New York Birth Certificate Apostille
This page follows the current NYS Department of State rules for apostilling birth certificates. The key risk in New York is submitting the wrong issuer path: NYS Department of Health records can go directly to NYS DOS, while many local and NYC records require county clerk certification first.
At a Glance - NY 2026 Rules
| Apostille Authority | New York Department of State, Division of Licensing Services |
|---|---|
| State Fee | $10 per document (NYS DOS fee) |
| Issuer Rule | Issuer determines path: NYS DOH-issued birth records can go directly to NYS DOS; local/county issuers require county clerk certification first. |
| NYC Birth Certificates | Require Letter of Exemplification and certification by New York County Clerk before NYS DOS. |
| Mail Processing | NYS DOS currently indicates at least 4 weeks for mail requests, plus mailing time. |
| Walk-In Service | Same-day walk-in counters are available in NYC/Albany/Binghamton/Buffalo/Utica; DOS limits same-day service to 10 documents per customer. |
| Mail Address | NYS DOS Apostille and Authentication Unit, PO Box 22001, Albany, NY 12201-2001 |
| Courier Physical Address | Division of Licensing Services, 1 Commerce Plaza, 99 Washington Ave, 6th Floor, Albany, NY 12231 |
| Return Shipping | Returned by first-class mail unless you include a prepaid express label. |
Most NY rejections happen at Step 2
The most common failure is sending a valid birth certificate through the wrong certification path.
- Local or county-issued birth records must be certified by that county clerk first.
- NYS DOH records signed by the Director of Vital Statistics or NYS Registrar can go directly to NYS DOS.
- NYC birth certificates require a Letter of Exemplification before New York County Clerk certification.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted Documents
Accepted
- - Certified New York birth certificate issued by NYS DOH with proper signature chain.
- - Certified local or county birth certificate that has county clerk certification.
- - NYC long-form birth certificate with Letter of Exemplification and New York County Clerk certification.
Not Accepted
- - Hospital souvenir birth records.
- - Plain photocopies, scans, or prints from a portal.
- - Out-of-state birth certificates (must be apostilled by issuing state).
- - NYC records missing Letter of Exemplification where required.
Requirements Checklist
MUST HAVE
- Certified birth certificate: Issued by NYS DOH, local registrar, or NYC DOHMH.
- County clerk certification when required: Required for local/county issuers and NYC path.
- NYS DOS Apostille Request Form: Complete country, contact, payment, and return shipping fields.
- Correct payment: $10 per document payable to "N.Y.S. Department of State".
- Return mail instructions: First-class return or prepaid courier label.
COMMON REJECTION TRIGGERS
- Issuer confusion: Assuming every NY document can skip county clerk because it says "New York State".
- Missing NYC exemplification: Sending NYC birth records without Letter of Exemplification where required.
- Bad payment packet: Wrong payee, missing CVV for card payments, or incomplete request form.
- Non-valid record: Souvenir certificate or uncertified copy.
Step-by-Step: New York Birth Certificate Apostille
Get the right certified birth certificate
Start with a certified copy from the issuing authority: NYS Department of Health, local registrar/county office, or NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
NYC note: For apostille use, order the long-form birth certificate and request a Letter of Exemplification when applicable.
Confirm whether county clerk certification is required
NYS DOS states that local/county-issued birth records require county clerk certification first. NYS DOH records signed by the Director of Vital Statistics or NYS Registrar do not.
For NYC birth records, NYS DOS directs applicants to New York County Clerk certification after obtaining the required NYC record package.
Get county clerk authentication (if your path requires it)
Bring the certified record to the correct county clerk. NYC birth records are handled through the New York County Clerk after the proper NYC issuance documents are prepared.
Prepare the NYS DOS submission packet
Include all required items: authenticated birth certificate, complete DOS-1917 request form, payment, and return shipping method.
Mailing Address (USPS):
New York Department of State
Division of Licensing Services
Apostille and Authentication Unit
PO Box 22001
Albany, NY 12201-2001
Courier / Physical Address:
Division of Licensing Services
1 Commerce Plaza
99 Washington Avenue, 6th Floor
Albany, NY 12231
Track timing and receive your apostille
NYS DOS currently states mail requests are taking at least four weeks. Walk-in same-day counters are available in listed service centers, but same-day is subject to service limits and complete paperwork.
Fees and Processing Timing
| Service Item | Current Rule |
|---|---|
| NYS DOS apostille fee | $10 per document |
| County clerk certification | Required for local/county issuers and NYC path; county fee varies by office. |
| Birth certificate issuance fee | Set by issuing office (NYS DOH, local registrar, or NYC DOHMH) and separate from apostille fee. |
| NYS DOS mail processing | Currently listed as at least 4 weeks, plus shipping time. |
| Walk-in same-day counters | Available in NYC, Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, and Utica; DOS limits same-day requests to 10 documents per customer. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need notarization for a NY birth certificate?▼
No. Birth certificates are public records, not notarized documents. The key requirement is correct issuer path and any required county clerk certification.
How much is the state apostille fee in New York?▼
NYS DOS charges $10 per document. This does not include fees for getting the certified birth certificate or county clerk certification.
Are NYC birth certificates processed differently?▼
Yes. NYS DOS specifically notes that NYC birth records require a Letter of Exemplification when ordering, and then New York County Clerk certification before state apostille.
How long does mail processing take?▼
NYS DOS currently reports that mail apostille requests are taking at least four weeks, plus shipping time.
Can I use walk-in same-day service?▼
Same-day counters are available at NYS DOS customer service centers listed by DOS. Same-day service is limited to 10 documents per customer.
Can a family member or service submit for me?▼
Yes. A third party can submit if the packet is complete, payment is correct, and return instructions are included.
Can I apostille a hospital keepsake birth certificate?▼
No. Only certified government-issued birth records are eligible. Souvenir and informational versions are not accepted.
What if my destination country is not Hague?▼
You typically need a Certificate of Authentication instead of an apostille, and some countries also require U.S. Department of State and consular legalization.
Official Sources Used For This Page
Below are the official government and convention sources used to prepare and verify this page.
New York Department of State
Expert Verified
Amelia Rivera
Senior Apostille Specialist
Last verification update: February 16, 2026
Recent verification log