| Answer | How can I get a copy of a birth or death certificate?
You may request a copy of a birth or death certificate in person, online, or by mail, but not by telephone.
The Division of Vital Records (724) 656-3100/(844) 228-3516, 7:15 am - 10 pm by telephone, M - F
or visit in person at 110 N. 8th St., Philadelphia, PA 19107, 8 am - 4 pm Office hours, Monday - Friday
Order certificates online at https://mycertificates.health.pa.gov/pastorefront/customer/pa/paHome.xhtml
Ask a question online at https://apps.health.pa.gov/dohforms/ContactUsBirthAndDeath.aspx
Order by mail at: Division of Vital Records, Birth Certificate Processing Unit, PO Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103. The mail-in application pdf is attached below and available here.
You Should Know:The standard birth certificate format issued by the Department of Health (DOH) satisfies the Proof of Identity requirements to obtain a REAL ID. All birth certificates issued by DOH are certified copies and include the raised/embossed seal required by PennDOT.
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An applicant must be eighteen (18) years of age or older to apply for a certified copy of his/her birth and/or death record or the record of an immediate family member.
- You must present valid government-issued photo identification i.e., state-issued driver's license or non-driver photo ID with the requestor's current address, etc.
- Payment for walk-in services is by check or money order only- $20 per certified copy of birth and $20 per certified copy of death. For online or mail orders, you must add a $10 service fee and postage fees. Check here.
- Active duty and Honorably Discharged Veterans can waive the cost of the certificates (not the service fees or postage fees).
- Birth Certificates can be obtained quickest in person. When you go, they will give you the exact day to come back once you complete your application submission.
- For more info on processing times, see https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/certificates/Pages/Processing-Times.aspx.
- For a birth certificate with both parent's names, you must request a "long form'" certificate. Without asking, they will give you a short form.
Birth records 105 years and older are public records. Death records 50 years and older are public records. Marriage records in Pennsylvania are public, though specific details like Social Security numbers are restricted from view.
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