Letter of Exemplification

Exemplification Letter certifies that the attached NYC-issued birth or death record is an authentic and certified copy.

NYC Birth Certificate apostille

What is a Letter of Exemplification?

If you were born outside New York City, including in another state or New York State, please visit the CDC website for information on obtaining a copy of your birth certificate.

A Letter of Exemplification is an official document issued by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) that certifies a birth or death certificate is a true and complete copy of the official record on file. Here are the key details about Letters of Exemplification:

Purpose and Uses:

  • Required for use of New York City-issued birth or death certificates in certain foreign countries
  • Often needed for legal proceedings abroad
  • Serves as additional authentication of the certificate's validity
  • Commonly used for dual citizenship applications
  • It may be required for inheritance matters involving foreign countries

Key Features:

  • Contains specific language certifying the authenticity of the certificate
  • Includes the signature of the City Registrar
  • Bears the official seal of the DOHMH
  • Written in English

How to Obtain:

  1. You must first have a certified copy of the birth or death certificate
  2. Submit a request to the NYC DOHMH
  3. Pay the required fee
  4. Provide proper identification and documentation proving your right to obtain the document

Important Notes:

  • Different from an Apostille, which is issued by the NY State Department of State
  • Some countries may require both a Letter of Exemplification and an Apostille
  • Processing times can vary, so plan accordingly
  • The original certificate must be issued by New York City (not other parts of New York State)

You should check with the specific agency or country requiring the document to confirm whether a Letter of Exemplification is sufficient or if additional authentication (such as an Apostille) is needed.

Why is a Letter of Exemplification so Essential?

The Letter of Exemplification is essential for obtaining an apostille for your NYC birth certificate. It plays a crucial role for various reasons: