Access Nassau County Death Index

Nassau County death index records cover one of the most densely populated counties in New York State, located on Long Island just east of New York City. Death records here are handled differently than many people expect. The Nassau County Clerk does not issue birth or death certificates. Those go through the Nassau County Department of Health instead. The County Clerk at 240 Old Country Road in Mineola handles marriage records, land records, and court filings, but death index searches must be directed to the health department or to the NYS Department of Health. This distinction trips up a lot of researchers, so knowing the right office from the start saves considerable time.

Nassau County Death Records: Where to Go

The Nassau County Department of Health handles death certificates, not the County Clerk. This is the most important thing to know. Many people call the clerk's office first and get redirected. Go straight to the health department for death index records.

The Nassau County Clerk at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY 11501 does maintain marriage records from 1907 to 1935, land records from 1899, and naturalization records from 1899 to 1987. Phone is (516) 571-2664. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. There is also a satellite office at 40 Main Street, Hempstead, NY 11550, phone (516) 572-2368. But neither location handles death records.

The Nassau County Surrogate's Court at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, phone (516) 493-3800, holds probate records from 1899. Probate files can contain death-related information such as date of death and next of kin, which can help with death index research even though the court does not issue death certificates.

Nassau County Death Index Through the State

For most death index research in Nassau County, the state is your best option. The NYS Department of Health holds death records from the early 1880s. Nassau County was formed in 1899 from the eastern part of Queens County, so pre-1899 records for this area would be filed under Queens.

Write to the NYS DOH Vital Records Section at PO Box 2602, Albany, NY 12220-2602 or call (855) 322-1022. Genealogy search fees range from $22 for 1 to 3 years up to $202 for 81 to 90 years. Processing takes 8 months or more.

Death indexes become public after 50 years. The NYS Archives has free microfiche indexes covering the statewide death index from the 1880s. These list name, date, place of death, and certificate number. For Nassau County, records in the state index begin appearing from 1899 when the county was established.

Death Index Search for Nassau County

Start with the statewide death index at the NYS Archives if you do not know the exact date. The microfiche is free to search in person. Once you find a match, note the certificate number and use it to order the full record.

If you know the date and place of death, you can go directly to the Nassau County Department of Health or to the NYS DOH. The local office may be faster for recent records. The state office is better for older records and genealogy copies.

Keep in mind that Nassau County is relatively young as New York counties go. It was carved from Queens County in 1899. If the death you are looking for happened before that year, check Queens County records instead. The NYC Historical Vital Records portal covers Queens and the other NYC boroughs for free online.

Under 10 NYCRR 35.4, New York governs death record filing and access. Vital records cannot be obtained through FOIL. Direct-line descendants can request records regardless of age with proof of relationship.

Nassau County Genealogy Resources

Nassau County has several resources beyond official death records. The Long Island Studies Institute at Hofstra University in Hempstead holds a collection of local history and genealogy materials. Cemetery records for Nassau County are extensive and have been partially transcribed by local genealogical societies.

Church records can fill gaps, especially for the period before Nassau County existed as a separate entity. Many Long Island churches kept their own registers of deaths and burials. These records can provide information not found in the official death index.

The Nassau County Surrogate's Court probate records from 1899 are another useful source. Probate files often include death dates, names of heirs, and family relationships. These can help confirm or supplement what you find in the death index.

Ordering Nassau County Death Certificates

Contact the Nassau County Department of Health for death certificates. Include the full name of the deceased, date of death, and place of death. Your name, address, and relationship to the deceased are also required. Fees vary, so check with the health department for current pricing.

For state copies, mail your request to the NYS DOH with payment. Specify whether you want a certified copy or a genealogy copy. Genealogy copies are available for deaths over 50 years old and cost less than certified copies. Allow 8 months or more for state processing.

Cities in Nassau County

Three cities in Nassau County have their own pages on this site. Hempstead is the largest town and one of the most populous places on Long Island. Oyster Bay is on the North Shore. North Hempstead covers the northwestern part of the county. Death records for residents of these areas go through the Nassau County Department of Health or the NYS DOH.

Nearby Counties

Nassau County borders Queens County to the west and Suffolk County to the east. It also has a small border with Kings County (Brooklyn). Nassau County sits on the western half of Long Island. Death records in Queens fall under the NYC system, while Suffolk County uses the standard town clerk system. If a Nassau County resident died at a hospital in Queens, the death would be filed in Queens, not Nassau.