Birth Certificates

For information on obtaining a Pre-Adoption Birth Certificate please go to https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/obtaining_birth_certificate.htm

Beginning January 15, 2020 orders for a Pre-Adoption Birth Certificate can be placed directly through https://www.vitalchek.com/

 

A Long Form (Certified Birth Certificate or Transcripts of Birth) can be issued to:

  • The person named on the birth certificate, if 18 years of age or older.
  • The parent(s) of the person named on the birth certificate.   
  • A person with notarized consent to release from the person or parent(s) named on the certificate. 
  • A person with a New York State Court Order date stamped by the court within the last six months.
  • The lawful representative of person or parent(s) named on the certificate.
  • A municipal, state, or federal agency when needed for official purposes.

A Short Form (Certification of Birth*) can be issued to:

  •   The person named on the certificate is under 18 years of age. 

*Please note that the Short Form/Certification of Birth does not list parents’ names and may not be accepted by all agencies.

 

Ordering birth certificates:

Certified birth certificates can be ordered in person, by mail, or by fax. Please note, certificates ordered by mail or fax will be shipped First Class (regular) USPS mail, documents will not be faxed.

To order a certified birth certificate by mail or fax:

Qualified applicants may:

- Print and complete the application for a certified birth certificate.

        or

- Compose a written request containing the following information:

  1. Full name as it appears on the birth record, adopted name if applicable
  2. Full date of birth
  3. The full maiden name of the mother listed, adopting mother's maiden name if applicable
  4. Full name of the father listed, adopting father's name if applicable
  5. Name and mailing address
  6. Signature
  7. Phone number

- Include:

  • A legible photocopy of your qualifying driver’s/non-driver’s license or have your signature notarized.
  • Payment or payment information
  • If you are not the parent or person named on the certificate include legal proof of custody, Power of Attorney, or Consent to Release Birth Certificate form. To avoid potential issues when faxing multiple documents, use USPS mail or e-mail for third-party orders.

Incomplete or ineligible requests will not be processed; fees are not refundable.

Routinely certificates are processed and shipped within 2-4 business days; however, if a record has been corrected or amended it may not be readily available, allow 4-6 weeks.

Contact this office before attempting to use an express mail service as we cannot guarantee immediate processing, limitations, and extra fees apply.

Please use one ordering method, sending multiple requests may result in multiple charges.

Mail requests to:                                                                 

Chemung County Vital Records
P.O. Box 588
Elmira, NY  14902-0588                

International orders, please include a self-addressed, postage paid envelope.

Fax 607-737-0437 please allow for transmittal time before calling. You must call this office to verify that your fax was received, is complete and legible, and to provide your credit/debit account information if not included on your application. Call 607-737-2018 between 9am and 11:30am or 1pm and 4pm (Easter Standard Time, Mon. thru Fri.)

Related Forms:

Certified Birth Certificate Application  

Note: