How much does a new birth certificate cost after adoption in New York?

A new birth certificate after adoption in New York typically costs $15–$30 per certified copy.

Most states charge $15–$30 per certified copy.

How to obtain it:

1. After the adoption is finalized, the Family Court or Surrogate's Court sends the adoption order to New York State Department of Health Vital Records

2. You submit an application to New York State Department of Health Vital Records for a new birth certificate

3. The new certificate is issued with the adoptive parent's name

4. The original birth certificate is sealed (not destroyed)

Timeline: Usually 4–8 weeks after the court sends the order

How many copies to order: We recommend 3–5 certified copies for:

• School enrollment and records
• Passport application
• Health insurance enrollment
• Driver's license (when the child is old enough)
• Your personal family records

What the new certificate shows:

• Child's legal name (including any name change from the adoption)
• Both legal parents: your spouse and you
• Original birth date and birth location (these do not change)

We include detailed instructions for ordering the new birth certificate in your document package ($349).