Town Departments banner graphic


Town Clerk Services /  Death Certificates

Death Certificates

Copies of Death Certificates are available through the Town Clerk's Office or by downloading the application here. If the death occurred in the Town of Amherst, one of the following must make the request:

  • spouse
  • parent
  • sibling 18 years or older
  • adult child of deceased
  • informant on the death certificate
  • funeral home representative (first six months only)
  • executor
  • Other persons who have a:
    • documented lawful right or claim
    • documented medical need
    • New York State Court Order

What is a lawful right or claim?

If the applicant is not the spouse, parent, child or sibling of the decedent, a lawful right or claim must be documented. An example of a lawful right or claim would be a death record needed by the applicant to claim a benefit. Documentation would consist of an official letter from the agency verifying that to process the claim they require from the applicant a copy of the requested death record.

Proof of identification and a $10.00 fee per copy are required to receive the certificate. Acceptable forms of identification include:

  • driver's license or NYS non-driver identification card
  • passport
  • naturalization papers
  • military identification
  • employment photo identification
  • two utility bills showing the applicants name and address
  • police report of lost or stolen identification

Copies of death certificates for genealogical purposes are provided 50 years after the death unless the applicant is a lineal descendent. Genealogical orders are $22 each.

For your convenience, you may process online requests through VitalChek Network, Inc. an independent company. They can be reached either online at www.vitalchek.com or by phone at (800) 255-2414. VitalChek charges an additional fee for using their service. They accept all major credit cards. The Town of Amherst is not responsible for the operation of this service. VitalChek assumes all liability.

About Amherst

The Town of Amherst was established in 1818 and celebrated its 200th Anniversary in 2018. The town has a geographical area of 53.6 square miles and a population of greater than 122,000.

Disclaimer, Copyright and Maintenance
How to use our site

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Town of Amherst ADA Coordinators are Robert McCarthy (Director of Human Resources) and Mark Berke (Commissioner of Buildings).

Click for more information about ADA.

Website Contact

The Town of Amherst takes great pride in providing useful, timely and accurate information through its official website. We encourage public participation in our website and ask that you provide your feedback to help us make our site even better. Contact the website administrator at toawebsite@amherst.ny.us.

Get in Touch

  • General Information:
    (716) 631-7000
  • Email:
    toainfo@amherst.ny.us
  • Address:
    Municipal Building (Town Hall)
  • 5583 Main Street
  • Williamsville, NY 14221


Try our Accessibility Menu, located in the top corner, to customize your browsing experience, including options for text size, contrast, and navigation assistance.