Birth certificates are with us from the moment we are born. It is the very first document that we have in our possession, even when we do not know that we have it. Despite this, we simply take it for granted. In fact, we do not even notice how much we use it because it is not part of our everyday lives.
We only use it during the most important moments in our lives.
People in certain big cities like New York can be nonchalant with these documents. As we said, we do not use it daily, and in a city populated with people who might be living day to day, or who are too busy to think about it, it hardly ever crosses their minds. Until one day we do, and then we come rushing about trying to obtain your New York birth certificate.
The problem is, if you do not use it every day, chances are you may have misplaced it, and you may not know how to get one. Luckily, if you were born in one of the five boroughs, there are several ways of doing so.
IN PERSON
The traditional of the many methods, claiming your birth certificate directly from the New York State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. First, you should check your eligibility, as you’ll need to be at least 18 years old, among other requirements.
You fill in an application with a photo ID, submit it, and pay a $15 fee. Barring any problems, you will get your document at least five days before you get it. Some would even wait more than a month, so, be patient.
Also, remember that if you are going to order one in person, the department does not accept cash. So, be ready with your card, personal check, or mail order.
BY TELEPHONE
This might be unique in big cities like New York. Regardless, it is one that stood out the most because you do not see it as an option that often. However, this is normally through a third party, and maybe that is why it is unique to metropolitans.
You just need to call in your order, send the necessary documents to process the request and pay the necessary fee. Your card should be at the ready.
However, what you need to remember is you will be paying a lot more considering not only are you paying for the certificate itself, you are also paying for priority shipping as well as the agency’s fee.
BY MAIL
Very self-explanatory. The only difference is you cannot pay by card, because, how could you?
Include the personal check or money order in the mail you are sending addressed to the New York State Department of Health.
ONLINE
This has to be the most convenient way to obtain your New York birth certificate. It does not require you to talk to people, which is a huge plus for individuals with few words. In addition, you do it all at the comfort of your own home without the hassle of waiting for your attention to be called.
Moreover, weirdly enough, you do not need to submit requirements. As long as you have your name accurately put down, then you are guaranteed to be allowed a copy, but it is costly. However, there is no price too steep in exchange for convenience.
A birth certificate, in spite not using it daily, is an important document to have, and that is why, it is vital that you know the many ways you can retrieve one, and these are your options.