Find Birth Records in Rochester
Rochester City birth records are maintained by Monroe County Department of Public Health - Office of Vital Records as Monroe County is a consolidated health district. The NYS Department of Health holds copies from 1881 onward for areas outside New York City. Local clerks may have older records as well.
Rochester Overview
Rochester Birth Record Sources
Rochester City birth records are maintained by Monroe County Department of Public Health - Office of Vital Records as Monroe County is a consolidated health district.
The Official Page handles records in this area. **NEW LOCATION:** 740 East Henrietta Rd, Rochester, NY 14623. **BY APPOINTMENT ONLY** - NO WALK-INS. Phone: (585) 753-5141 (call M-F 9am-3pm). Fax: (585) 753-5961.
The Rochester Public Library 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.
Rochester Birth Records and Monroe County
Rochester falls within Monroe 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.
Rochester Birth Records for Genealogy
The New York State Archives holds microfiche birth indexes that cover Rochester and Monroe 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.
Request Rochester Birth Records
You can get a Rochester birth certificate from the local town clerk, the Monroe 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.
Rochester Birth Certificate Corrections
Errors on a Rochester birth certificate can be corrected through the NYS Department of Health. Form DOH-297 handles name spellings, date of birth, and gender corrections. Form DOH-51 adds a given name to a child's record. Form DOH-4092 adds a father's name when parents were married. Supporting documents are required. For hospital errors on records less than 12 months old, contact the hospital first. Call (855) 322-1022 for questions.
Rochester has a long history of vital records. The city clerk has maintained birth records since the late 1800s. For genealogy research, the Rochester Public Library has local history collections that can supplement official records. Church records, cemetery records, and old newspapers may provide additional family information when official birth certificates are missing.
Monroe County Birth Records
Rochester is in Monroe 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 Monroe County birth records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Rochester or in surrounding counties. Each has its own page with local birth record details.