Birth Records in Yonkers
Yonkers City birth records are recorded and filed in Yonkers City Clerk's Office. Records before 1914 are NOT at NYS DOH and must be requested locally. The NYS Department of Health holds copies from 1881 onward for areas outside New York City. Local clerks may have older records as well.
Yonkers Overview
Finding Birth Records in Yonkers
Yonkers City birth records are recorded and filed in Yonkers City Clerk's Office. Records before 1914 are NOT at NYS DOH and must be requested locally.
The Yonkers Birth Certificates handles records in this area. Birth certificates recorded and filed in Yonkers City Clerk's Office. For individuals born in City of Yonkers only. Birth records are confidential under NYS law. Certificates only obtained with proof of ID and proof of relationship.
The City of Yonkers Official Website 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.
Yonkers Birth Records and Westchester County
Yonkers falls within Westchester 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 Yonkers
The New York State Archives holds microfiche birth indexes that cover Yonkers and Westchester 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.
How to Order Yonkers Birth Certificates
You can get a Yonkers birth certificate from the local town clerk, the Westchester 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.
Yonkers Birth Certificate Corrections
Errors on a Yonkers birth certificate can be corrected through the NYS Department of Health. Different forms handle different types of changes. Form DOH-297 covers name spellings, date of birth, and gender. Form DOH-51 adds a given name. Supporting documents are required for all corrections. If the hospital made an error and the child is under 12 months old, contact the hospital first. Call (855) 322-1022 with questions.
One important note for Yonkers: the NYS DOH does not hold birth records from Yonkers before January 1, 1914. Those older records are with the Yonkers City Clerk's office. This is a common point of confusion. If you need a birth certificate from before 1914, start with the city clerk rather than the state. For records from 1914 onward, either the city clerk or the state DOH can help.
Westchester County Birth Records
Yonkers is in Westchester 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 Westchester County birth records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Yonkers or in surrounding counties. Each has its own page with local birth record details.