Buffalo Death Index
Buffalo death index records go back to 1852 and are maintained by the City of Buffalo Vital Records office. The city handles its own death certificates separately from Erie County for deaths that occurred within city limits, including those at the VA Medical Center. This guide covers how to search the death index, request certified copies, understand who can order them, and what alternatives exist if the city office does not have the record you need.
Buffalo Death Index Overview
County That Handles Buffalo Death Records
Buffalo sits in Erie County. However, the City of Buffalo maintains its own vital records office for deaths that happened within city limits. This is different from many other New York cities where the county handles all vital records. For Buffalo deaths, you go to the city. For deaths outside Buffalo but within Erie County, contact the county clerk or the county health department.
Buffalo City Clerk Vital Records Office
The office is at 65 Niagara Square, 1304 City Hall, Buffalo, NY 14202. Phone is (716) 851-5440. Fax is (716) 851-4845. Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
This office handles death certificates for the City of Buffalo only. Records start from 1852 and run to the present. Deaths at the VA Medical Center in Buffalo are also included. Every certified copy comes with a raised seal.
The fee is $10 per certified copy. Payment methods for in-person visits include money order, Mastercard, Visa, and cash. For mail requests, send a money order only. Do not send cash by mail. Personal checks may not be accepted.
How to Request a Buffalo Death Certificate
There are three ways to get a copy. In person is the fastest. Bring a government photo ID. Walk in during office hours and fill out a request form. Payment is due at the time of the request. You can usually get the copy the same day.
By mail takes 7 to 10 business days. Send a written request with the full name of the deceased, date of death, your name, your relationship to the deceased, a copy of your photo ID, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a money order for $10 payable to City Clerk. Mail to: Vital Records, 1302 City Hall, 65 Niagara Square, Buffalo, NY 14202.
Online ordering is available through VitalChek. Extra fees apply. Important: VitalChek does not process genealogy requests or requests for dual citizenship purposes. It is for certified copies only. The extra processing fee is non-refundable even if the record is not found.
Who Can Order Buffalo Death Records
Not everyone can request a certified death certificate. Eligible people include:
- The informant listed on the death record
- Spouse of the deceased
- Parent or child of the deceased
- Sibling of the deceased
Attorneys may request records on their firm letterhead with proper documentation. No third-party requests are accepted. PO Boxes are not accepted as mailing addresses for requesters. These rules are strict and the office does enforce them.
For ID, you have two options. Option A is one government-issued photo ID. Option B is five documents that show your name and address. Most people use Option A since it is simpler.
Important Rules for Buffalo Death Index Requests
If no record is found, you get a NO RECORD CERTIFICATION. There is no refund. The fee covers the search, not the result. Keep this in mind before you pay.
Death certificate requests are not subject to FOIL (Freedom of Information Law). This means the general public cannot use open records laws to access these files. Only eligible family members and their legal representatives can get certified copies.
If your name has changed since the death was recorded, bring proof. A marriage certificate or court-ordered name change document will work. Without it, the clerk may not process your request.
Pre-1914 Death Records in Buffalo
For deaths before 1914, the City of Buffalo is the only source. The state did not start keeping death records until 1914, so older files exist only at the city level. This is important for genealogy researchers. If you are looking for a death from the 1800s or early 1900s, you must go through Buffalo's vital records office.
Genealogy records are handled separately from certified copy requests. The office treats these as different services. Call ahead to ask about genealogy research procedures and any special forms or fees that apply. Processing times for genealogy searches may differ from standard requests.
Keep in mind that Buffalo's records from the 1800s may use old handwriting styles and spelling conventions. Names were often written as they sounded. If your first search fails, try alternate spellings or shortened versions of the name you are looking for.
Other Death Record Resources for Buffalo
The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library has genealogy resources that can help with death record searches. They hold local newspapers on microfilm, cemetery records, and other historical files. The library's Grosvenor Room is the main genealogy research area.
The Erie County Surrogate's Court processes probate cases that often include death certificates. If a death record is filed with a probate case, it becomes part of the public court file. This can be a backup route to getting death information.
FamilySearch.org has some older New York death index entries that may cover Buffalo. The site is free to use. Coverage varies by year, so try multiple searches. The Buffalo History Museum also has records and resources that may help with historical death research in the area.
Nearby Cities
Other cities near Buffalo with death index pages on this site.