occurred in Tompkins County. Contact the New York State Health Department for deaths occurring in another County.
  • Do not use this application for genealogy requests. Please visit or genealogy page.
  • Only the spouse, parent or child of the deceased may obtain a death certificate copy.    
  • Other persons must submit a New York State court order or documentation demonstrating that the death certificate copy is required to establish a lawful right or claim (see below).    
  • Other persons must submit a New York State court order or documentation demonstrating that the death certificate copy is required to establish a lawful right or claim (see below).
  • Print application and submit according to "How to get..." (below).
  • There is a $15 fee for each certified copy.

How to get a mail order copy

  • Click here to download a request form (pdf, 8K. Requires Acrobat Reader.)
  • Print and complete the form
  • Send with the following:
    • Indentification*
    • Applicable fee(s): $15
    *Acceptable forms of ID: Driver’s license, Non-driver’s license, Passport, Naturalization Papers, Military ID, Employer’s Photo ID, Two utility bills, showing applicant’s name and address, Police report of lost or stolen ID
  • Send to:
    Tompkins County Health Department
    Attn: Vital Records
    401 Harris B. Dates Drive
    Ithaca, NY  14850

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 needed by the applicant to claim a benefit.   Documentation would consist of an official letter from the agency (or attorney representing estate of the deceased) verifying that to process the claim they require from the applicant a copy of the requested death record.

updated: February 25, 2008