Genealogical Research & Applications
Health Commissioner's Administrative Rules and Regulations
Summary
1. Genealogical Research
Uncertifed copies or abstracts from records of birth, death, and marriage may be provided for genealogical research purposes subject to the restrictions specified in this summary. All requests must be submitted in writing and include payment of the applicable statutory fee. The applicant shall be required to pay the specified fee for the time spent for the search and uncertified copy of notification of no record.
2. Who is authorized to do the searching?
 Record searches shall be conducted only by the following persons in the files maintained by their respective agencies:
  • Authorized employees of the State Deptartment of Health
  • A local registar, deputy registar, or an authorized employee of the registrar
  • A town or city clerk, deputy clerk, or an authorized employee of the town or city clerk
3. What records are available?
  • No information shall be released from a record of birth which has been placed in a confidential file pursuant to Public Health Law Section 4138.
  • No information shall be released from a record of birth unless the record has been on file for at least 75 years and the person to whom the records relates is knowen to the applicant to be deceased.
  • No information shall be released from a record of death unless the record has been on file for at least 50 years.
  • No information shall be released from a record of marriage unless the record has been on file for at least 50 years and the parties to the mariage are knowen to the applicant to be deceased.
  • The time periods specified in (3B), (3C), and (3D) are wavied if the applicant is a descendent or has been designated to act on behalf of a descendent of the person whose record is being requested. A descendent is a person in the direct line of descent. The applicant shall provide documentation of descendency prior to the release of information in those instances where a wavier of the waiting period is requested. A party acting on behalf of a descendent shall further provide documentation that the descendent authorized the partyto make such application.
4. Genealogy Fee Schedule:
Fee Schedule per one speeling of name. Fee varies depending on requested number of years to be searched. Unused fees will be returned. Fees start at $22. If someone sends to the state they charge the increasing fee schedule for searches.
General Information and Application for Genealogical Services (.pdf, 76 kb)
Theresa Cooper
2320 Co. Rte. 7
Oswego NY 13126
Phone (315) 343-2586 / Fax (315)343-4414
Email
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