Buying a US cert in dollars

hasta

I have identified a cert in New York City Vital records that I want to apply for.
I have all the details I need but the application form says I need to pay by 'International Money Order' It is only $22, but having been to the bank and the Post Office, neither can help. (Bank has minimum of €400 per transaction)
Has anyone bought any certs from the US and if so, how did you manage to pay for it ?
cheers for any pointers

Coolnabacky1873

You can buy them online too. Not sure if you want a B, M, or D, so click on the 'Forms & Instructions' at the end of this page, beside the relevant vital record, and there will be an option to request a copy online.

magzer

Is there any easy way to order a marriage record in Yonkers about 1905? I'm also looking for a death record in Poughkeepsie in 1921. Thanks

Coolnabacky1873

For anything in New York state (outside of New York City) you have two choices: apply locally from the town/city clerk or from the centralized state body (State Archives or State Health Dept, depending on the year).

It is always better to apply to the town/city clerk as it can take up to 8 months (yes, 8 months) when applying from the state body.

Yonkers City Clerk genealogy
http://38.106.5.176/play/departments-a-f/city-clerk/certificates-licenses-and-permits/genealogical-research

Poughkeepsie Town Clerk
http://www.townofpoughkeepsie.com/clerk/index.html

Both of those dates should be outside of any restrictions on access.

hasta

Thanks Coolnabacky1873
It was a post 1949 one that I was after and have managed to order through Vital Check - even thought I don't fit all of the very specific criteria, they accepted my application and cert on the way ! Way more difficult and expensive than wandering into the GRO here with 4 euro.!

Coolnabacky1873

Yeah, VitalCheck is a company that has agreements with various official State bodies who have BMD's. 100% legit but obv you pay for the convenience and quick turn around.

CassieManson

hasta wrote: »

Thanks Coolnabacky1873
It was a post 1949 one that I was after and have managed to order through Vital Check - even thought I don't fit all of the very specific criteria, they accepted my application and cert on the way ! Way more difficult and expensive than wandering into the GRO here with 4 euro.!

Just curious re Vital Check - how much does it cost to get a cert and how long does it take? I am looking to get a death certificate for someone that died in Boston in 1950

Coolnabacky1873

I've never used them so I can't comment on time. From recollection of about two years ago, I think prices were about $40-$50 a cert.

If you have a specific record in mind and know the reference numbers etc., maybe hire a local pro genealogist who offers a 'one record retrieval' service. Would almost certainly be less than the above price and he/she can scan and email it to you.

Association of Pro Genealogists Directory

hasta

The price for the cert itself was $11 and the handling/delivery was about $60 for 1 week and about half that for 3-4 weeks. In my case, even though I gave them an exact date they were unable to find it - which is really strange given that I know for certain that I am correct (in this case it was the NYC Dept of Health) Would have been great if, as Coolnabacky1873 suggests I had someone who could query 'on the ground' and e mail, to save the huge delivery/handling fees. In my case that was not an option, since they would only release the cert to a direct descendent and i had to provide them with a lot of identification. Now I have to go back to them and ask for a re search for the cert. They will do for free but it's sort of a pain.

Coolnabacky1873

Oh Lordy, the NYC DoH. They view genealogy as a disease that needs to be identified, cured, and eradicated.

If you want to post (or PM me) the details, I maybe be able to offer a few alternative options.

hasta

Coolnabacky1873 wrote: »

Oh Lordy, the NYC DoH. They view genealogy as a disease that needs to be identified, cured, and eradicated.

If you want to post (or PM me) the details, I maybe be able to offer a few alternative options.

Thanks for the offer but I have returned the search request to them, along with a bunch of other info that I have to help them find the right cert. Fingers crossed this time !