VRO (Vital Records Online) is a secure and convenient service based in the US that allows you to order Pennsylvania vital records online. Effortlessly apply for birth, death, and marriage certificate replacements and have them safely delivered to your doorstep while ensuring the confidentiality of your private information.
Summary:
Pennsylvania, the fifth-most populous state in the United States, has over 13 million residents, according to the 2020 United States census. It is also the 33rd-largest state by area and boasts the ninth-highest population density among all states. The Pennsylvania Department of Health, established on April 27, 1905, serves as the official custodian of vital records dating back to 1906 for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Currently, the Pennsylvania Department of Health – Bureau of Health Statistics & Registries – Division of Vital Records (PaDOH-BHSR-DVR) has established six locations that issue and maintain certified copies of vital records.
Find out how to obtain official Pennsylvania vital records, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. Find out what information they contain, where to obtain them, and how they are used.
Start your application online for PA vital records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, play a crucial role in various life events, including marriage, enrollment in school, military service, and travel. These records serve as essential documents to prove your identity, citizenship, and family relationships. They can also be instrumental in settling legal disputes, claiming an inheritance, and conducting genealogical research. By providing valuable information about your ancestors, such as their full names, dates of birth and death, and locations, vital records offer insights into your family history.
In the event of a lost or misplaced birth, marriage, or death certificate, it is urgent to report the loss to the authorities and promptly request a certified replacement. For more information on the many applications of vital records, you can refer to the birth, death, and marriage certificate FAQs.
In Pennsylvania, vital records can be ordered online, in person, or via mail. All vital records in Pennsylvania are maintained at the county and state level. Each county is responsible for creating vital records that occur within its jurisdiction. To request birth, death, and marriage certificates, search for your county’s vital record issuing agency in the complete list below, which provides locations, contact information, and online applications.
While county health offices in Pennsylvania do not issue certified copies of birth and death certificates directly to you, the Pennsylvania State Health Department has six offices with vital record divisions open to the public. Birth and death certificates are issued centrally by the PaDOH-BHSR-DVR. In contrast, marriage certificates are issued by the county where the marriage was recorded. However, it is possible to order marriage certificates online from any location through VRO (Vital Records Online).
❗️If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Pennsylvania, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
Residents can submit their requests in person, by mail, or online when ordering Pennsylvania vital records. Online requests are often the most reliable and convenient option. The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PaDOH) produces and certifies vital record copies — as each type of vital record has different requirements. Availability for in-person requests for certified copies of marriage certificates varies by county. Understanding the requirements for replacing birth, death, and marriage certificates is essential, as this impacts the availability of in-person (walk-in) orders, associated costs, eligibility, and processing times.
Whether ordering online, by mail, or in person, carefully review the conditions and follow the steps provided by the PaDOH to ensure your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct vital record location that provides certified copies of the original record.
Ordering Pennsylvania vital records online is quick and effortless and involves two simple steps:
(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)
Ordering Pennsylvania vital records online is a quick and convenient process. If you meet the eligibility requirements as an authorized person, you can apply for a birth, death, or marriage certificate online. Before starting the application, confirm that you have all the required documents and be prepared to upload copies during the secure online process.
Vital Records Online simplifies the collection and generation of the necessary documents, provides the correct application, and submits your packet to the health department’s vital records office that issues the certified record. The entire process can be completed in as little as five minutes from any device with an internet connection. With VRO’s professional assistance, you can avoid potential application rejections due to common mistakes or missing documents.
✔︎ Our $29 processing fee includes your automated document processing and first-class shipping & handling.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning and printing your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and handling process works.
✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is not required when ordering a Pennsylvania birth, death, or marriage certificate online.
Ordering Pennsylvania vital records in person or by mail offers convenient options for obtaining certified copies of original vital records. Applying in person may be sensible for individuals residing within a reasonable travel distance of the state health department office. Pennsylvania has six locations where vital records can be obtained in person. However, confirm if the office is open to the public and be prepared for potential queues before you visit. Alternatively, ordering by mail or online can provide a more efficient approach, especially when faced with office closures or to avoid long queues.
Mail-in requests can be suitable for individuals living out of state, while online ordering is typically the most convenient method for residents living out of state or abroad. The steps for applying in person or by mail are similar, with a few additional steps when ordering by mail.
If you choose to apply in person at the vital records office, prepare to complete the following steps:
Additionally, when ordering by mail, you will need the following:
Vital Records Online simplifies the process, reduces mistakes, and leads to quicker processing time. Learn more about our services and ensure a smooth experience when applying for vital record replacements.
❗️ To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it.
❗️ Be certain that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.
❗️ If you choose to mail your application and documents manually, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
Before gathering the documents for your vital record application, it is essential to understand the conditions and requirements.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization:
The table below lists the required information and documents for ordering certified copies of Pennsylvania vital records. The PaDOH-BHSR-DVR requires all applicants to prove their identity to process requests. A driver’s license or state photo ID is sufficient (please check for other acceptable IDs depending on the type of certificate needed). If you are ordering in person or by mail/online with in-person pick-up, you can use a passport as acceptable identification. However, if you are ordering by mail or online with delivery, your identification must show the address you are sending the record to; therefore, a passport is not acceptable.
