NY birth certificate information is available to persons born in the state of New York. This information is provided by the birth records offices of the borough, county, or parish in which those persons were born. Birth certificates are not ever provided, however, to anyone but the person named on the certificate and their closest family and legal representatives.

Why is it so important to have on a hand a copy of your NY birth certificate? Quite simply, without a copy of birth certificate, life becomes much more of a pain. This certified document is a vital piece of primary identification for all sorts of transactions common and crucial to modern life.

The Importance of Your NY Birth Certificate

For instance, say you misplaced your driver's license and you need another. Without presentation of your birth certificate, the Department of Motor Vehicles of wherever you happen to reside will not reissue your license. They will refuse to do so because they will not be sure that you are who you say you are, and in these days of rampant identity theft and worse, government agencies are not taking any chances.

Before beginning a birth certificate search, some people prefer to contact the state's general information hotline for guidance or helpful information. This number belongs to the New York State Department of Vital Records. Located in the state capital of Albany, New York, it should help you with any questions you may have about obtaining a copy of your NY birth certificate.