Coroner/Autopsy Report Request
Autopsy/Coroner Report Requests
The information contained in an autopsy report is not public record and is treated as a confidential medical record. Please see below for instructions on how to request reports.
Autopsy Reports from 2012 and prior years can be requested from the Oneida County Clerk via the procedure below.
Autopsy Reports after 12/31/2012 must be requested from the Onondaga Medical Examiner's Office via this link: https://onondaga.gov/health-meo/autopsy-reports/
Authorized Requestors:
The Next of Kin Affidavit Notarized Form must accompany any and all Autopsy Requests for the Oneida County Clerk. Please utilize the link below to download and complete the form. Any Autopsy Requests received without this completed form will be returned to the sender.
https://www.osc.ny.gov/files/state-agencies/resources/pdf/ac934.pdf
TO REQUEST A REPORT:
If you are the legal next of kin and have completed and notarized the Next of Kin Affidavit as stated above, please do one of the following:
- Fill out our online Autopsy/Coroner Report Request Form and you will be emailed a copy of the report when completed in a confidential email.
- Download, Print and Mail a signed completed Autopsy/Coroner Report Request Form AND the completed and notarized Next of Kin Affidavit to:
Oneida County Clerk Office
Attn.: First Deputy
800 Park Avenue
Utica, NY 13501
Fax 315 798-6440
Attorneys and Insurance Companies:
TO REQUEST A REPORT:
Requests must be emailed to countyclerk@oneidacountyny.gov
Please send email requests on company letterhead and from a company email address with full signature block (including name of requester, title, agency name/address, email and phone). All requests must include a signed release from the legal next-of-kin.
Reports will be sent from the secure email address from the Oneida County Clerk; please be sure to check your spam folder.
NOTE: Examination report(s) take approximately 90 days to be completed and may take longer if additional testing and review are required by the medical examiner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive a copy of an autopsy report?
Autopsy reports are available in approximately 90 days from the date of the autopsy. The report may take longer if additional testing and review are required by the medical examiner. Every effort is made to complete the autopsy report in a timely manner.
Are autopsy reports releasable under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)?
NO, pursuant to New York Public Officers Law, Article 6, Sections 87.2.(a) and (b) and Section 89.2.(b)(ii), autopsy reports are not subject to FOIL requests.
Where can I get the death certificate?
The Onondaga County Clerk’s Office does not issue copies of death certificates. The completed death certificate is filed by the funeral service provider. To receive copies of the death certificate, please contact the funeral service provider who coordinated the services for your loved one.