If your ID is expired or unavailable, you must submit two secondary forms of identification. When requesting by mail or online, the ID must show the address to which you want your documents sent. Be mindful that the PaDOH-BHSR-DVR does not issue marriage certificates. Consequently, identification requirements may vary by county in such cases.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Pennsylvania?
The PaDOH-BHSR-DVR defines specific requirements for each type of certificate and personal circumstances. By confirming the eligibility conditions and requirements and following the guidelines for each certified vital record replacement, individuals can successfully request Pennsylvania vital records and obtain certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates.
❗️ Without proper ID and a fully completed application, your request will be returned, causing considerable delays in processing your order.
| Certificate | Required Information | ID Requirements Options | Secondary IDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Current Age, Date of Birth, Daytime Phone Number, Email, Father's Name, Father's Name at Birth, Full Name at Birth, Mailing Address, Mother's Maiden Name, Mother's Name, Place of Birth, Purpose for the Certificate, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, Inmate ID, State ID, Valid Government ID, Weapon Permit |
Bank Statement, College ID, Pay Stub, Rental Agreement, Social Security Statement, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration, W-2 Form |
| Death Certificate | Age at Death, Date of Birth, Date of Death, Daytime Phone Number, Email, Father's Name, Father's Name at Birth, Full Name of Person of Record, Funeral Home Name, Mailing Address, Mother's Maiden Name, Mother's Name, Place of Death, Purpose for the Certificate, SSN, Sex, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, Inmate ID, State ID, Valid Government ID, Weapon Permit |
Bank Statement, College ID, Pay Stub, Rental Agreement, Social Security Statement, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration, W-2 Form |
| Marriage Certificate |
Who can request vital records in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, only authorized individuals can request certified replacements of vital records. The person named on the record can request a copy by providing proof of identity. If requesting on behalf of someone else, it is necessary to meet the eligibility requirements for each type of certificate. Certain relatives and legal representatives are lawfully allowed to request vital records. Marriage records, in particular, are unrestricted and can be requested by anyone who can provide the necessary information. The PaDOH-BHSR-DVR permits third-party requests if there is a familial or legal relationship with the individual on record, which must be supported by proof. Additional documentation may be required to establish eligibility as a third-party applicant. Review the table below for authorized individuals who can apply for birth and death certificates on behalf of others.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Attorneys, Authorized Agent, Children, Government Agency, Grandchildren, Grandparents, Great Grandchildren, Great Grandparents, Half-Siblings, Legal Representative, Parents, Person on Record, Power of Attorney, Siblings, Spouse, Step Children, Step-Parents |
| Death Certificate | Children, Ex-Spouse, Government Officials, Grandchildren, Grandparents, Great Grandchildren, Great Grandparents, Half-Siblings, Legal Representative, Other Person of Interest, Parents, Power of Attorney, Siblings, Spouse, Step Children, Step-Parents |
| Marriage Certificate |
✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record.
Do I need a notary with my application?
The PaDOH-BHSR-DVR does not require applicants to obtain notarized statements when requesting certified copies of birth or marriage certificates, regardless of whether the request is made online, by mail, telephone, or in person. Notarizations are also not required for death certificates requested by the individual’s immediate family members on record. Notarized statements are generally required when requesting an amendment to a record.
Visit the PaDOH-BHSR-DVR website at https://www.health.pa.gov for more information about unique circumstances that may require a notary with your application. Under certain conditions, notaries are necessary for apostilles, corrections, or amendments to vital records. Additional details regarding these conditions can be found in other FAQs below.
❗️ A notary is generally not required to obtain authorized copies of Pennsylvania vital records. A photocopy of your ID is sufficient to verify your identity.
The total costs for vital record replacements vary depending on the type of certificate fees set by the PaDOH-BHSR-DVR and the method of submitting the application. When ordering birth, marriage, divorce, or death records through Vital Records Online, the online Application Assistant starts at $29. The PaDOH-BHSR-DVR charges a $20.00 fee for each certified copy of a birth or death certificate. The fees for marriage certificates may vary by county.
| Certificate | Fee | Additional Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $20.00 | $20.00 |
❗️ All fees defined by the PaDOH-BHSR-DVR are nonrefundable.
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested during the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from Pennsylvania?
The submission method can influence the total time it takes to receive your vital record by mail. The table below details the current processing and delivery times for birth, death, or marriage certificate applications. Processing times can fluctuate based on the volume of requests received by the PaDOH-BHSR-DVR.
