Kings Birth Records
Kings County (coterminous with Brooklyn borough of NYC) birth records are maintained by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for births from 1910 to present. Historical records (1898-1909) are held by the NYC Municipal Archives. Whether you need a record for personal use, a passport, or genealogy research, Kings County has options. The state keeps records from 1881 for areas outside New York City.
Kings County Overview
Finding Birth Records in Kings County
Kings County (coterminous with Brooklyn borough of NYC) birth records are maintained by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for births from 1910 to present. Historical records (1898-1909) are held by the NYC Municipal Archives.
The NYC Department of Health issues birth certificates for all Brooklyn births from 1910 to present. The office is located at 125 Worth Street, CN4, Room 133, New York, NY 10013. The phone number is 311 within NYC or 212-788-4520. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Each certificate costs $15 plus processing fees.
Under New York Public Health Law Article 41, Section 4130 requires the attending physician or midwife to file a birth certificate within five days. Section 4138 limits who can get a certified copy to the person named, a parent, or someone with a court order. These rules apply across all of Kings County.
The Brooklyn Historical Society 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.
State Records for Kings County
The NYS Department of Health Vital Records Section holds birth records for Kings County from 1881 to the present. Mail orders cost $30 per copy. Send requests to Vital Records Section, PO Box 2602, Albany, NY 12220-2602. Online orders through VitalChek cost $45 plus processing fees. The toll-free number is (855) 322-1022.
You can order by mail, online, or by phone. Online and phone orders go through VitalChek, the state-authorized vendor. They process orders within 24 hours on weekdays. UPS express shipping is available for an extra fee. Payment by check or money order should be made payable to the NYS Department of Health.
Birth Record Research in Kings County
The New York State Archives holds microfiche indexes to birth records that include Kings County. The indexes go through 1937. The Archives is in the Cultural Education Center on Empire State Plaza in Albany. No appointment is needed. Staff can deliver your genealogy application to the DOH through interagency mail.
Genealogy copies of Kings County birth records are available from the state DOH if the record is at least 75 years old and the person is known to be deceased. The standard genealogy fee is $22 for a one to three year search. Extended searches cost more. Processing takes eight months or longer. Direct-line descendants can request records before the 75-year period with proof of their relationship and proof of death.
The Brooklyn 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.
How to Order Kings County Birth Certificates
There are three main ways to get a Kings County birth certificate. By mail, send your request to the NYS DOH with a $30 fee. Online, use VitalChek for $45 plus fees. You can also contact the local town clerk where the birth took place. Each town clerk charges $10 per certified copy. Bring valid photo ID no matter which method you choose.
Under Section 4174 of the Public Health Law, fees are set by the state. The person named on the record, a parent listed on the certificate, a spouse, a child, or someone with a court order can get a certified copy. Everyone else may only receive a letter of no record or must provide a documented legal reason.
When you request a birth certificate from Kings County, include:
- Full name on the birth certificate
- Date of birth
- Place of birth within Kings County
- Mother's maiden name
- Your relationship to the person named
- A copy of your photo ID
Nearby Counties
These counties border Kings County. If you are not sure which county handles your birth records, check the location where the birth took place.