New York State Death Records

New York began statewide registration of births, marriages, and deaths ("vital records") in 1880-81, under supervision of the State and local boards of health. Compliance with the law was incomplete until 1913 or even later; therefore certificates are lacking for many events.

Several of the State's larger cities recorded vital events for varying periods of time prior to 1880; see below for more information. An 1847 law required the school districts in each town to collect vital statistics. They ceased doing so after a few years. (The State Archives and State Department of Health hold no records created under the 1847 law.)