Submitting your documents through VRO’s application helps streamline the generation of your application and facilitates the submission process. Expedited options are available for those who require faster processing of their vital record requests.
| Certificate | Processing Time | Rush Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 4 to 8 weeks | N/A |
| Death Certificate | 4 to 6 weeks | N/A |
| Marriage Certificate | N/A | N/A |
| Divorce Certificate | N/A | N/A |
❗️ The processing and replacement duration of birth, death, or marriage certificates by PaDOH-BHSR-DVR may increase based on a high volume backlog of orders.
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
You can monitor your application and processing status when applying through VRO. The prepaid mail postage included with each order provides tracking of the application packet to the PaDOH-BHSR-DVR. If you send the application packet manually to the Vital Records Health Department, ensure you purchase first-class mail tracking for delivery confirmation. The PaDOH-BHSR-DVR dispatches all vital records directly to your residence via USPS first-class mail. However, they are not liable for any lost or misdirected mail. If your vital record is lost due to an incorrect address or typo, report it immediately to prevent your personal information from being compromised.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Pennsylvania counties office locations directory.
An apostille is required when a vital record must be presented to a foreign government and recognized as an authentic document. The Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Commissions, Elections, and Legislation (BCEL), which includes the Bureau of Notaries, is responsible for issuing apostilles for documents initially filed with the PaDOH-BHSR-DVR.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
Apostille services for Pennsylvania vital records can be conveniently accessed through the Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Notaries or Vital Records Online. VRO provides professional apostille services for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. Recognized by numerous governments and legally valid in over 100 countries, the process is streamlined into three easy steps, starting at $149 (plus government fees.)
Completing your apostille documentation can often be done entirely online, eliminating the need for physical copies of your papers. Once processed, your documents will be sent via global courier services such as FedEx or DHL so that the delivery will reach your doorstep in the US or abroad.
You will need to provide the following information:
You can submit requests for vital record apostilles to the Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Notaries at the following address. For standard or express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
Pennsylvania Department of State Bureau of Notaries,
Commissions & Legislation Apostilles & Certifications,
North Office Building, Room 201,
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0029
You can reach the office at (717) 787-5280 or online at https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords/apostille-and-exemplified-copies.html.
The PaDOH-BHSR-DVR outlines legal processes for individuals to amend birth, marriage, or family members’ death certificates. An amendment is necessary when changes to a vital record must be made, requiring specific forms depending on the information that needs correcting. The original document cannot be altered, while supplemental changes are attached as addendums.
The procedures for requesting these changes vary by the type of vital record. In some cases, amendments may necessitate a court order, which usually involves legal representation. To facilitate this process, the PaDOH-BHSR-DVR provides a list of common scenarios that might require an amendment to a person’s birth or marriage certificate.
Correcting or amending vital records usually will require the following:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Where can I search for free public records?
Third-party websites offer an alternative by simplifying the search for specific types of vital records. These services are not geographically restricted and can be helpful for research. Be aware, that the accuracy of data on third-party sites might not match the official government records. Therefore, it is recommended to consult the original records held by the state for the most reliable information.
Are Pennsylvania Vital Records Open to the Public?
Pennsylvania’s vital records are generally open to the public. However, access to these records depends on age and the record type. Birth records become public after 105 years, while death records are available after 50 years. Pennsylvania archives can provide a valuable resource for those researching family history or seeking specific information. However, reviewing these records may require significant time investment.
To find a record on a third-party website, the person requesting must provide the following information:
To verify that you possess an official certified copy of a birth, death, or marriage certificate, you can compare the appearance with the certified records from the issuing county or municipality in Pennsylvania. Each jurisdiction may have distinct designs for each type of vital record. Certified copies are typically required for legal purposes and can be easily distinguished from informational copies, often displaying a stamp or notice such as “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity.”
Authorized Copy:
Authorized (certified) copies of vital records are issued exclusively to individuals with a direct and tangible interest in the document. Authorized copies are recognized as legal documents suitable for official identification purposes. On the other hand, informational copies are not valid for establishing one’s identity.
Informational Copy:
Informational copies of birth or marriage certificates serve as non-certified replicas that individuals often use for personal record-keeping or genealogical purposes. Unlike official certified copies, these documents, sometimes called short-form, unofficial, “heirloom,” or “commemorative” certificates, are not recognized as legal documents and cannot be used for official transactions like establishing identity or applying for government benefits. In Pennsylvania, the State Archives provides a means for individuals to request such non-certified informational copies, but with specific historical limitations. Birth records become available after 105 years and death records after 50 years, reflecting a balance between public access to historical records and the protection of individual privacy.
In other cases, such as adoption, the Health Department issues non-certified original birth certificates to adoptees, acknowledging the unique circumstances surrounding access to personal records in adoption scenarios. It’s important to note that Pennsylvania does not require a notarized sworn statement when requesting an informational copy, simplifying the process for individuals seeking these records. This approach is consistent with the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (RTKL), legislation that underscores the state’s commitment to transparency by granting citizens the right to inspect or obtain copies of public records, subject to certain exceptions and conditions.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official Pennsylvania government website at https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/certificates/Pages/Vital%20Records.aspx
