New York City Department of Health Services, 311 Phone Help, Clinics, Records & Official NYC Health Links
Use this practical guide to contact the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, also called NYC Health, find the right 311 path, request birth or death records, use NYC Health clinics, get vaccine records, check restaurant grades, apply for permits, license a dog, report public health complaints, and avoid unofficial service pages.
The right contact depends on the issue. NYC uses 311 for many public health complaints and service requests, while specific NYC Health pages handle vital records, clinics, restaurant inspections, permits, vaccine records, provider reporting, dog licenses, and mental health support.
This finder helps you pick the correct official starting point. It does not book appointments or replace NYC 311, but it helps you avoid the most common mistake: using a general contact path when NYC already has a dedicated page, clinic, permit portal, hotline, or complaint category.
For most New York City Department of Health non-emergency complaints or service requests, start with 311 inside NYC or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) from outside NYC, VoIP, TTY/711, or video relay service. You can also use 311 Online or the 311 mobile app.
New York City Department of Health phone number, services and official help
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is the city’s public health agency. For most public health complaints and service requests, call 311 from within the five boroughs. If you are outside New York City or using certain phone services, call 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675). NYC 311 is available 24/7 and provides language support for many services.
For NYC Health Department services, the correct path depends on your need. Use the official NYC Health contact page for public health reports, the birth and death records pages for vital records, NYC Health Clinics for sexual health, immunization and tuberculosis services, the Citywide Immunization Registry for vaccine records, ABCEats for restaurant inspection results, and the permits and licenses page for business licensing.
For immediate danger, call 911. For free, confidential mental health or substance use crisis support, call or text 988. Do not wait for a general email form or non-emergency 311 request when someone is in immediate danger.
NYC Department of Health fast facts before you contact 311
Official verification for this NYC Health Department guide
Publish-ready as of: May 8, 2026.
This article was prepared using official New York City government and NYC Health Department resources, including NYC.gov, the NYC Health contact page, NYC 311, birth and death records pages, NYC Health Clinics pages, Citywide Immunization Registry resources, restaurant inspection and letter grade pages, permits and licenses pages, dog license pages, 988 information, and provider reporting guidance.
NYC service rules can change. Clinic hours, appointment availability, permit processes, restaurant inspection rules, certificate ordering methods, fees, 311 complaint routing, record request steps, and public health alerts should always be verified on the official NYC.gov page before visiting, paying, mailing forms, filing a complaint, or relying on a deadline.
What this New York City Department of Health guide covers
New York City Department of Health phone number directory by service
NYC Health uses 311 for many public-facing non-emergency service requests and complaints. The direct answer is simple: call 311 if you are in NYC. If you are outside New York City or using VoIP, 711/TTY, or video relay service, call 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675). You can also use 311 Online, the 311 mobile app, or 311 text service where available.
For service-specific issues, use the right page or phone number. Sexual health clinics have a clinic hotline. Health care providers have a Provider Access Line. Restaurant inspection lookup has ABCEats. Permits and licenses have online and appointment-based pathways. Birth and death records have their own ordering pages.
Best contact strategy
Before calling, write down the service type, borough, address, business name, complaint details, certificate order details, permit number, restaurant name, dog license tag, or clinic need. 311 and NYC Health can route a specific request faster than a vague question.
What the New York City Department of Health handles
NYC Health is one of the largest municipal public health agencies in the world. It is responsible for public health programs across the five boroughs, but the services are not all handled through one counter or one phone number. Some services are online, some go through 311, some require appointments, and some are handled at clinics, permits offices, or specific program pages.
What NYC Health may not be the right office for
Many users search “New York City Department of Health phone number” for issues that belong somewhere else. Calling 311 can help route you, but knowing the likely correct office saves time.
NYC birth certificates, death certificates and official record ordering
The NYC Health Department handles birth and death records for New York City. This is one of the most searched NYC Health services because users need certificates for passports, school, ID, estate matters, insurance, immigration, Social Security, benefits, genealogy, or legal proof.
