The Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records issues certified copies of Birth and Death certificates, for events which occurred within the State of Pennsylvania after 1906. Marriage and divorce records are maintained in the city where the marriage or divorce occurred. For additional information, you may contact the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records at 412-656-3100.

How To Order a Birth Certificate

The State of Pennsylvania issues only certified copies of birth certificates, which are acceptable for passport, social security, employment and personal identification purposes. An applicant may only order his or her own certificate or one for an immediate family member. Pennsylvania participates in the VitalChek network, which means you may order a certificate on an expedited basis by telephone during business hours or by voice mail 24 hours a day, or by fax\ 24 hours a day. You may also order a record by mail or in person. For additional information, you may contact the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records at 412-656-3100.

To order a birth certificate by telephone, you must have a valid Mastercard, Visa, American Express or Discover Card. The fee is $4 per copy, plus a $5 VitalChek shipping and handling fee if you desire delivery by regular mail. You may inquire as to the shipping and handling fees for overnight carriers, international, or Saturday deliveries at the time you order your record. To place your order, please call 1-412-656-3100 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM on a regular business day.

You may order a birth certificate through VitalChek's fax service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by faxing to 1-412-652-8951. Your fax must contain the following information: a valid Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover card number and expiration date; the full name on the birth certificate; the date of birth; the county where the birth occurred; father's full name; mother's full maiden name; your relationship to the person named on the certificate; a daytime telephone number; whether you desire delivery by regular mail or overnight carrier; and the street address to which the certificate should be sent. Please note that most overnight carriers will not deliver to a PO box. For example, Federal Express requires a physical address, while the Post Office will deliver to a P.O. Box. The fee is $4 per copy, plus a $5 VitalChek shipping and handling fee if you desire delivery by regular mail. Typical turnaround time is 3 business days. You may inquire as to the shipping and handling fees for overnight carriers, international, or Saturday deliveries by calling VitalChek at 1-800-255-2414.

You may order a birth certificate by mail or in person at the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records. The address is Pennsylvania Vital Records, 101 South Mercer Street, New Castle, Pennsylvania 16101. If you apply by mail, your request must include: the full name on the birth certificate; the date of birth; the county where the birth occurred; father's full name; mother's full maiden name; your relationship to the person named on the certificate; a daytime telephone number; and the address where the record should be sent. You must include a check or money order in the amount of $4. If you desire further information on applying in person or by mail, you should call the Division of Vital Records at 1-412-656-3100.

How To Order a Death Certificate

The State of Pennsylvania issues certified copies of death certificates of individuals who died within Pennsylvania. Certificates will only be issued to the next of kin or to persons with a legal right to the certificate. Pennsylvania participates in the VitalChek network, which means you may order a certificate on an expedited basis by fax 24 hours a day. You may also order a record by mail or in person.

You may order a death certificate through VitalChek's fax service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by faxing to 1-412-652-8951. Your fax must contain the following information: a valid Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover card number and expiration date; the full name of the decedent; the date of death; the place where the death occurred; your relationship to the decedent; a daytime telephone number; whether you desire delivery by regular mail or overnight carrier; and the street address to which the certificate should be sent. Please note that most overnight carriers will not deliver to a PO box. For example, Federal Express requires a physical address, while the Post Office will deliver to a P.O. Box. The fee is $3 per copy, plus a $5 VitalChek shipping and handling fee if you desire delivery by regular mail. Typical turnaround time is 3 business days. You may inquire as to the shipping and handling fees for overnight, international, or Saturday deliveries by calling VitalChek at 1-800-255-2414.

You may order a death certificate by mail or in person at the Pennsylvania Division of Vital Records. The address is Pennsylvania Vital Records, 101 South Mercer Street, New Castle, Pennsylvania 16101. If you apply by mail, your request must include: the full name of the decedent; the date of death; the place where the death occurred; your relationship to the decedent; a daytime telephone number; and the address where the record should be sent. You must include a check or money order in the amount of $3. If you desire further information on applying in person or by mail, you should call the Division of Vital Records at 1-412-656-3100.

Pennsylvania State Satellite offices are located:

Erie (814) 871-4562; Harrisburg (717) 772-3481; Pittsburgh (412) 565-5114; Scranton (717) 963-3089; or Philadelphia (215) 560-3054