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Last week I received a post card from the state, informing me that in order to renew my drivers license in February, I would need to present a certified copy of my birth certificate, complete with "raised seal," or a valid passport. Well, my birth certificate is some 46 years old, and if the seal on it was raised once, it's not any more... I was told that I needed to get a replacement. So I tried contacting the appropriate people at the NY State Dept of Health. Well, THEY don't take care of vital records documents like birth and death certificates. They contract it out.

I could get my birth certificate through the mail, but I was informed it would be AT LEAST 6 to 8 weeks. But here's the kicker... The cost of each certified birth certificate would be $30! Talk about highway robbery! But wait, it gets better. Since I can't afford to lose my drivers license if it takes longer than 8 weeks, I'm having my request "expedited." According to the service, I can expect my certificates in 10 days to 2 weeks. And it only adds another $15 to the cost of EACH birth certificate! Add on the $7.50 "transaction fee," and the total to have 2 certified birth certificates shipped to me is just shy of $97.50!

Mark

>>>>>>The cost of each certified birth certificate would be $30! .... it takes longer than 8 weeks,<<<<<<<

You might try the local City Clerk or County Clerk where you were born, they are usually cheaper and faster.

In my own state of birth you can get BCs from the local town/city clerk (where vital records are initially filed), or you can go through the state Registrar but at a much higher cost because they outsource that function to a third-party for-profit processor.

It’s like registering a business: you can easily go directly to your state Corporation Commission, or for twice the price through a third-party.

I am 100 percent certain that most local Registrars in NY can provide you with your BC for a nominal fee and usually with walk-in service.