For birth certificates, use the official NYC Health birth certificate page. For death certificates, use the official NYC Health death certificate page. If the request is urgent, NYC Health may provide appointment-based in-person options. Older records may be handled through the NYC Department of Records and Information Services Municipal Archives.
Be careful with unauthorized vendors. NYC Health warns that unauthorized vendors may charge high fees for help getting birth or death certificates. Use the official NYC Health record ordering pages before paying a third-party service.
Before ordering a NYC birth or death certificate
Prepare the full name on the record, date of birth or death, borough if known, parent names when required, proof of identity, proof of relationship or entitlement, mailing address, payment method, and whether you need a regular or corrected certificate.
NYC Health clinics for sexual health, immunization and tuberculosis services
New York City Health Department clinics provide sexual health, immunization and tuberculosis services. The official clinic page explains that services are available regardless of immigration status, and if you do not have health insurance and cannot pay the fee, you can still get services.
This is important for user intent: NYC Health clinics are not the same as all hospitals or private doctors in New York City. NYC Health clinics are specific public health clinics with their own services, schedules, eligibility guidance, and appointment or walk-in rules.
NYC vaccine records, Citywide Immunization Registry and My Vaccine Record
The New York Citywide Immunization Registry, often called CIR, keeps immunization records for children and adults who live in the city. It consolidates immunization information and helps health care providers, families and public health agencies keep track of vaccine records.
For children younger than 19, records include immunizations reported by NYC health care providers because providers are required by law to report those vaccinations. For adults, reporting can depend on consent and other rules. Users can access vaccine records for themselves and their children through official My Vaccine Record resources where available.
Vaccine record tip
If a record is missing, check your provider, school records, pharmacy records, prior state records, and NYC My Vaccine Record. Do not assume every old vaccine is automatically in CIR.
NYC Sexual Health Clinics, STI testing, HIV services and hotline
NYC Sexual Health Clinics provide low- and no-cost services to people ages 12 and older, regardless of immigration status. No parental consent is necessary for eligible services. These clinics are a key NYC Health service for STI testing, HIV services, PrEP continuity, sexual health counseling and related public health support.
The NYC Sexual Health Clinic Hotline is 347-396-7959. Official clinic pages may show service updates, waiting room capacity rules, mask guidance, guest policies, walk-in availability and clinic-specific instructions. Do not rely on old screenshots of clinic hours.
NYC restaurant grades, ABCEats, food inspections and food poisoning complaints
NYC Health conducts restaurant inspections and provides restaurant inspection results through ABCEats. Restaurants in New York City must post letter grades based on sanitary inspection scores. A score of 0 to 13 is an A, 14 to 27 points is a B, and 28 or more points is a C.
The Health Department conducts unannounced inspections of restaurants at least once a year. Inspectors check that restaurants follow food safety rules. If you are a customer, use ABCEats to check inspection results. If you are a business owner, use official food service operator pages for opening a restaurant, operating a restaurant, required signs, letter grades, Health Code rules, training and permits.
NYC Health permits, licenses, renewals and Health Code fines
NYC Health issues and manages permits and licenses for several regulated businesses and activities, including food service establishments, mobile food vending and certain animal-related businesses. In-person submissions are by appointment only on official permit pages, and customers are encouraged to submit new applications and renewals online or by mail where applicable.
Outstanding fines imposed for Health Code violations generally must be paid before you can apply for or renew a permit or registration issued by the NYC Health Department. Online payment is by credit or debit card on the official system.
NYC dog license, rabies, dog bites, lost dogs and animal health services
NYC Health handles dog licensing and several animal-related public health rules. New York City dog owners are required to license their dogs and attach the license tag to the dog’s collar while in public. Users can apply online, download and mail an application, or request a paper application by calling 311.
NYC Health also provides information on dog bites, rabies prevention, lost and found pets, dog eLocator, low-cost spay and neuter clinics, service dog information, trap-neuter-return, guard dog registration and certain animal facility permits.
