Search Rensselaer County Birth Records

Rensselaer County birth records are maintained by the local registrar in the town or city clerk's office where the birth occurred. The Rensselaer County Clerk's Office maintains land records but not birth certificates. City of Troy maintains its own records before 1914. Whether you need a record for personal use, a passport, or genealogy research, Rensselaer County has options. The state keeps records from 1881 for areas outside New York City.

Finding Birth Records in Rensselaer County

Rensselaer County birth records are maintained by the local registrar in the town or city clerk's office where the birth occurred. The Rensselaer County Clerk's Office maintains land records but not birth certificates. City of Troy maintains its own records before 1914.

The Rensselaer County Clerk's Office is located at 105 Third Street, Troy, NY 12180. The phone number is (518) 270-4080. The County Clerk does NOT maintain birth records. Birth and death records are filed with the clerk of the city, town, or village where the event occurred. The County Clerk maintains land records and court documents.

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 Rensselaer County.

The Rensselaer County 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.

State Records for Rensselaer County

The NYS Department of Health Vital Records Section holds birth records for Rensselaer 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.

Rensselaer County Birth Records for Genealogy

The New York State Archives holds microfiche indexes to birth records that include Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer 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 City of Troy Vital Records 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 Rensselaer County Birth Records

There are three main ways to get a Rensselaer 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 Rensselaer County, include:

• Full name on the birth certificate
• Date of birth
• Place of birth within Rensselaer County
• Mother's maiden name
• Your relationship to the person named
• A copy of your photo ID

Rensselaer County Birth Record Resources

The Rensselaer County 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.

Cities in Rensselaer County

Rensselaer County includes several communities. The following cities have their own pages with local birth record details.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Rensselaer County. If you are not sure which county handles your birth records, check the location where the birth took place.