Access Buffalo Birth Records
Buffalo City birth records are maintained by the Buffalo City Clerk's Office Vital Records Division. Historical records (1878-1915) are held by the Inactive Records Center. The NYS Department of Health holds copies from 1881 onward for areas outside New York City. Local clerks may have older records as well.
Buffalo Overview
Where to Find Buffalo Birth Records
Buffalo City birth records are maintained by the Buffalo City Clerk's Office Vital Records Division. Historical records (1878-1915) are held by the Inactive Records Center.
The Genealogy Records handles records in this area. City of Buffalo Vital Records: 1302 City Hall, 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY 14202. Birth Records: September 17, 1881 - December 15, 1913 (City of Buffalo ONLY). No index available for microfilmed records - must search in person. Birth records may also be researched at town/city of birth.
The Erie County Clerk FAQ page shown below can help with birth records research in this area.
This resource provides access to records and information that may be useful when searching for birth certificates.
Buffalo Birth Records and Erie County
Buffalo falls within Erie County. While birth records are filed at the local level, the NYS Department of Health also holds copies from 1881 to the present. Mail orders to the state cost $30 per copy. Online orders through VitalChek cost $45 plus processing fees. The toll-free number for the state DOH is (855) 322-1022.
Under New York Public Health Law Article 41, Section 4130, a birth certificate must be filed within five days of the event. Section 4138 limits who can get a certified copy. The person named on the record, a parent, a spouse, a child, or someone with a court order may request one. Valid photo ID is always required.
Historical Birth Records in Buffalo
The New York State Archives holds microfiche birth indexes that cover Buffalo and Erie County through 1937. The Archives is in the Cultural Education Center in Albany. No appointment is needed to use the indexes. Staff can deliver genealogy applications to the state DOH by interagency mail.
Genealogy copies of birth records are available from the NYS DOH if the record is at least 75 years old and the person is known to be deceased. The fee is $22 for a one to three year search. Processing takes eight months or longer. Direct-line descendants can access records before the 75-year mark with proper proof of relationship and death.
The Buffalo City Clerk Information page shown below can help with birth records research in this area.
This resource provides access to records and information that may be useful when searching for birth certificates.
Getting Copies of Buffalo Birth Records
You can get a Buffalo birth certificate from the local town clerk, the Erie County offices, or the NYS Department of Health. Local clerks charge $10 per certified copy. The state charges $30 by mail or $45 online. Bring valid photo ID for any in-person request. Mail requests need a copy of your ID and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
When you request a birth certificate, include:
- Full name on the birth certificate
- Date and place of birth
- Mother's maiden name
- Your relationship to the person named
- A copy of your photo ID
Under Section 4174 of the Public Health Law, only eligible individuals with proper identification can receive certified copies. If no record is on file, you will get a No Record Certification and the fee is not refunded. For corrections to birth certificates, the NYS DOH has specific forms depending on the type of change needed. Call (855) 322-1022 for guidance.
Erie County Birth Records
Buffalo is in Erie County. All birth records for the area are filed locally and also available through the state. For more details on county-level resources, visit the Erie County birth records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Buffalo or in surrounding counties. Each has its own page with local birth record details.