June, The answer is Genealogy, as you thought. New York State Dept of Health and New York City have separate systems for vital records. However, they both are bound by the laws of the state. Death information need only be hidden for privacy reasons for 50 years. Any clerk who denies you a pre-1958 certificate because you are not closely related to the person does not know the law. If denied, you would need to speak with the clerk in charge of vital records. That person, unless it is a small locality, would almost certainly know the law. No driver's license is required for death certificates. People who need a passport need to prove their citizenship by submitting a previous passport or a certified birth certificate. They also have to prove their identity. For that, a driver's license or a previous passport would work (some other things, too). Birth certificates are hidden for 75 years. So, "passport" is a good reason for needing a certified copy of your own birth certificate or that of your children. But, after 75 years, Genealogy is a perfectly good reason for wanting a birth certificate of a person, whether you are directly related or not. Cliff Lamere ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ J.H. wrote: >I want to send for a death certificate for Yonkers. On the application there is this question "Purpose for which record is required". I normally would say "Genealogy", but I hear it's hard to get any certificate from Yonkers and someone suggested to fill question in with "Pass Port" when ordering a birth certificate. Any suggestions for death certificates? And do I have to send a copy of my drivers license? > > > >Sending for - William HOWARD # 70899 > > born - abt. 1871 - died - Nov. 2, 1916 > > > >Any suggestions with dealing with Yonkers in getting certificates would be great. > >Thanks, > >June :-) > > >