Board of Health 125, Worth Street, NY, NY

To determine if and when someone died or the date of birth of someone, you can search the city wide death and birth records. On the first floor on the east side of the building at 125 Worth Street, go to room 138: Information. Ask for an "Application To Consult Indexes". Fill out form stating that you need to confirm date of death and list names and years you wish to search. Return to room 138 for review and approval. You will need identification such as a current drivers license. After approval you take the form next door and wait on line for a cashier. Give the cashier the form and $15.00. The cashier will give you a receipt. Take the receipt back to room 138 and the clerk will give you a pass. Go across hall to the index room which is directly behind the main information desk. Show your pass and go in.

There will be a number of indexes. Alphabetical deaths by year and births the same way. You must search every year under the name you want to be thorough. Current year is available up to 3-4 months back. There may be weekly indexes to consult which are more current. Go through each week. All indices are straight alphabetical order. Birth records are organized the same way.

Index includes last name, first name, date of death or birth and certificate number. The borough of death is also listed. Common names are a problem, as there is no way of differentiating and no addresses are listed. Birth records include the maiden name of the mother.

The death certificates themselves are not public records. They can only be obtained by next of kin. Birth records are available only to the individual or to a child's parents. Also if a person died or was born out of the city, the record will be kept in that county or city and the name will not show up on the indices.

Death certificates become public records when they are included in the file of an estate proceeding in Surrogate's Court. See Surrogate's Court section.