NYC public health complaints: rodents, smoking, air quality, food and standing water
The official NYC Health contact page points many non-emergency public health complaints to 311 Online, the 311 mobile app or 311 phone service. This includes common issues that affect apartment buildings, businesses, sidewalks, restaurants, child care programs and neighborhood public health conditions.
Complaint filing tip
Provide the exact address, apartment or business name, date, time, photos if accepted, and a clear description. A complaint like “rats outside 123 Example Street near the basement entrance” is stronger than “rats in my area.”
NYC Health provider reporting, disease reporting and Provider Access Line
Health care providers have separate reporting duties and support resources. NYC Health’s provider pages explain how to report diseases, conditions and events required by law. Providers can call the NYC Provider Access Line at 866-692-3641 for immediate consultation on public health issues.
Cases of certain rare or highly infectious diseases, suspected outbreaks and emerging public health threats must be reported immediately by calling the Provider Access Line. Providers should use official reporting pages to confirm which conditions must be reported immediately and which must be reported within 24 hours.
NYC 988 mental health, substance use support and crisis help
NYC 988 provides free, confidential crisis counseling, mental health and substance use support, information and referrals. You can call or text 988 or chat online through 988 resources. This is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Use 988 when you need mental health or substance use support, someone to talk to, crisis counseling, or referral information. Use 911 if there is immediate danger, serious injury, violence, overdose emergency, or a life-threatening situation.
Free vs paid NYC Department of Health services, records and permits
Many NYC Health information pages, 311 complaint submissions, restaurant lookup tools, clinic information pages and public health guidance pages are free to use. Some services can involve fees, including birth certificates, death certificates, corrections, certain permits, licenses, classes, business applications, fines, replacement documents, dog licenses and regulated business services.
The key point is official payment. Pay only through official NYC.gov, NYC 311, NYC Health, or clearly official city payment paths. Be careful with unauthorized vendors, especially for birth and death certificates, because they can charge extra fees while providing no advantage over the official process.
Checklist before calling 311 or visiting a NYC Health office or clinic
New York City services move faster when you bring the right information. Different services need different details, so use this checklist before calling, filing online, or visiting in person.
Do not use general NYC Health contact pages for emergencies
If there is immediate danger, call 911. If you need free, confidential mental health or substance use support, call or text 988. If you suspect poisoning, severe symptoms, overdose, violence, child abuse, elder abuse, fire, or urgent medical danger, use emergency services or the proper emergency hotline.
NYC Health and 311 are excellent for public health reports, complaints, clinic routing, certificates, permits and non-emergency service requests. They are not a substitute for emergency medical care, urgent law enforcement, crisis intervention or immediate safety response.
NYC Health Department map and Gotham Center location
The map below points to the NYC Health Department’s Gotham Center location in Long Island City. Most users do not need to visit this office for general help. Use 311, NYC Health online pages, clinic pages, certificate appointment pages or permit instructions first.
Official New York City Department of Health links for services and phone help
Use these official NYC resources before relying on directory pages, old screenshots, or paid third-party service pages.
NYC Health official website Main official New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene website. Contact the Health Department Official NYC Health contact page for 311 reports, service of process, records, media, speaker and service links. NYC 311 Online Official NYC 311 portal for non-emergency complaints, service requests and status checks. Contact NYC Government Official NYC page explaining 311, 212-NEW-YORK, SMS, online and mobile app contact options. NYC birth certificates Official NYC Health page for birth certificate ordering, urgent appointments and older record direction. Order birth and death records Official NYC Health page for ordering birth and death records and avoiding unauthorized vendors. NYC Health Clinics Official clinic page for sexual health, immunization and TB services. NYC Sexual Health Clinics Official clinic page for sexual health services, hotline information and patient safety updates. NYC vaccine records Official vaccine record page connected to the Citywide Immunization Registry. Citywide Immunization Registry Official CIR page for NYC immunization record reporting and registry information. ABCEats restaurant inspection results Official NYC restaurant inspection lookup tool and restaurant grade resource. Restaurant letter grading Official NYC Health page explaining restaurant grade scores and grade posting. NYC Health permits and licenses Official permit, license, renewal, fine and inspection appointment information. NYC dog licenses Official page for applying, renewing or replacing a NYC dog license. NYC 988 Official NYC 988 page for mental health and substance use crisis support.New York City Department of Health FAQ
What is the New York City Department of Health phone number?
