Rochester Death Index
Rochester death index records are handled through the Monroe County Office of Vital Records. As the largest city in Monroe County and the third largest in New York State, Rochester has a significant volume of death records going back well over a century. This page covers the offices to contact, appointment requirements, fees, online ordering, genealogy resources, and other ways to find death records connected to the Rochester area.
Rochester Death Index Overview
County That Handles Rochester Death Records
Rochester is in Monroe County. The Monroe County Office of Vital Records is the main source for death certificates covering the Rochester area. Unlike some New York cities that maintain their own vital records offices, Rochester residents go through the county system for death records.
Monroe County Office of Vital Records
The office is at 740 East Henrietta Rd, Rochester, NY 14623. Phone is (585) 753-5141. This office operates by appointment only. Walk-ins are not accepted. You must schedule your visit ahead of time.
The fee is $30 per certified copy. When you visit in person with an appointment, you can get certified copies while you wait. This is the fastest way to get a death certificate in the Rochester area. Bring your photo ID and proof of eligibility.
Online ordering is available at vr.monroecounty.gov. This portal lets you submit requests without visiting in person. Processing times for online orders vary. Extra fees may apply depending on the payment method.
How to Search the Rochester Death Index
Start with the Monroe County Office of Vital Records. They are the primary source for death records in the Rochester area. Contact them by phone at (585) 753-5141 or use the online portal to check on record availability.
For deaths from 1914 onward, the New York State Department of Health also holds copies. Reach them at (518) 474-3077. State requests are handled by mail. This is a backup option if the county office is booked up or if you cannot visit in person.
For pre-1928 records, the county office has transcriptions only. Original records from that era may not exist in their complete form. Transcriptions can still be useful, but they may not carry the same legal weight as a certified copy of an original record. Ask the office about the status of the specific record you need.
Online search options beyond the county portal are limited. The state does not run a free public death index. FamilySearch.org has some older New York death index records that may include Rochester entries. Coverage is not complete, so try multiple searches with different name spellings.
Ordering Death Certificates in Rochester
You have two main options: in person by appointment or online through the county portal.
In-person visits require an appointment. Call (585) 753-5141 to schedule. Bring a government photo ID and proof of your relationship to the deceased. The fee is $30. Certified copies are provided while you wait during your appointment.
The online portal at vr.monroecounty.gov accepts requests remotely. You will need to provide the same information: deceased person's name, date of death, your name, your relationship, and payment. Processing times vary but are generally longer than in-person visits.
The New York State Department of Health is a third option. State requests go by mail and take several weeks. The state charges its own fee. This path works best for people who live far from Rochester and cannot use the online portal.
Rochester Death Index for Genealogy
Genealogy researchers have several options in the Rochester area. The Monroe County Office of Vital Records handles genealogy requests, but processing takes 8 to 10 weeks. This is much longer than a standard certified copy request. Plan ahead if you are working on a family history project.
The Rochester Public Library at 115 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14604 is a valuable resource. Phone is (585) 428-8440. The library holds death index records on microfiche. This lets you search historical death indexes without going through the county office. Library staff can help you navigate the microfiche collection.
Pre-1928 records at the county office are transcriptions only. For genealogy purposes, these transcriptions may be sufficient. They contain key details like the name, date of death, and other vital information. But if you need a certified copy for legal use, check with the office about what form the record takes.
FamilySearch.org and other genealogy databases may have Rochester-area death records. Cemetery records from Mount Hope Cemetery and other local cemeteries can confirm death dates. The Rochester Genealogical Society is active and can point you to additional resources.
Who Can Request Rochester Death Records
Eligibility follows New York state law. Only close relatives can get certified death certificates. This includes the spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild of the deceased. You must prove your identity and your relationship.
If your last name has changed, bring documentation of the change. A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order will work. Attorneys and legal representatives can request records on behalf of eligible clients with proper paperwork.
The general public does not have access to recent certified death records. Older records used for genealogy research may have different access rules. The county office can tell you what is allowed for the specific record you need. Always call ahead rather than assume.
Additional Resources for Rochester Death Records
The Monroe County Surrogate's Court handles probate cases that often include death certificates. If someone's estate went through probate in Monroe County, the death certificate is part of the public court record. This provides a secondary way to find death information.
Local newspapers in Rochester carried death notices and obituaries for generations. The Democrat and Chronicle is the main paper. Microfilm copies are at the Rochester Public Library. Online newspaper archives may also have coverage. Some require a paid subscription.
Funeral homes in the Rochester area may keep their own records. These can supplement official records with details not found on the death certificate. Contact funeral homes directly to ask about their files and how far back they go. Church records from Rochester congregations are another potential source for older death and burial information.
Nearby Cities
Other cities near Rochester with death index pages on this site.