For most NYC Health non-emergency service requests, call 311 from within New York City. From outside NYC or certain phone services, call 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675).
What is the official name of the NYC Department of Health?
The official name is the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. It is commonly called NYC Health or the NYC Health Department.
How do I contact NYC Health from outside New York City?
Call 212-NEW-YORK or 212-639-9675. NYC also provides online, mobile app and text-based 311 options for many services.
Where do I order a NYC birth certificate?
Use the official NYC Health birth certificate page. If your request is urgent, check appointment options and eligibility before visiting in person.
Where do I order a NYC death certificate?
Use the NYC Health birth and death records ordering page. Confirm required documents, eligibility, fees, delivery method and whether corrections are needed before ordering.
Does NYC Health provide sexual health services?
Yes. NYC Sexual Health Clinics provide low- and no-cost services for people age 12 and older, regardless of immigration status. The clinic hotline is 347-396-7959.
How do I get NYC vaccine records?
Use NYC vaccine record pages and My Vaccine Record resources connected to the Citywide Immunization Registry. For missing records, also check with providers, schools, pharmacies and prior records.
What is the Citywide Immunization Registry?
The Citywide Immunization Registry keeps immunization records for children and adults who live in New York City and supports providers, families and public health agencies.
How do I check a NYC restaurant grade?
Use NYC Health’s ABCEats restaurant inspection lookup. It shows health inspection results and letter grades for New York City restaurants.
What do NYC restaurant letter grades mean?
NYC restaurant grades correspond to inspection scores. A score of 0 to 13 is an A, 14 to 27 is a B, and 28 or more is a C.
How do I apply for a NYC Health permit or license?
Use the official NYC Health permits and licenses page. In-person submissions are by appointment only, and many applications or renewals can be handled online or by mail where applicable.
How do I license my dog in New York City?
Use the official NYC Health dog license page to apply online, renew, replace a lost tag or download a paper application. You can call 311 for a paper application by mail.
Where do I report rodents, smoking, air quality or restaurant complaints?
Use NYC 311 Online, the 311 mobile app or call 311. Provide the exact address, complaint type, date, time and clear details.
What is the NYC Provider Access Line?
The Provider Access Line is for health care providers who need immediate consultation on public health issues. The number is 866-692-3641.
Is this the official NYC Health website?
No. This is an independent informational guide. For official services, records, clinic updates, permit rules, fees, complaints or health alerts, use NYC.gov, NYC Health or NYC 311 directly.
Independent guide and official-use disclaimer
This article is an independent guide created to help users understand New York City Department of Health services, phone numbers, 311 routing, clinics, birth and death records, vaccine records, restaurant grades, permits, dog licenses, public health complaints and official links.
It is not the official New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene website and does not provide medical, legal, benefits, licensing, emergency or public health enforcement advice. Before visiting, paying, applying, filing a complaint, ordering records or relying on a deadline, verify details directly on NYC.gov, NYC Health pages, NYC 311, or the correct official city service page.
Bottom line for New York City Department of Health services and phone help
For most NYC Health non-emergency contact, call 311 in New York City or 212-639-9675 from outside NYC. Use NYC Health pages for birth and death records, clinics, vaccine records, restaurant grades, permits, dog licenses, provider reporting and public health complaint guidance.
Use the official service page for the exact task: birth certificates for records, NYC Health Clinics for sexual health, immunization and TB services, CIR for vaccine records, ABCEats for restaurant inspections, permits and licenses for business requirements, dog licenses for pet licensing, 988 for mental health support, and 911 for emergencies.